ULAB 105A - Immunohematology Part A

Introduction of basic immunohematology testing utilized in the blood bank and transfusion departments to prepare non-clinical bachelor’s degree students or graduates to begin a career in the clinical laboratory. Includes antibody/ antigen characteristics and reactions, genetics, complement, ABO/Rh typing, antiglobulin testing, unexpected antibody detection and identification, blood components (RBC, FFP, Plts, cryo), pre-transfusion compatibility testing, investigation of adverse effects of transfusions, and quality control.

Prerequisite(s): Bachelor of Science with 30 credits of chemistry or biology

Course Learning Outcomes:

Define and distinguish the immune processes as they relate to immunohematology and the characteristics of antigens and antibodies of the ABO, Rh, and other blood group systems and the associated nomenclature.
Use critical thinking to learn the process for detection and identification of unexpected antibodies using antiglobulin testing.
Explain the use and function of different blood products for transfusion including required pre-transfusion testing and post-transfusion workup of adverse events
Understand quality assurance and the required quality control for regulatory compliance in the blood bank.

Outline:

Principles of Immunology, Complement, Genetics and Serological Testing in Immunohematology
Basics of ABO and Rh Blood Group System
Indirect Antiglobulin Testing (IAT) using tube, gel and solid phase methods
Process for detection and Identification of Unexpected Antibodies
Discussion of Blood Components including function and preparation for transfusion
Pre-Transfusion Compatibility Testing
Adverse Effects of Blood Transfusion / Investigation of the Positive Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT)
Principle and Application of Quality Assurance Procedures and Policies
Review and comprehensive final exam