Blood Bank & Immunohematology Glossary:
A Comprehensive Class Notes
Stop memorizing and start understanding. From basic terminology to advanced principles, this is
your all-in-one study companion for exam success and clinical confidence.
▪ 100+ Essential Blood Bank & Immunohematology Terms.
▪ Clear 4-Column Format: Term, Simple Definition, Scientific Example, Everyday Analogy
▪ 10 Multiple-Choice Questions with Explanations
▪ Perfect for MLS/MLT Students, ASCP Exam Preparation, and Lab Professionals
,Absorption A lab technique used to Serum containing an Using a specific magnet
physically remove an unwanted autoantibody (the antigen) to pull
unwanted antibody from is mixed with reagent certain metal shavings
a serum sample by red blood cells known (the unwanted
providing its to carry the antibody) out of a
corresponding antigen to corresponding antigen. container of sand,
bind it. The antibody binds leaving the sand clean.
(adsorbs) to the cells,
and the cells are then
centrifuged out,
removing the antibody
from the serum.
Acid-citrate- An anticoagulant and ACD was once Adding a chemical
dextrose (ACD) preservative solution routinely used for blood preservative, like
historically used for donor collection before vinegar, to food to
collecting blood being largely replaced prevent bacterial growth
donations to stop the by solutions that offer a and spoilage over time.
blood from clotting. longer shelf life.
Adjuvant A substance added Freund’s adjuvant is Plugging an amplifier
along with an antigen often administered with into a microphone. The
(like in a vaccine) to an antigen to induce a microphone captures the
significantly boost and much greater sound (antigen), but the
enhance the body's (accentuated) antibody amplifier (adjuvant)
resulting antibody response. drastically boosts the
immune response. volume (antibody
response).
Adsorption The process where an Auto adsorption is Using a specific
antibody is intentionally performed using a magnetic filter to pull
made to attach to its patient's own red blood certain metal shavings
specific antigen under cells (antigen) to pull (the antibody) out of a
ideal conditions, thereby out unwanted mixed solution.
removing the antibody autoantibodies from
from the liquid (serum). their serum.
Agglutination The visible clumping or Observing agglutination Mixing tiny marbles (red
sticking together of red in a test tube when a cells) with sticky, long
blood cells or other patient's red cells are strands of thread
particles, caused by an mixed with Anti-B (antibody) cause them to
antibody binding to its reagent confirms the
Page 2 of 27
, corresponding antigen presence of the B link up into large, visible
on the cell surface. antigen during forward clusters (clumps).
grouping.
Allele One of two or more The Kell (K) and Different color settings
alternative gene forms Cellano (k) genes are (e.g., green, blue, red)
that can be located at a antithetical alleles that available for a single
specific position (locus) occupy the same locus lamp (locus). They are
on a chromosome. and determine the K all options for that one
blood group antigens. specific light.
Allo- A prefix used to indicate An alloantibody is an Borrowing an item from a
differences between antibody produced by different person, even
individuals of the same one person against the though they are the
species. red blood cell antigens same species as you.
of another person (e.g.,
anti-D).
Amorph A "silent" gene that The O gene is an A button on a remote
exists but does not amorph; it is inherited control that is physically
appear to produce any but does not produce a present (the gene) but
detectable antigen. transferase enzyme does not trigger any
capable of attaching a function (no detectable
sugar, meaning no A or antigen).
B antigen is detectable.
Anamnestic The accentuated, rapid A patient who was The body's "immune
response immune response that sensitized by a memory." The second
occurs when a person is previous transfusion time you see a difficult
exposed to an antigen may have undetectable piece of information, you
(like a blood cell) for the antibodies, but a recall and process it
second (or subsequent) second exposure much faster than the first
time. triggers a rapid rise in time.
antibody titer.
Anti-A1 lectin A reagent derived from Used to distinguish A1 A specialized metal
the seeds of the and A1B subgroups detector that beeps only
Dolichos biflorus plant from other A subgroups for pure silver coins (A1
that specifically (like A2 or A3 by cells) but remains silent
agglutinates red blood
Page 3 of 27
, cells expressing the A1 reacting only with A1 for silver-plated coins
antigen. positive cells. (other A subgroups).
Anti-B1 lectin A reagent derived from Used as a confirmatory A specific chemical test
the seeds of the test for the presence of strip that changes color
Bandeiraea simplicifolia the B antigen, only upon contact with a
plant that specifically especially in complex particular substance (the
agglutinates red blood cases or to identify B antigen), confirming its
cells expressing the B weak B subtypes. presence.
antigen.
Anti-H An antibody that is This antibody is A building inspector who
specific for the H significant in individuals checks for a mandatory
antigen, the essential with the rare Bombay foundational support
precursor structure to the (Oh) phenotype, who beam (H antigen). If the
A and B antigens on red lack the H antigen. beam is missing (as in
blood cells. Their serum contains a Bombay phenotype), the
potent anti-H that will inspector (anti-H)
react with all red blood condemns the entire
cells except those from building, regardless of
another Bombay the fancy exterior finish
individual. (A or B antigens).
Antibody A Y-shaped protein Anti-B is an antibody A security passkey that
substance secreted by found in the serum of is developed to interact
plasma cells that Group A patients that specifically with one
recognizes and specifically recognizes single, corresponding
specifically binds to a and binds to the B lock (the antigen).
foreign antigen. antigen.
Antibody screen A procedure that tests a This test is a routine A general safety check
patient's serum (which part of compatibility where an item (the
contains antibodies) testing; if an atypical serum) is checked
against special Group O antibody is detected, against a standard set of
reagent red blood cells further identification targets to ensure it
to detect the presence of procedures are doesn't contain any
any "atypical" required. potential threats.
(unexpected) antibodies.
Page 4 of 27
A Comprehensive Class Notes
Stop memorizing and start understanding. From basic terminology to advanced principles, this is
your all-in-one study companion for exam success and clinical confidence.
▪ 100+ Essential Blood Bank & Immunohematology Terms.
▪ Clear 4-Column Format: Term, Simple Definition, Scientific Example, Everyday Analogy
▪ 10 Multiple-Choice Questions with Explanations
▪ Perfect for MLS/MLT Students, ASCP Exam Preparation, and Lab Professionals
,Absorption A lab technique used to Serum containing an Using a specific magnet
physically remove an unwanted autoantibody (the antigen) to pull
unwanted antibody from is mixed with reagent certain metal shavings
a serum sample by red blood cells known (the unwanted
providing its to carry the antibody) out of a
corresponding antigen to corresponding antigen. container of sand,
bind it. The antibody binds leaving the sand clean.
(adsorbs) to the cells,
and the cells are then
centrifuged out,
removing the antibody
from the serum.
Acid-citrate- An anticoagulant and ACD was once Adding a chemical
dextrose (ACD) preservative solution routinely used for blood preservative, like
historically used for donor collection before vinegar, to food to
collecting blood being largely replaced prevent bacterial growth
donations to stop the by solutions that offer a and spoilage over time.
blood from clotting. longer shelf life.
Adjuvant A substance added Freund’s adjuvant is Plugging an amplifier
along with an antigen often administered with into a microphone. The
(like in a vaccine) to an antigen to induce a microphone captures the
significantly boost and much greater sound (antigen), but the
enhance the body's (accentuated) antibody amplifier (adjuvant)
resulting antibody response. drastically boosts the
immune response. volume (antibody
response).
Adsorption The process where an Auto adsorption is Using a specific
antibody is intentionally performed using a magnetic filter to pull
made to attach to its patient's own red blood certain metal shavings
specific antigen under cells (antigen) to pull (the antibody) out of a
ideal conditions, thereby out unwanted mixed solution.
removing the antibody autoantibodies from
from the liquid (serum). their serum.
Agglutination The visible clumping or Observing agglutination Mixing tiny marbles (red
sticking together of red in a test tube when a cells) with sticky, long
blood cells or other patient's red cells are strands of thread
particles, caused by an mixed with Anti-B (antibody) cause them to
antibody binding to its reagent confirms the
Page 2 of 27
, corresponding antigen presence of the B link up into large, visible
on the cell surface. antigen during forward clusters (clumps).
grouping.
Allele One of two or more The Kell (K) and Different color settings
alternative gene forms Cellano (k) genes are (e.g., green, blue, red)
that can be located at a antithetical alleles that available for a single
specific position (locus) occupy the same locus lamp (locus). They are
on a chromosome. and determine the K all options for that one
blood group antigens. specific light.
Allo- A prefix used to indicate An alloantibody is an Borrowing an item from a
differences between antibody produced by different person, even
individuals of the same one person against the though they are the
species. red blood cell antigens same species as you.
of another person (e.g.,
anti-D).
Amorph A "silent" gene that The O gene is an A button on a remote
exists but does not amorph; it is inherited control that is physically
appear to produce any but does not produce a present (the gene) but
detectable antigen. transferase enzyme does not trigger any
capable of attaching a function (no detectable
sugar, meaning no A or antigen).
B antigen is detectable.
Anamnestic The accentuated, rapid A patient who was The body's "immune
response immune response that sensitized by a memory." The second
occurs when a person is previous transfusion time you see a difficult
exposed to an antigen may have undetectable piece of information, you
(like a blood cell) for the antibodies, but a recall and process it
second (or subsequent) second exposure much faster than the first
time. triggers a rapid rise in time.
antibody titer.
Anti-A1 lectin A reagent derived from Used to distinguish A1 A specialized metal
the seeds of the and A1B subgroups detector that beeps only
Dolichos biflorus plant from other A subgroups for pure silver coins (A1
that specifically (like A2 or A3 by cells) but remains silent
agglutinates red blood
Page 3 of 27
, cells expressing the A1 reacting only with A1 for silver-plated coins
antigen. positive cells. (other A subgroups).
Anti-B1 lectin A reagent derived from Used as a confirmatory A specific chemical test
the seeds of the test for the presence of strip that changes color
Bandeiraea simplicifolia the B antigen, only upon contact with a
plant that specifically especially in complex particular substance (the
agglutinates red blood cases or to identify B antigen), confirming its
cells expressing the B weak B subtypes. presence.
antigen.
Anti-H An antibody that is This antibody is A building inspector who
specific for the H significant in individuals checks for a mandatory
antigen, the essential with the rare Bombay foundational support
precursor structure to the (Oh) phenotype, who beam (H antigen). If the
A and B antigens on red lack the H antigen. beam is missing (as in
blood cells. Their serum contains a Bombay phenotype), the
potent anti-H that will inspector (anti-H)
react with all red blood condemns the entire
cells except those from building, regardless of
another Bombay the fancy exterior finish
individual. (A or B antigens).
Antibody A Y-shaped protein Anti-B is an antibody A security passkey that
substance secreted by found in the serum of is developed to interact
plasma cells that Group A patients that specifically with one
recognizes and specifically recognizes single, corresponding
specifically binds to a and binds to the B lock (the antigen).
foreign antigen. antigen.
Antibody screen A procedure that tests a This test is a routine A general safety check
patient's serum (which part of compatibility where an item (the
contains antibodies) testing; if an atypical serum) is checked
against special Group O antibody is detected, against a standard set of
reagent red blood cells further identification targets to ensure it
to detect the presence of procedures are doesn't contain any
any "atypical" required. potential threats.
(unexpected) antibodies.
Page 4 of 27
