Introduction to Transfusion Services

Instructors: Theresa Nester, MD; Adam Orkand, BA

Contact Hours: 2.0

Date: January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2026

Learning Objectives:

1. Name the 4 components that can be made from a unit of whole blood and describe the function of each
2. Define the following terms: antigen, clinically significant antibody, hemolysis, and the complement system.
3. List compatible components for the following patient blood groups: A,B, O, and AB.
4. Define the antibody screen and explain why it is important in pre-transfusion testing.
5. Name 3 crossmatch tests and define when an antiglobulin crossmatch must be done.
6. Describe the laboratory's role in the evaluation of a suspected transfusion reaction.
7. Define the elements of accurate and thorough testing prior to infusion of blood components to a patient