Blood Bank Introduction Lecture

Introduction

• Program calendar adjusted; official start date on the 13th
• Focus on Blood Bank and transfusion medicine
• Importance of having a 'healthy fear' of Blood Bank
• Blood Bank involves managing blood products during traumas (e.g., gunshot wounds, accidents)

Blood Bank Overview

• Known as transfusion medicine or immunohematology
• Combines immunology and hematology
• Focus on antigen-antibody complexes for transfusion safety
  • Right ABO group is critical

Blood Products

• Whole blood divided into components: red cells, white cells, platelets, plasma
• Components allow treatment customization, reducing volume overload issues

History of Blood Transfusion

• First documented transfusion in 1492 involving Pope Innocent VIII
• Significant milestones:
  • 1613: William Harvey discovered blood circulation
  • 1667: First animal-to-human transfusion
  • 1824: Introduction of vein-to-vein transfusion
  • 1901: Discovery of ABO blood system by Dr. Karl Landsteiner
  • 1941: Discovery of Rh factor

Blood Bank Safety and Testing

• Importance of matching antigens and antibodies to prevent immune reactions
• Infectious disease testing on blood products due to history with diseases like AIDS

Immunology Review

• Blood Bank enhances understanding of immunology
• Discusses antigen-antibody complex and its role in blood transfusion
• Antigen presence on red cells and antibody in plasma

Types of Antibodies

• IgG and IgM are main focus
• Differences in reaction types (intravascular vs extravascular hemolysis)

Immune Response

• Humoral vs cell-mediated immunity:
  • Cell-mediated: T cells, antigen-presenting cells
  • Humoral: B cells, plasma cells, antibody production

Agglutination Process

• Encouraging antigen-antibody reaction through centrifugation, temperature control, and enhancement media
• Importance of visualizing agglutination in tests for accurate results

Antigen-Antibody Complex

• Stages of agglutination: Sensitization (invisible) and Agglutination (visible)
• Factors affecting agglutination: Zeta potential, antigen-antibody ratio (zone of equivalence)

ABO and Rh Blood Group Systems

• ABO system: Naturally occurring antibodies, importance in transfusion reaction
• Rh factor: Importance in pregnancy and transfusion

Conclusion

• Blood banking is critical for safe transfusion outcomes
• Importance of understanding immunology, antigen-antibody dynamics, and safe handling of blood components

These notes provide an overview of the key points from the Blood Bank introduction lecture, focusing on the essential concepts and processes related to blood transfusion medicine.