Immunology in Blood Banking Flashcards
Exam 1
What are naturally occurring antibodies?
Naturally occurring antibodies are found in the serum of those never exposed to RBC antigens by transfusion or pregnancy, made in response to substances in the environment, and most are IgM antibodies reacting best at room temperature.
What are immune antibodies?
Immune antibodies are found in serum after transfusion or pregnancy, have a molecular makeup unique to human RBCs, and are IgG antibodies detected best at 37C.
Which generally cause more harm: naturally occurring antibodies or immune antibodies?
Immune antibodies cause more harm because they are reactive at 37C, which is body temperature.
Which immunoglobulins are significant in blood banking?
IgG, IgM, and some IgA.
What are the differences between IgG and IgM?
IgG reacts at 37C, is clinically significant, has a monomer structure, crosses the placenta, and is more difficult to activate the complement cascade. IgM reacts at room temperature, is usually insignificant, has a pentamer structure, does not cross the placenta, and is efficient at activating complement.
What are characteristics of clinically significant antibodies?
Clinically significant antibodies shorten in vivo RBC survival, react at 37C, are made in response to transfusions, are capable of destroying antigen-positive RBCs, and can cause anemia, TRXNs, and HDFN.
What are the differences between autoantibodies and alloantibodies?
Alloantibodies are produced after exposure to non-self RBC antigens usually from transfusion or pregnancy, while autoantibodies are produced in response to self-antigens, can be cold or warm, and are often found in individuals with autoimmune diseases.
