Blood Bank Systems and Their Characteristics

A set of flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and details related to various blood group systems and their clinical significance.

Kidd Antibodies

Common cause of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions due to their ability to diminish in titer over time after sensitization.

Lewis Blood Group System

Characterized by antigens that are not intrinsic to RBCs but instead are absorbed onto their surface from the plasma.

Fucosyltransferase

Enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an L-fucose sugar to Glycoproteins or Glycolipids to form Lewis antigens.

Lewis Antigens

Produced by tissue cells, found in plasma and body secretions, and not manufactured by red blood cells.

Se Gene

Responsible for producing a fucosyltransferase enzyme that adds fucose to Type 1 precursor chains, leading to Lewis antigen formation.

Lutheran Antigens

Nineteen antigens produced from the LU gene, with the most common being Lua (low frequency) and Lub (high frequency).

Kell Blood Group System

Includes antigens like K, k, Kpa, Jsa, and is considered a strong immunogenic system.

Duffy Blood Group System

Contains six antigens including Fya and Fyb, well developed at birth, and associated with malaria resistance.

MNS Blood Group System

Consists of M, N, S, and s antigens, notable for their clinical significance, especially anti-S and anti-s which can cause hemolytic transfusion reactions.

Lactosylceramide

Common precursor for P and Globoside blood group antigens synthesized by glycosyltransferases.

Anti-Lea Antibody

The most common Lewis antibody, typically IgM and clinically insignificant.

Anti-Jka and Anti-Jkb

Kidd antibodies that are weak, show antigen dosage effects, and deteriorate rapidly; a cause of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions.

Anti-Fy Antibodies

Common Duffy antibodies, usually IgG that can cause hemolytic reactions and show antigen dosage effects.

P Blood Group System

Contains P, P1, Pk antigens, often associated with significant clinical implications, especially anti-P that can cause severe reactions.

McLeod Syndrome

Results from poor expression of Kell antigens, leading to unique clinical features including reduced red cell lifespan.

I and i Antigens

Developmentally regulated antigens in red blood cells; I develops during childhood while i is present at birth.

Reaction with Enzymes

Many blood group antigens, including M and N, are destroyed by proteolytic enzymes, affecting antibody detection.