Transfusion Medicine 2: Red Cell Antigens

Questions and Answers

What type of antibodies are found in the plasma of subjects whose red cells lack the corresponding antigen?

Naturally occurring antibodies to A and/or B antigens

What is the characteristic of immune antibodies in terms of their development?

They develop in response to an antigen

What is the significance of naturally occurring antibodies to A and/or B antigens?

They are important in the context of blood transfusion compatibility

Why are naturally occurring antibodies to A and/or B antigens found in the plasma of some individuals?

Because their red cells lack the corresponding antigen Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between naturally occurring antibodies and immune antibodies?

Naturally occurring antibodies are present without prior exposure, while immune antibodies develop in response to an antigen Signup and view all the answers

What carbohydrate is bonded to ceramide in the H antigen structure on RBCs?

glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which monosaccharide is found at the terminal end of the H antigen structure on RBCs?

Fucose Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of sugars attached to ceramide in the H antigen structure?

glucose – D-galactose – N-acetylglucosamine – D-galactose – Fucose Signup and view all the answers

Which nitrogen-containing sugar is present in the H antigen structure on RBCs?

N-acetylglucosamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the first carbohydrate attached to ceramide in the H antigen structure of RBCs?

glucose Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of detecting IgG anti-A, anti-B, or anti-A,B in a pregnant woman's serum?

It allows for prediction or diagnosis of HDFN caused by ABO incompatibility. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is the detection of IgG anti-A, anti-B, or anti-A,B in a woman's serum particularly important?

In cases of ABO incompatibility between the mother and fetus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of IgG anti-A, anti-B, or anti-A,B in the diagnosis of HDFN?

They are diagnostic markers for HDFN caused by ABO incompatibility. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to detect IgG anti-A, anti-B, or anti-A,B in a pregnant woman's serum?

To predict the risk of HDFN and prevent maternal-fetal complications. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of IgG anti-A, anti-B, or anti-A,B in the context of maternal-fetal medicine?

They are markers of ABO incompatibility and HDFN risk. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the reactivity with anti-H lectin, arrange the blood groups from the greatest to the least amount of H?

Greatest: H > Bh > ABh > Ah > Oh, Least: Oh Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the amount of H in determining the reactivity of anti-H lectin with different blood groups?

The amount of H determines the strength of the reaction, with higher amounts of H resulting in a stronger reaction. Signup and view all the answers

How does the reactivity of anti-H lectin with different blood groups relate to the presence of H antigen?

The reactivity of anti-H lectin is directly related to the presence and amount of H antigen on the surface of red blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the reactivity of anti-H lectin with different blood groups in transfusion medicine?

The reactivity of anti-H lectin with different blood groups is important in determining blood compatibility and preventing adverse reactions during transfusions. Signup and view all the answers

How does the amount of H antigen on the surface of red blood cells influence the immune response to anti-H lectin?

The amount of H antigen on the surface of red blood cells influences the strength of the immune response to anti-H lectin, with higher amounts of H antigen resulting in a stronger immune response. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main blood group systems that define an individual's blood type?

ABO and Rh systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of blood group antibodies in transfusion medicine?

To react with incompatible red blood cells and cause hemolysis Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to identify and match the ABO blood group in blood transfusions?

To prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Rh blood group system in pregnancy and transfusion medicine?

To prevent hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of identifying red cell antigens in transfusion medicine?

To ensure compatibility and prevent transfusion reactions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes