Blood: Concept Checklist
Concepts covered across the module lectures, grouped by lecture. Tick each once you can explain it from memory.
L1 Blood transfusion 1 (3 Aug) L1 Blood Blood transfusion 1
- ABO antigens and naturally occurring antibodies by blood group
- Biochemistry of ABO antigens: H antigen formation and A and B glycosyltransferases; co-dominant inheritance
- Properties of ABO antibodies (IgM predominant, wide thermal range) and complement-mediated intravascular haemolysis
- Consequences and symptoms of an acute haemolytic reaction from ABO-incompatible transfusion
- Rh system antigens; RhD positive vs negative, immunogenicity of RhD, and why RhD-negative women receive RhD-negative red cells
- Anti-D and anti-K as causes of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn; matching for other blood group systems
- Red cell vs plasma compatibility rules, universal donors, and ABO requirements for platelets and cryoprecipitate
- New Zealand blood group frequencies
- Group and screen: sample requirements, ABO/RhD grouping, antibody screen and specimen labelling
- IgM direct agglutination vs IgG sensitisation; indirect vs direct antiglobulin test
- Blood donation (whole blood vs plasmapheresis) and component production
- Indications, thresholds, expected effect and storage of red cells, platelets, FFP and cryoprecipitate
- Massive haemorrhage pathway: definition, triggers, stat packs, calcium, clinical targets and obstetric haemorrhage
L2 Blood transfusion 2 (7 Aug) L2 Blood Blood transfusion 2
- Donor selection criteria and individualised donor assessment of sexual activity
- Tests performed on every donated unit and situational additional testing
- Transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases tested in New Zealand and the testing methods (serology and NAT)
- Features of HIV, hepatitis A, B and C, syphilis and parvovirus B19 relevant to transfusion
- Current residual risk of viral transmission by transfusion in New Zealand
- Non-testing measures to minimise TTID risk: unpaid donation, questionnaires, deferral and self-sufficiency
- Pre-storage leucodepletion: process and known vs postulated benefits
- Classification of transfusion reactions by frequency and severity
- Response to a suspected acute transfusion reaction: stop, assess, check, inspect, talk, and report
- ABO incompatible transfusion and wrong blood in tube as its commonest cause
- TACO: definition, risk factors, contribution to transfusion deaths, and prevention
- TRALI: mechanism via donor HLA or neutrophil antibodies, and preventive practice changes
- FNHTR, mild allergic reactions and anaphylaxis (IgA deficiency with anti-IgA)
- ISBT severity grades of adverse transfusion reactions