The Disappearing Antibody: A Case Study (Online CE Course)

(based on 513 customer ratings)

Author: Pat Letendre, M.Ed., MT(CSMLS)
Reviewer: Suzanne H. Butch, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, SBB, DLM

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Mr. R.M., a 55-year old male, was admitted to a hospital emergency department with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding. His physician orders an emergency transfusion of O Rh-negative Red Blood Cells, but problems arise when the laboratory discovers the presence of an antibody. This interactive case study will allow you to work through Mr. R.M.’s case that becomes even more curious when the antibody apparently disappears.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 2 hour(s)
Approved through 7/31/2024
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Credit Hours - General (Blood Banking / Immunohematology): 2 hour(s)
Approved through 7/31/2024

Objectives

  • Describe possible serological test results in a patient experiencing a hemolytic transfusion reaction.
  • Describe the characteristics of mixed-field agglutination and explain the significance of a positive DAT with mixed-field agglutination in a recently transfused patient.
  • Identify the problems involved in antigen phenotyping patients who have been recently transfused and those who have a positive DAT.
  • List the signs and symptoms of immediate and delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and differentiate which ones are associated with severe acute hemolytic reactions.
  • Identify antibodies using an antigram and antibody exclusion protocol.
  • Apply standard good laboratory practices to confirm the logical consistency of antibody identification test results and related clinical data.
  • Evaluate serological and clinical inconsistencies when identifying antibodies to determine if further investigative tests are required.
  • Discuss the risks of transfusing un-crossmatched Red Blood Cells and explain when the risks may be acceptable.

Customer Ratings

(based on 513 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Case Scenario
  • Test Results
    • Compatibility Testing
      • These ABO, Rh, and antibody screen results were obtained by the transfusion services laboratory using the blood specimen that was collected prior to s...
      • The antibody screen is positive but the transfusion of the O Rh-negative RBCs is already in progress. What are the transfusion service (TS) laboratory...
      • Crossmatch Results
      • Pretransfusion Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) Result
    • Post-transfusion Tests
      • Post-Transfusion DAT Results
      • Which of the following statements about mixed-field agglutination (MFA) are true? Select all that are correct.
      • In this case, which red blood cells (RBCs) are agglutinating in the DAT and why?Antibody screen Cells Gel IAT*Screen Cell I 3+Screen Cell II 2+Screen ...
      • Antibody Investigation
      • Which of the following most likely accounts for the patient's post-transfusion plasma giving negative panel results?
      • Other Post-Transfusion Tests
      • Consulting the Patient's Physician
      • Follow-up With Clinical Staff
      • Immediate Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction (HTR): Signs and Symptoms
      • Cause of Delayed HTR
      • Delayed HTR: Signs and Symptoms
      • Signs and Symptoms - Precaution
      • Which of the following signs and symptoms is most likely to indicate a severe immediate hemolytic transfusion reaction?
      • Investigating Weak Antibodies
      • Antibody Identification (2 weeks post-transfusion)
      • Antibody Exclusion Protocol
      • Using the guidelines in the Antibody Exclusion Protocol, which antibodies are possible (have not been excluded) using this panel? Select all that appl...
      • Which of the following antibodies in this scenario could explain all reactions by itself?Antibody identification resultsCellRhRhesusKellDuffyKiddMNSsP...
      • Which of the following cells would be the one most useful cell to exclude both anti-E and anti-K in this patient?
      • Variations in Antibody Strength
      • When the patient's plasma was non-reactive with panel cells, and very weak and unidentifiable in the post-transfusion RBC eluate, no attempt was made ...
      • DAT Change of Status
      • Antigen Phenotyping
      • Antigen Phenotyping Issues
      • Antigen Phenotyping Results
      • Which of the following statements about antigen phenotyping are TRUE? (Select all that apply)
  • Post-Analytic Check of Data
      • Evaluating Inconsistencies
      • Unexpected Anomaly
      • Reflecting on Probability of the Solution
      • When performing an antibody investigation, which of the following would indicate an inconsistency that needs to be further investigated? (Select all t...
      • The patient's red cell eluate initially was unidentifiable, reacting weakly with only two panel cells that did not fit a pattern. Once anti-Jka was id...
      • Using Probability (p) Values
      • Antibody Identification Checklist
      • As discussed earlier, one of the post-analytic tools for confirming that the serologic data fit the solution is to consider the big picture, as presen...
  • Case Outcome
  • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Intermediate

Intended Audience: Clinical laboratory technologists, technicians, and pathologists. This course is also appropriate for clinical laboratory science students and pathology residents.
 
Author information: Pat Letendre, M.Ed., MT(CSMLS), is a laboratory technologist, educator, and consultant. Currently, she consults full-time in the areas of transfusion medicine, education, professional development, and the use of the Internet in education. Ms. Letendre is the Webmaster for the Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine and the TraQ website coordinator. She holds a Masters of Education degree in adult education from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba.  
   
Reviewer information: Suzanne H. Butch, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, SBB, DLM is currently working on special projects for the Department of Pathology at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She formerly worked in Quality Assurance in the Department of Pathology and as the Administrative Manager for Healthcare, Blood Bank & Transfusion Service at the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds a Bachelors in Medical Technology from the University of Michigan, a Masters Degree in Management and Supervision from Central Michigan University, and Certifications as a Specialist in Blood Bank, as a Quality Audit, and as a Diplomate in Laboratory Medicine. She has edited books and written numerous book chapters and articles and has been invited to present numerous lectures in the field of computerization in the blood bank, automation, and transfusion medicine.
 
Course description: This course presents a case in which a patient has an unexpected antibody that disappears after he is transfused with unmatched group O Rh negative red blood cells.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 176 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
Post-transfusion microscopic DAT


Antibody screen cells


DAT micro4