AHMT 230 - Immunohematology

Credit(s): 3

Prerequisite(s): AHMT 201, AHMT 205, AHMT 210, AHMT 295v with a minimum score of 75% in both the lecture and laboratory portions of each course.
Corequisite(s): AHMT 240, AHMT 295x.
Immunohematology is a specialized branch of laboratory medicine which involves the study of blood group antigens and antibodies. The processes of quality testing include quality control, basic laboratory techniques including phlebotomy and safety. It involves the study of the principles, procedures, clinical significance and practice of a wide variety of procedures including: donor selection, component collection, preparation and use, and techniques used to detect antigen/antibody reactions which may adversely affect a patient receiving a transfusion. The topics to be covered include the principles and procedures for donor screening, preparation and use of components, antigens and antibodies of the ABO, Rh and other blood group systems, pretransfusion testing procedures, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, neonatal and obstetrical transfusion practice, autoimmune hemolytic anemias, and adverse effects of transfusion. (Spring Semester)

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

Describe the immune process as it applies to immunohematology.
Describe the donor selection process.
Describe the preparation and use of blood components.
Identify and describe the characteristics of the antigens and antibodies of the ABO, Rh, and other blood group systems.
Perform and understand routine blood bank procedures utilized in pre-transfusion testing.
Perform and demonstrate an understanding for intermediate level blood bank testing in the resolution of antibody problems, hemolytic disease of the new born and transfusion reaction workups.
Perform the basic tests that are used in the Immunohematology departments, such as blood typing, antibody screen and identification, cross-match procedures, and syphilis and mono test.
Demonstrate proficiency in phlebotomy procedures and tasks, including vein and capillary punctures and non-blood specimen processing, in an accurate, timely, and professional manner.