Course Description
Immunohematology is a specialized branch of laboratory medicine which involves the study of blood group antigens and antibodies. The processes of quality testing include quality control, basic laboratory techniques and safety. It involves the study of the principles, procedures,clinical significance and practice of a wide variety of procedures including: donor selection, component preparation and use, and techniques used to detect antigen/antibody reactions which may adversely affect a patient receiving a transfusion. The topics to be covered include: donor screening, preparation of components, antigens and antibodies of the ABO, Rh and other blood group systems, pretransfusion testing procedures, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, neonatal and obstetrical transfusion practice, autoimmune hemolytic anemias and adverse affects of transfusion.
Course Goals
Immunohematology is structured to meet the MLT Program goals addressing, but not limited to:
- developing a working knowledge of the principles and procedures
of blood bank testing,
- producing accurate,
skilled clinical laboratory workers with strong ethical and professional
values,
- promoting respect and understanding of allied health professionals through renewed understanding of the clinical laboratory technician's role as a member of the allied health care team.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:- Describe the immune process as it relates to immunohematology.
- Describe the donor selection process.
- Describe the preparation and use of blood components.
- Identify and describe the characteristics of the antigens and antibodies of the ABO, Rh, and other blood group systems.
- Perform and understand routine blood bank procedures utilized in pretransfusion testing.
- Perform and demonstrate an understanding for intermediate level blood bank testing in the resolution of antibody problems, hemolytic disease of the newborn and transfusion reaction workups.
- Demonstrate improvement in the affective traits of organizational skills, work habits, attitude, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving ability.
- Apply the principles, theories and practical information from MLAB 1235 Immunology/Serology and MLAB 1315 Hematology to the field of Immunohematology
Last Update:
July 11, 2011
Web Author: Terry Kotrla, MS, MT(ASCP)BB
Comments: kotrla@austincc.edu