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Antiglobulin/Coombs Test

   Introduction ·          IgG/IgM antibodies occasionally coat red blood cells (RBCs) without causing agglutination due to their monomeric structure. ·          The small size of antibody molecules prevents cross-linked bridges formation. ·          Coombs, Mourant, and Race developed a test in 1945 to detect these non-agglutinating, coating antibodies.     Principle ·          RBCs coated with incomplete antibody (IgG) or C3 complement do not cause agglutination. ·          Coombs reagent contains antibodies against human IgG/IgM/complement. ·          Anti-Human Globulin (AHG) reacts with human globulin molecules, either bound to RBCs or free in serum.     FDA Licensed Antihuman Globulin Reagents - Polyspecific   1. Rabbit polyclonal: Contains anti-IgG and anti-C3d.   2. Rabbit/murine monoclonal blend. - Monospecific   1. Anti-IgG (Rabbit polyclonal): Contains anti-IgG with no anticomplement activity.   2. Anti-IgG (Gamma-done AHG): Murine monoclonal

Immunoglobulins

Introduction ·          Immunoglobulins (Ig) or Antibodies: Gamma globulins produced by plasma cells, specific to antigens. ·          Respond to foreign proteins or complex molecules not accepted by the host. ·          Exist as approximately 20% of proteins in body fluids. ·          Functions: Antigen binding, complement fixation, facilitation of phagocytosis, neutralization of toxic substances.   Classification ·          Based on the molecular structure of their heavy chains. ·          Five classes: IgA (α), IgD (δ), IgE (ε), IgG (γ), IgM (µ). ·          Each class has unique roles and characteristics.   Immunoglobulin/Antibody Structure ·          Common biochemical structural configuration. ·          Glycoproteins made of light (L) and heavy (H) polypeptide chains. ·          Basic unit: Four polypeptide chains (two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains). ·          Simplest antibody: Y-shaped.   Antigen Binding Fragment (Fab)

Immunology & Blood Banking

  Introduction   Immunity: Resistance or defense against harmful agents/substances causing disease.   Immune System: Cells and molecules defending the body against environmental pathogens.   Antigen: Substance stimulating an immune response.   Antibodies: Proteins reacting to antigens.   Self vs NonSelf   Self: Cells, fluids, molecules, and structures from the host.   NonSelf: External substances, living organisms (parasites, fungi), nonliving toxins, or host derived genetic rearrangements.   Types of Immunity   Innate or Natural Immunity: Primary, nonspecific defense present at birth, not altered by repeated exposure.   Acquired or Adaptive Immunity: Specific, acquired through contact with foreign substances, has memory improving response with each encounter.   Innate Immunity   First Line of Defense: Physical barriers like intact skin, mucous membranes.   Second Line of Defense: Cellular components like phagocytic cells, macrophages, NK cells, and hum

Blood Components Preparation

Introduction -           Blood is a mixture of cells, colloids, and crystalloids. -           Can be separated into different components: -           Packed Red Blood Cells (pRBC) -           Platelet Concentrate -           Fresh Frozen Plasma -           Cryoprecipitate   Component Separation Process -           Components separated based on: -           Relative density -           Sediment rate -           Size -           Centrifugal force is applied for separation. -           Each component is used for specific indications.   Importance of Component Separation -           Maximizes the utility of one whole blood unit. -           Provides different components for various therapeutic needs. -           Enhances efficiency and effectiveness of blood transfusions.   Storage and Temperature Requirements -           Different components have specific storage conditions. -           Temperature requirements vary for therapeutic efficacy.