MEDT 409/419 Immunohematology I

Course Goals

Immunohematology begins with a brief overview of the integral relationship between the donor collection facility and the recipient transfusion facility.  The primary function of the red blood cell will be reviewed along with the use of various anticoagulants and preservative solutions to maintain the viability of red blood cells during storage.  The importance of these factors and their impact on the anticoagulants used when drawing donor blood units will be discussed.  Donor blood collection will be studied, including the preliminary donor history and physical and the complete venipuncture process.  Criteria for donor acceptance as well as temporary and permanent donor deferrals will be discussed.

The course will review basic genetics and immunology.  Characteristics of IgM and IgG antibodies will be analyzed as hemagglutination is the foundation of all testing procedures in the blood bank laboratory.  The ABO and Rh blood group systems will be studied since these are of primary importance when transfusing blood.  The other blood group systems will be discussed as they are often encountered in the blood bank laboratory by the detection of antibodies, the formation of which is stimulated by transfusion and pregnancy.  Various enhancement reagents and techniques will be analyzed as the means of detecting these "unexpected" IgM and IgG antibodies.  Once detected, "unexpected" antibodies are identified through the use of the antibody panel.  Phenotyping using manufacturer's antisera will be discussed as a way to confirm the presence of a specific antibody as well as selecting suitable donor units.  The principle of the antihuman globulin test will be studied as it has many uses in the blood bank.

Finally, the course will conclude with compatibility testing; namely, testing the donor red blood cells with the recipient's serum.  Proper donor blood selection for blood components will be stressed as to safeguard against hemolytic transfusion reactions in the recipient.

Instructor

Jeanne McHugh, Ph.D., MT(ASCP), SH, SBB
jmchugh@udel.edu