Week 1 Flashcards
What is immunohematology
study of blood as it relates to AG and AB
Why are screen performed on patients
to detect allo AB in patients plasma sample so you know what crossmatching procedure needs to be done to cross match units for the pt
What are the blood products that transfusion department issues
packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, fibrinogen
concentrates, and any factor concentrates main goal is to give ABO compatible blood but sometimes you cant
What is the primary immune response
Humoral with B lymphs
-after a transfusion B lymphs recognize AG on red cells through B receptors and AB production may not start
What is humoral immunity
-fluid parts of the immune system like AB and complement components
-mediated by B cells
-initiate AB production
-AB produced by B cells
What is cellular immunity
Mediated by T Cells and Lymphokines (activates/deactivates cells)
What is the function of the AB
to bind foreign molecules -AG
-AG are found on the surface of the foreign cells
-one AB binds with one AG (epitope)
-study of AB -AG reactions = serology
What are AG
-what the body thinks is foreign and causes the body to produce AB
-large molecular weight proteins and polysaccs
-on surface of cell membrane or integral part of cell membrane
-determined by inheritance
What is Antigenicity
Ability of antigen to be recognized by antibodies
What does antigenicity depend on
Chemical Composition and Complexity – Proteins are the best immunogens (produces immune response). Can be protein, glycolipid, glycoprotein, lipoprotein, nucleic acid
Degree of Foreignness – Greater the difference has a greater chance of producing a reaction
Molecular Weight – Larger molecular weight are better immunogens
Dosage and Antigen Density – Number of cells and amount of antigen introduced
Route of Administration – Intramuscular or intravenous
What are AG composed of
Protein
glycolipid - (carb and lipids)
glycoprotein (carb and protein)
lipoprotein
nucleic acid
What are AG composed of
Non- ABO like Rh/Kell =proteins
ABO = carbs
Lewis AG are soluble substances in plasma so they are absorbed into the membrane
Difference between protein and carb AG
Protein Antigen – Integrated into the RBC membrane, developed at birth
Gene codes directly for protein (Rh, Kell, Kx, Deigo)
2.Carbohydrate Antigen – found on Surface of the RBC membrane
Gene codes for an enzyme like glycosyltransferase which adds sugar to a precursor on RBC membrane to form AG
-enzyme production starts early but AG not developed at birth
-ABC AG similar structure to pollen or bacterial membrane
Why Testing Cord/Baby Samples May Have Weak Reactions
Antigens are NOT well developed – Despite enzyme production beginning early
Wharton’s Jelly (substance surrounding umbilical cord) can interfere with testing
What are AB
proteins produced by B lymphs because there was stimulation by AG
-Immunoglobulins
-Gamma globlin region in SPE
-isotypes/classes depend on Heavy chain
-specificity based on variable regions
-IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE
Allo antibodies are antibodies to a foreign antigen of the same species
* Autoantibodies are antibodies to an antigen one possesses
What sites does the AG bind
AB binds the specific antigen
* Fc Portion determines the antibody function and contains the complement
binding region and the cell activation region
What is the structure of the AB
2 Heavy chains + 2 Light chains – Can either be in constant or variable region
Fab region + Fc region – Fab (Binds antigen), Fc (determines antibody function, contains complement binding region and cell activation region)
-IgG – 2 binding sites; temperature: most optimal at 37 deg C- can cross placenta HDFN may need enhancement techniques
-IgM – 10 binding sites; most optimal at 4 deg; pentamer
Can cause immediate transfusion reaction
Types Of Exposure To Antigens
Naturally Occurring (Non Red Cell Immune) – After birth or throughout life; Exposure to antigen similar to RBC antigen
Red Cell Immune – Through transfusion or pregnancy; Exposure to antigen on foreign RBC
how does a B cell respond to an AG
-AG stimulates lymphs with best fit receptor . Lymphs signalled to produce B cell clone >plasma cells > ONE ab with ONE specificity
Types of Antibody Production Response
Primary Antibody Response – Formation of IgM, followed by IgG and memory B cells
-peak response is smaller with low affinity 5-10 days
–more memory cells produced and response sustained for longer
Secondary Antibody Response – more production of IgG and less IgM; Faster and increased potential for RBC destruction > Leads to plateau
-in 1-3days
-higher average affinity
What does the likelihood of an immune response depend on
-immunogenicity of the AG - able to stimulate an immune response
-pt own immune systems sensitivity- some people develop multiple AB from ONE transfusion
-iron supplements are given to pt to raise hgb instead of transfusing
Types of AG exposure
-AB formation can occur without apparent AG exposure- naturally occurring (ABO groups)
- can occur after birth “Naturally occuring”
-AG on foreign RBC
-through transfusion or pregnancy = Red Cell Immune
What happens after AB production
AB binds to specific AG
-AG (donor RBC) are targeted for destruction
-IgM INTRAvas clearance
-IgG EXTRAvas clearance