ML 216 - Immunohematology

Credit Hours: 2

A course which presents current concepts in transfusion medicine, including the characteristics of major blood groups; compatibility testing; hemolytic disease of the newborn; the collection, processing and storage of blood and components; the testing and quality control procedures required prior to the release of blood and components for transfusion and the complications which may result from transfusion.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

describe the basic process of human immunology;
explain both the cellular and humoral immune response in basic terms;
define terms used in explaining the immunological process;
explain antigen - antibody reactions and state the factors affecting them;
distinguish between the two major classes of immunoglobulins: IgG and IgM;
discuss both the direct and indirect antiglobulin test and state the factors affecting the procedures;
discuss the following blood group systems: ABO; Rh; Lewis; MNSs; Kell; Duffy; Kidd; Xg(a); Lutheran; Ii; P; and Secretor as they relate to the following: historical background, genetic inheritance, major antigens and antibodies, antibody characteristics, disease association (if applicable), and the common phenotype /genotype frequencies;
describe the antibody screening test (antibody detection), its importance and limitations;
describe compatibility testing (crossmatch), its importance and limitations;
describe the adverse effects of transfusion and the diseases transmitted through blood transfusion;
categorize the adverse transfusion reaction when presented with common signs and symptoms;
discuss Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN), its causes and effects, physiology, treatment, and prevention;
explain the donor requirements and evaluate possible donors;
describe the various blood components, their methods of preparation, testing and storage requirements;
adhere to professional conduct, ethics, and standards; and
understand the importance of the transfusion service (blood bank) to the health of the patient.

Prerequisites: ML 124
Corequisites: ML 217
F (N)