Week 2 Flashcards
The ABO and Rh Blood Group System
Which blood group system is the most clinically significant?
The ABO Blood Group System.
How are ABO antibodies stimulated?
ABO antibodies are non-red blood cell stimulated; individuals possess ABO antibodies to the antigens they lack.
What type of immunoglobulin are ABO antibodies primarily composed of?
IgM.
How many IgM molecules are required to initiate the classical complement pathway in the ABO system?
Only one IgM molecule is needed to initiate the classical complement pathway.
What is the result of complement activation in the ABO Blood Group System?
Immediate cell lysis and intravascular hemolysis.
What type of hemolysis is caused by ABO incompatibility?
Intravascular hemolysis.
Who typically gets blood typing done?
Blood donors
Transfusion Recipients
Transplant Candidates
Prenatal Patients
Newborns
Dads for Paternity Testing
Who discovered the ABO Blood Group System and in what year?
Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO Blood Group System in 1900.
How did Karl Landsteiner discover the ABO Blood Group System?
He mixed the serum and cells of his colleagues in his lab and observed three different patterns of agglutination.
What did Karl Landsteiner develop from his studies on blood agglutination?
He developed what we now know as Landsteiner’s rules for the ABO Blood Group.
What is the first rule of Landsteiner’s Rules?
A person does not have the antibody to their own antigen.
What is the second rule of Landsteiner’s Rules?
Each person has antibodies to the antigen they lack (only in the ABO system).
What antibodies are present in individuals with blood type A?
Anti-B antibodies.
What antibodies are present in individuals with blood type B?
Anti-A antibodies.
What antibodies are present in individuals with blood type AB?
None (no anti-A or anti-B antibodies).
What antibodies are present in individuals with blood type O?
Both Anti-A and Anti-B antibodies.
On which chromosome are the A and B genes of the ABO blood group system located?
Chromosome #9.
How are the A and B alleles expressed in an individual?
A and B alleles are co-dominant, meaning both are expressed when present.
What is unique about the O gene in the ABO blood group system?
The O gene has no A or B antigens on the RBC and is not expressed unless the individual is OO, meaning it is a recessive gene.
What is the CIS-AB genotype in the ABO Blood Group System?
The CIS-AB genotype is a rare mutation in which both A and B antigens are inherited from one parent on a single chromosome.
How does CIS-AB inheritance differ from traditional AB inheritance?
In traditional AB inheritance, the A and B alleles are inherited separately from each parent, while in CIS-AB inheritance, both A and B are passed from one parent due to crossing over during meiosis.
What genetic event causes CIS-AB inheritance?
Unequal crossing over during meiosis leads to the formation of the CIS-AB genotype.
How are A and B antigens expressed in the CIS-AB genotype?
Both A and B antigens are expressed from a single chromosome that comes from one parent.
Where are ABO antigens found on the body’s cells?
ABO antigens are found on RBC membranes, endothelial cells, platelets, lymphocytes, and tissue.
In what form can ABO antigens be found in the plasma?
ABO antigens can be found in a soluble form in plasma and other body secretions.
What gene influences the presence of soluble ABO antigens in body secretions?
The Secretor gene.
What do the A and B genes code for in the ABO system?
The A and B genes code for enzymes called transferases.
What is the function of transferase enzymes in the ABO system?
Transferases transfer a sugar to a basic precursor substance on the RBC membrane.
What type of molecules are ABO antigens?
ABO antigens are carbohydrates.
How are ABO antigens attached to the RBC membrane?
ABO antigens are attached through the action of a transferase enzyme.
What type of structure are ABO antigens based on?
ABO antigens are based on oligosaccharide chains.
What is the main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 oligosaccharide chains in the ABO system?
Type 1 chains are primarily found in body fluids and secretions, while Type 2 chains are found on red blood cells and also in body fluids and secretions.
What type of linkage is found in Type 1 oligosaccharide chains?
Type 1 chains have a β1→3 linkage.
What type of linkage is found in Type 2 oligosaccharide chains?
Type 2 chains have a β1→4 linkage.
In what forms are oligosaccharide chains (for ABO antigens) bound to cells?
Oligosaccharide chains are bound to either proteins or lipids.
Where are A and B antigens located in the oligosaccharide chain?
A and B antigens are the last sugars added to the oligosaccharide chain.
What is unique about the O blood group in terms of antigen structure?
The O blood group lacks A and B antigens and has the most amount of the last terminal sugar called the H antigen.
What type of molecules are oligosaccharides attached to on the RBC membrane?
Oligosaccharides are attached to lipids and proteins on the RBC membrane.
What controls the production of A, B, and H antigens?
The production of A, B, and H antigens is controlled by the action of transferases.
What are transferases?
Transferases are enzymes that catalyze the addition of specific sugars to the oligosaccharide chain.
How do the A, B, and H genes contribute to antigen development?
A, B, and H genes each produce a different transferase, which adds a specific sugar to the oligosaccharide chain.
What is the gene product responsible for H antigen production?
The gene product for H antigen is L-Fucosyltransferase.
What is the immunodominant sugar for the H antigen?
The immunodominant sugar for the H antigen is L-Fucose.
What is the gene product responsible for A antigen production?
The gene product for A antigen is N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase.
What is the immunodominant sugar for the A antigen?
The immunodominant sugar for the A antigen is N-Acetylgalactosamine.
What is the gene product responsible for B antigen production?
The gene product for B antigen is D-Galactosyltransferase.
What is the immunodominant sugar for the B antigen?
The immunodominant sugar for the B antigen is D-Galactose.
How many A antigen sites are typically found on the RBC membrane of an A1 adult?
810,000 to 1,170,000 A antigen sites.
How many B antigen sites are typically found on the RBC membrane of a B adult?
610,000 to 830,000 B antigen sites.
Are all H antigens converted to A or B antigens in A, B, or AB individuals?
No, not all H antigens are converted in A, B, or AB individuals.
What happens to H chains when both A and B genes are present?
Some H chains are converted to A antigen, while others are converted to B antigen.
What enzyme production occurs in individuals with the OO genotype?
There is no production of either A or B enzymes in individuals with the OO genotype.
What happens to the precursor substances in individuals with the OO genotype?
The precursor substances are not converted to A or B antigens.
What antigen do individuals with the O blood group have?
Individuals with the O blood group have unconverted H antigen.
What is unique about the O gene?
The O gene is an amorph, meaning it does not express a detectable product.
Which blood group has the most H antigens on red blood cells?
The O blood group has the most H antigens.
In which blood group is almost all of the H antigen converted to A1 and B antigens?
In the A1B blood group, almost all of the H antigen is converted to A1 and B antigens.
Arrange the following blood groups in order from most to fewest H antigens: A1, B, O, A2, A1B, A2B.
O > A2 > B > A2B > A1 > A1B.
Which blood group has the fewest H antigens on the red blood cells?
The A1B blood group has the fewest H antigens.
Which ABO blood type has the most common and strongest A antigen expression?
The A1 subgroup of Type A.
What are the two main subgroups of Type A in the ABO system?
A1 and A2.
How are reverse cells labeled in Type A subgroups?
Reverse cells are labeled A1, the most common and strongest A antigen expressed.
What is unique about the Bombay phenotype in the ABO system?
Individuals with the Bombay phenotype do not inherit a normal H gene and have Anti-H in their plasma.
How common is the Bombay phenotype?
The Bombay phenotype is rare.
Are ABO antibodies the result of known exposure to blood or blood products?
No, ABO antibodies are thought to be naturally occurring without known exposure to blood or blood products.
What is the current hypothesis regarding the natural occurrence of ABO antibodies?
The hypothesis is that biochemical structures similar to A or B antigens are present in bacteria, plants, and pollen.
How do individuals produce ABO antibodies?
Environmental exposure to antigens similar to A and B allows individuals to respond immunogenically and produce ABO antibodies.
When does possible exposure to similar forms of A and B antigens begin?
Possible exposure begins at birth.
Why might the term “naturally occurring” be incorrect for ABO antibodies?
Because our bodies are being stimulated by other substances, not necessarily through natural occurrence.
What alternative term can be used instead of “naturally occurring” for ABO antibodies?
The term “Non-Red Cell Immune” can be used.
At what age do newborns start producing their own ABO antibodies?
Newborns start producing their own ABO antibodies at 3 to 6 months of age.
Why should reverse grouping (RA/RB) not be performed on infants younger than 4 months of age?
Because ABO antibodies detected in infants less than 4 months old may be maternal in origin.
What type of unique antibody do Group O individuals produce?
Group O individuals produce Anti-A,B antibodies, which are of the IgG type.
With which antigens do Anti-A,B antibodies react?
Anti-A,B antibodies react with both A and B antigens.
Can Anti-A,B antibodies be separated into Anti-A and Anti-B?
No, Anti-A,B antibodies cannot be separated into Anti-A and Anti-B.
What does Anti-A,B seem to react with on both A and B antigens?
Anti-A,B appears to react with a shared epitope on both A and B antigens.
What do we need to add to RBCs to detect antigens during routine blood bank testing?
We need to add an antibody (known antisera found on our reagent rack).
What is the purpose of routine testing on RBCs in the blood bank?
To determine the ABO group by detecting unknown antigens on RBCs.
What kind of antisera is used to determine the antigens on RBCs?
Commercially purchased antisera, such as Anti-A, Anti-B, and Anti-A,B.
What is needed to detect an antibody present in the patient’s plasma during routine blood bank testing?
A known antigen is needed to detect the antibody in the patient’s plasma.
What is the purpose of testing a patient’s plasma in the blood bank?
To determine the ABO group by identifying the unknown antibody present in the plasma.
What commercially purchased reverse cells are used to test the patient’s plasma for ABO antibodies?
Reverse cells RA and RB, which contain the known antigens (A1 cells and B cells).
What are the four basic categories of reagents used in the blood bank?
Red blood cells with known antigens
Antisera with known antibodies
Potentiators to enhance antibody reactions
Antihuman globulin reagents (polyclonal and monoclonal)
What is the purpose of red blood cells with known antigens in blood bank testing?
They are used to identify unknown antibodies in a patient’s plasma.
What is the role of antisera with known antibodies in blood bank testing?
Antisera is used to detect the presence of specific antigens on red blood cells.
What are potentiators used for in blood bank testing?
Potentiators enhance antibody reactions to improve the detection of antibodies.
What are the two basic methods for blood bank testing?
Immediate spin – IgM
Antiglobulin test – IgG
How are polyclonal antibodies made?
Polyclonal antibodies are made from several different clones of B cells that secrete antibodies of different specificities.
What is a key characteristic of polyclonal antibodies?
Polyclonal antibodies can recognize multiple epitopes.
Give an example of a polyclonal antibody used in blood bank testing.
An example is Anti-Human Globulin.
How are monoclonal antibodies made?
Monoclonal antibodies are made from a single clone of transformed B cells (plasma cells) that secrete antibodies of the same specificity.
What technology is used to produce monoclonal antibodies?
Hybridoma technology.
How many epitopes do monoclonal antibodies recognize?
Monoclonal antibodies recognize a single epitope.
Give examples of monoclonal antibodies used in blood bank testing.
Examples include Anti-C, Anti-A, and Anti-IgG.
What reagents are used to determine ABO blood type in forward testing?
Anti-A, Anti-B, and Anti-A,B reagents.
What do antisera target in ABO forward testing?
Antisera are directed toward specific antigens on the patient’s RBCs.
What antigen does Anti-A target?
Anti-A targets the A antigen.
What antigen does Anti-B target?
Anti-B targets the B antigen.
Is Anti-A,B used in all clinical settings?
No, Anti-A,B may be used in some clinical settings but not all.
What is one advantage of using Anti-A,B in testing?
Anti-A,B may detect some subgroups that have weaker reactions.
What does forward typing test in the ABO system?
Forward typing tests the patient’s cells for antigens.
What does reverse typing test in the ABO system?
Reverse typing tests the patient’s serum for antibodies.
What kind of Immunoglobulins are we testing for in ABO grouping?
Antibodies are Anti-A, Anti-B in the patient plasma…IgM. Anti-A,B is IgG
What test method are we using in ABO grouping? (IS or AHG)
Test method is Immediate Spin
Why is it important to determine a patient’s ABO type?
To find compatible blood for transfusion.
Why are ABO antibodies clinically significant?
ABO antibodies are IgM and bind complement, leading to intravascular hemolysis with donor red cells.
Should patients always be transfused with ABO identical blood?
No, the patient must be transfused with ABO compatible but not necessarily identical blood.
Why should blood never be issued based on a historical ABO type?
Always use a current type and screen, as issuing blood based on a historical type can cause a life-threatening acute hemolytic transfusion reaction.
The notation AO represents:
a) Bombay Phenotype
b) Genotype
c) Phenotype
d) Transferase
b) Genotype
Anti-H is found in the sera of individuals of group:
a) A
b) B
c) AB
d) Oh
d) Oh
Parents of Group AA and AB cannot produce offspring of the group?
a) A
b) B
c) AB
d) O
d) O
What are the gene products of A, B genes?
a) Glycolipids
b) Glycoproteins
c) Oligosaccharides
d) Transferase Enzymes
d) Transferase Enzymes
According to Landsteiner’s Rule, if a patient has no antibodies after serum testing, what ABO antigens should be present on the patient red cells?
a) A
b) B
c) A and B
d) No antigens
c) A and B
Which of the following statements is true about the ABO antibody production?
a) ABO antibodies are present in newborns
b) Titres remain constant levels throughout life
c) Stimulated by bacteria/environment factors
d) All statements above are true
c) Stimulated by bacteria/environment factors
Which Immunoglobulin is primarily associated
with the ABO antibodies?
a) IgA
b) IgG
c) IgE
d) IgM
d) IgM
Which Immunodominant sugar confers with the B blood group specificity?
a) D-Galactose
b) L-Fucose
c) N-Acetylgalactosamine
d) L-Glucose
a) D-Galactose
Individual with AO, HH genotype, what antigens are present on the red cells?
a) A antigens
b) A and H antigens
c) A and O antigens
d) None of the above
b) A and H antigens
Who linked the cause of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) to an antibody in the Rh system?
Levine and Stetson in 1939.
In what year did Levine and Stetson make their discovery about HDFN and the Rh antibody?
1939
What significant discovery about antibodies and human red cells was made by Landsteiner and Wiener in 1940?
They discovered that a Rhesus monkey produced an antibody that reacted with 85% of human red cells.