Principles of Immunohematology I

1.5 credits

This is a 22.5 hour didactic course that provides the cognitive foundation required for students to competently apply clinical immunohematology principles to the practice of clinical laboratory science. This is the first course in a series of two. This course picks up where MT 401 leaves off on the fundamental concepts of immunohematology and leads into : red cell genotyping; the genetic basis of blood groups including blood group polymorphisms; the ABO blood group system; and serologic testing. The Rh blood group system is covered next with the detection of Rh antibodies and antigens and clinical considerations. The second unit covers the AHG test including: the biochemical composition of antihuman globulin reagents; differentiation between poly specific and monospecific reagents; principles of the indirect antiglobulin test and the direct antiglobulin test; and factors affecting the antiglobulin test including sources of error, modification techniques. The third unit is on blood group terminology and other blood groups. Interpretations of data, problem solving, and quality assurance.