Lesson 1Enhancement reagents and enzymes (e.g., anti-human globulin [AHG], potentiators) and their indicationsDescribes enhancement reagents and enzymes such as AHG, LISS, PEG, and proteolytic enzymes. Covers mechanisms, indications, limitations, and safety considerations in antibody detection and compatibility testing.
Direct and indirect AHG test principlesLISS, PEG, and other potentiatorsEnzymes and their effects on antigensIndications for using enhancement mediaLimitations, pitfalls, and safety issuesLesson 2Advantages and limitations of each method and criteria for selecting an approach in emergency transfusion settingsAnalyses advantages and limitations of each grouping method, including tube, slide, microplate, and gel. Provides criteria for selecting methods in emergencies, massive transfusion, and resource-limited environments.
Strengths and weaknesses of tube testingPros and cons of slide and microplate useBenefits and limits of gel technologyChoosing methods in emergency settingsBalancing speed, accuracy, and resourcesLesson 3Comparison of methods: tube (classic), slide, microplate, and gel column techniques — principles, sensitivity, specificity, throughputCompares tube, slide, microplate, and gel column agglutination methods. Explains principles, workflow, sensitivity, specificity, throughput, and typical use cases in routine, reference, and high-volume laboratories.
Principles of tube agglutination testingSlide method workflow and limitationsMicroplate automation and throughputGel column technology and interpretationComparing sensitivity and specificityLesson 4Equipment list and maintenance: centrifuges, incubators, pipettes, rotators, gel card readers, microscopes, and safety equipmentReviews essential equipment for blood grouping, including centrifuges, incubators, pipettes, rotators, gel card readers, microscopes, and safety devices. Discusses calibration, preventive maintenance, and performance checks.
Centrifuges and rotor performance checksIncubators, temperature mapping, alarmsPipettes, rotators, and mixers verificationGel card readers and microscopes carePreventive maintenance and service recordsLesson 5Reagent red cells for reverse grouping: pooled A1, B, and O cells — preparation, storage, and quality checksFocuses on reagent red cells used for reverse grouping, including A1, B, and O cells. Describes preparation, pooling, labelling, storage, stability, and quality checks to ensure reliable reverse typing results.
Selection of A1, B, and O donor cellsPreparation and pooling of reagent cellsLabeling, storage, and stability limitsDaily quality checks and grading reactionsTroubleshooting weak or unexpected resultsLesson 6Monoclonal and polyclonal reagents: anti-A, anti-B, anti-AB, anti-D (IgG/IgM blends) characteristics and expiry/lot testingExplores monoclonal and polyclonal anti-A, anti-B, anti-AB, and anti-D reagents, including IgG/IgM blends. Covers specificity, avidity, performance limits, storage, stability, expiry, and lot acceptance testing in routine use.
Monoclonal vs polyclonal reagent propertiesAnti-A, anti-B, and anti-AB performance featuresAnti-D IgG, IgM, and blend characteristicsStorage, stability, and expiry managementNew lot verification and acceptance testsLesson 7Regulatory and manufacturer instructions: following IFU, lot-to-lot verification, and documenting method validation/competencyDetails regulatory expectations and manufacturer instructions for use. Emphasises adherence to IFU, lot-to-lot verification, method validation, competency assessment, and documentation needed for audits and accreditation.
Reading and interpreting reagent IFURegulatory and accreditation requirementsLot-to-lot verification planningMethod validation and verification recordsCompetency assessment and retrainingLesson 8Control materials: positive/negative controls for ABO and Rh, weak D and reagent verification controlsCovers selection and use of positive and negative controls for ABO and Rh testing. Includes weak D controls, reagent verification controls, frequency of use, troubleshooting failures, and documentation of control results.
Types of positive and negative controlsABO forward and reverse grouping controlsRh and weak D control strategiesReagent verification and daily QCInterpreting and documenting control failures
