Lesson 1Enhancement reagents and enzymes (e.g., anti-human globulin [AHG], potentiators) and their indicationsDescribes helper reagents, enzymes like AHG, LISS, PEG, protein cutters. Covers how they work, when to use, limits, safety in antibody find and match tests.
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 settingsLooks at pros, cons of grouping methods like tube, slide, plate, gel. Gives rules for picking in emergencies, big bleeds, low-resource places.
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, plate, gel clump methods. Explains basics, steps, sense, spec, speed, common uses in normal, ref, high-work labs.
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 key gear for blood grouping: spinners, warmers, pipettes, shakers, gel readers, scopes, safety tools. Talks calibrate, clean upkeep, 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 test red cells for reverse grouping: A1, B, O. Describes make, mix, label, store, stable, quality checks for good reverse 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 testingLooks at single-clone, multi-clone anti-A,B,AB,D reagents, IgG/IgM mixes. Covers spec, strength, limits, store, stable, expiry, batch tests.
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 rules, maker guides for use. Stresses follow IFU, batch checks, method prove, skill tests, records for checks and approval.
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 pick, use of good/bad controls for ABO Rh tests. Includes weak D, reagent checks, how often, fix fails, record 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
