The University of Texas Medical Branch
Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Immunohematology Checklist
Page 1 of 3
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY PRECEPTORSHIP
OBJECTIVES
Purpose
The UTMB CLS student is required to meet cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skill) and affective
(attitude) objectives of each preceptorship. This document outlines the cognitive and psychomotor
objectives of the program. Cognitive goals are evaluated through the use of a quiz based on the study
guide questions, which are based on these preceptorship objectives.
Preceptorship Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, at a level of 70% the student will be able to:
ABO GROUPING, Rh TYPING, AND IAT/DAT
1. Given the results of an ABO grouping, Rh typing and antibody screen (IAT), correctly formulate the
appropriate interpretation.
2. Given the results of a DAT, correctly formulate an appropriate interpretation.
3. Given an abnormal set of ABO grouping results, propose:
a. the possible causes, and
b. proper course of action for the resolution of abnormal ABO grouping results
4. Given an abnormal set of Rh typing results, propose:
a. the possible causes, and
b. proper course(s) of action for the resolution of abnormal Rh typing results
5. Given an abnormal set of IAT/antibody screen results, propose:
a. the possible causes, and
b. proper course(s) of action for the resolution of abnormal IAT results
6. Given abnormal Autocontrol results, propose:
a. the appropriate mechanism for determining whether it is a true positive DAT,
b. The possible causes for a positive Autocontrol, as well as a DAT, and
c. Proper course(s) of action for the resolution of the abnormal results.
7. Compare the autocontrol and the DAT, as well as the significance of positive results
8. Given a set of ABO, Rh, and IAT results which contain some abnormality(ies), define the
relationship between the abnormal results and propose how the basic problem with the patient
sample could interact with the various tests to cause multiple abnormal results.
ANTIBODY IDENTIFICATION AND Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
1. Perform routine antibody identification for single and multiple antibody problems including rule outs
and antigen typing. .
2. Given antibody panel results and the antigrams from a different set of panel cells, select cells
required to determine the antibody specificity, given the initial panel reactions.
3. Given the results of regular and enzyme treated cells, determine antibody specificity/ies and
additional specificities that may be ruled out on the reactions observed.
4. Discuss the use of Gel and Solid Phase technology. Interpret reactions based on these
methodologies.
5. Diagram a plan for the use of autoabsorption in resolving antibody problems.
6. Develop a strategy (why, when, how) for the use of chloroquine and EGA in resolving antibody
problems.
7. Explain the application of the saline replacement technique in resolving antibody problems.
8. Perform and interpret antigen typing.
9. Given the results of an antigen typing, judge the accuracy.
10. Formulate a strategy for performing an elution using the elu-kit and Lui Freeze.
11. Determine what is done with the eluate:
a. Compare the results of an elution with the serum/plasma panel
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Immunohematology Checklist
Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Page 2 of 3
b. Use of the results for component therapy.
c. Determine the antigens present on patient cells
12. Given the results of ABO, Rh and other antigen typings, propose the most likely genotype and any
alternate genotypes.
13. Correctly use the Fisher-Race and Weiner nomenclature, given the patient’s phenotype
14. Perform & interpret ABO grouping, Rh typing, and DAT on cord blood specimen
15. Identify & explain the possible causes for false results on cord blood specimen testing
16. Identify/explain the type of HDN, given the results of maternal & cord studies .
17. Perform testing & determine the eligibility of an individual for antenatal, postnatal and postabortion Rh Immune Globulin
18. Identify & explain the possible causes for false result with the Fetal Bleed Screening Test
19. Perform & interpret the Fetal Bleed Screening Test
COMPATIBILITY TESTING:
1. Given the labeled specimen and blood request for a patient, correctly evaluate the acceptability of
the specimen, its labeling, and accompanying documentation for purposes of compatibility testing.
2. Given the results of the ABO Grouping, Rh typing, IAT, and information from prior blood bank
records on a patient, correctly determine the appropriate ABO Group and Rh type of units to be
selected for transfusion and the type of crossmatch required.
3. Given a sample for compatibility testing, perform all required testing, read & record results, as well
as interpret within the laboratory’s prescribed time limits for an entry level CLS.
4. Given a patient sample for which group specific units are not available, correctly select the
appropriate ABO/Rh units for the patient. This should include appropriate selection of units given
the laboratory’s blood inventory and other patients’ blood requirements.
5. Given a problem compatibility result, propose the proper course of action, in sequence to be taken
in resolving the compatibility problem.
6. Given a patient with a clinically significant antibody, propose the proper steps to be taken in order to
obtain units which are safe for infusion into the patient.
7. Given a request for release of units on a patient, correctly define the steps to ensure the release of
appropriate units to the patient.
8. Delineate the appropriate steps to be taken in releasing blood for emergency transfusion when
there is not time to determine the patient’s ABO group and Rh type.
9. Propose the correct steps to be taken in completing the laboratory testing and paper work on the
units released to a patient for emergency transfusion.
10. Given a patient’s Type and Screen results and past history, assess whether an extended,
immediate spin or a computerized crossmatch is acceptable.
EVALUATION OF POSSIBLE TRANSFUSION REACTIONS
1. Outline the procedure for the initial transfusion reaction work-up.
2. Justify visual comparison of the pre-transfusion and post-transfusion serum/plasma.
3. Compare the major types of transfusion reactions and their causes.
4. Compare the possible significance of hemolysis in a post-transfusion specimen when not present in
the pre-transfusion sample.
5. Explain the significance(s) of a positive DAT in a post-transfusion specimen.
6. Explain the significance(s) of a mixed field in a post-transfusion specimen.
7. Propose the most probable reason for an ABO transfusion reaction occurring.
8. Propose what, if any, additional work must be done, given the initial work-up of a transfusion
reaction.
PREPARATION, QUALITY CONTROL & STORAGE OF COMPONENTS
1. List the residual white cell count for leukocyte-reduced RBCs by filtration.
2. Compare platelets combined from multiple single whole blood donor units versus an apheresis
donation in terms of shelf life, concentration, and risk of immunization to platelet and HLA
antigens.
3. List complications which have made fresh frozen plasma a less desirable component for volume
expansion
4. Differentiate between the storage temperatures and shelf lives for packed RBCs, leukocyte-
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Immunohematology Checklist
Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Page 3 of 3
reduced RBCs by in-line filtration, pooled platelets, leukocyte-reduced pooled platelets, thawed
fresh frozen plasma, pooled cryoprecipitate, deglycerized frozen RBCs and washed RBCs.
5. Determine the appropriate compatibility testing required for each of the components listed above
6. Differentiate between the shelf-life of CPDA-1, CPD, and additive preserved RBCs.
7. List the quality control criteria for concentration of “cells” in packed RBCs, leukocyte-reduced
RBCs, frozen RBCs, and platelet concentrates.
8. Describe the quality control criteria for Factor VIII and fibrinogen in cryoprecipitate.
9. Differentiate the rational for using packed RBCs, washed RBCs, leukocyte-reduced RBCs,
platelet concentrate, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate.
10. Prepare a RBC unit for issue to a patient for transfusion.
11. Describe the preparation for issuing fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, platelet aliquots for
neonates, and leukocyte-reduced components for transfusion.
12. Formulate a procedure for placing into inventory the blood and components received from the
blood collection center.
QUALITY ASSURANCE and Quality Control
1. Compare and contrast Quality Control versus Quality Assurance.
2. Identify the items that must be quality controlled; include the frequency of performance and
range limits.
3. Given a set of findings, propose what course of action, if any should be taken.
4. Given reagent reactions, recommend a course of action which will confirm the source(s) of error.
5. Determine the laboratories standards for maintaining required records.
6. Differentiate between record, document and form in terms of Quality Assurance.