CMLT 2143 - Clinical Immunohematology

Description
Clinical Immunohematology for Medical Laboratory Technician focuses on the principles and practices of blood banking and transfusion medicine. This course covers blood group systems, antibody identification, compatibility testing, and the clinical significance of immunohematological tests. Students will gain practical experience in blood typing, crossmatching, and managing transfusion reactions, preparing them for roles in clinical laboratories and blood banks.

Pre-Requisite
CMLT 2002 Orientation to Clinical Laboratory Science

CMLT 2013 Clinical Urinalysis & Body Fluids

CMLT 2106 Clinical Practicum I

CMLT 2114 Clinical Microbiology I

CMLT 2024 Clinical Chemistry

CMLT 2032 Clinical Immunology

CMLT 2114 Clinical Microbiology II

CMLT 2204 Clinical Practicum II

Co-Requisite
N/A

Cross Listed Course
N/A

3 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
45 Lecture, 15 Lab

4 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Summer

ACTS Equivalent
N/A

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the principles of immunohematology and its clinical importance.
Perform and interpret blood grouping and antibody screening tests.
Conduct compatibility testing and crossmatching procedures.
Identify and resolve issues related to transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the newborn.
Apply quality control and quality assurance measures in immunohematology.

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students develop higher order thinking skills

Standard Practices

Topics list

• Introduction to Immunohematology:

Overview of blood banking and transfusion medicine

Immunological principles in blood transfusion

• Blood Group Systems:

ABO and Rh blood group systems

Minor blood group systems: Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS, Lewis

Antigen-antibody interactions and clinical significance

• Blood Typing and Antibody Screening:

Techniques for ABO and Rh typing

Direct and indirect antiglobulin tests (Coombs test)

Antibody identification and panel interpretation

• Compatibility Testing and Crossmatching:

Principles and procedures of crossmatching

Immediate-spin, electronic, and antiglobulin crossmatch

Resolving discrepancies and ensuring compatibility

• Transfusion Reactions and Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN):

Types and causes of transfusion reactions

Laboratory investigation and management of transfusion reactions

Pathophysiology and diagnosis of HDN

Prevention and treatment of HDN

• Blood Component Therapy:

Indications for transfusion of red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate

Preparation and storage of blood components

Special transfusion considerations: leukoreduction, irradiation, CMV-negative units

• Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Immunohematology:

Principles of quality control in blood banking

Troubleshooting and corrective actions

Regulatory requirements and documentation

• Clinical Correlation and Case Studies:

Interpretation of immunohematology results in clinical context

Case studies of transfusion medicine and blood banking scenarios

Role of the medical laboratory technician in patient care

Learning activities

Lectures: In-person or online sessions covering theoretical aspects.
Laboratory Practicals: Hands-on training in immunohematology techniques.
Case Studies: Real-world scenarios to illustrate clinical applications.
Guest Speakers: Insights from experienced blood bank professionals.
Assignments and Quizzes: Regular assessments to reinforce learning.

Assessments

The final exam is a course comprehensive exam. Results of the departmental finals will be submitted to the coordinator as part of course outcome assessment. The test will cover a select number of the core learning outcomes.