Authoritative experts in transfusion medicine describe in critical detail the most important procedures for obtaining, selecting, and transfusing red blood cells to patients. The topics covered include such key issues as transfusion problems in the immunocompromised, the complications of autoantibodies, transfusion of infants with hemolytic disease, difficulties arising from solid organ transplantation, stem cell transfusions, and the challenges of massive transfusion. Also discussed are the use, limitations, and alternatives to autogeneic cells; long-term red cell transfusion; the management of adverse reactions to red cell transfusions; and the question of blood group antigens and their association with disease and differential diagnosis. The book offers transfusion specialists fresh insights and information to maximize and extend their current knowledge.

This essential methods manual for immunohematologists (or hematologists and immunohematologists) provides information on genes that encode antigens on red blood cells, platelets and neutrophils. The book begins by covering general concepts in molecular biology and specific protocols such as DNA preparation, PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR. Information on the erythrocyte, platelet and neutrophil antigen systems and the molecular basis of polymorphisms are presented clearly in a gene facts sheet format. Database accession numbers and useful adjuncts such as Request forms, worksheets for PCR/enzyme digests also serve to benefit the user. The information is clearly presented and easily accessible and is complemented by the excellent diagrams and tabular material. This book is invaluable for both new and experienced researchers in the field and other related disciplines.
Key Features
* Essential for hematologists and those involoved in tissue typing and the study of human genetic polymorphisms
* Presents clearly and concisely the information on a particular variant and the technique used to detect it
* Organized by antigen and provides sequences of polymorphisms and primers
* Details the general concepts and critical information on genes, their products, and sources of relevant nucleic acids
* Includes protocols that allow investigators to set up assays with minimal effort (protocols include primers, reagents, reaction conditions, sizes of amplified products, restriction fragment digests, and the relevant safety information)
* Provides information that helps interpret results in clinical settings
* Contains additional sources of information (e.g., key references, web site addresses, glossary, Database accession numbers, request
forms, and worksheets for PCR/enzyme digests)

Authoritative experts in transfusion medicine describe in critical detail the most important procedures for obtaining, selecting, and transfusing red blood cells to patients. The topics covered include such key issues as transfusion problems in the immunocompromised, the complications of autoantibodies, transfusion of infants with hemolytic disease, difficulties arising from solid organ transplantation, stem cell transfusions, and the challenges of massive transfusion. Also discussed are the use, limitations, and alternatives to autogeneic cells; long-term red cell transfusion; the management of adverse reactions to red cell transfusions; and the question of blood group antigens and their association with disease and differential diagnosis. The book offers transfusion specialists fresh insights and information to maximize and extend their current knowledge.

"The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook" has been an essential resource in the hematology, transfusion and immunogenetics fields since its first publication in the late 1990s.Thethird editionof "The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook" has been completely revised, updated and expanded to cover all 33 blood group systems. It blends scientific background and clinical applications and provides busy researchers and clinicians with at-a-glance information on over 330 blood group antigens, including history and information on terminology, expression, chromosomal assignment, carrier molecular description, functions, molecular bases of antigens and phenotypes, effect of enzymes/chemicals, clinical significance, disease associations and key references.
Includes over 330 entries on blood group antigens in individual factsheetsOffers a logical and concise catalogue structure for each antigen in an improved interior design for quick referenceWritten by 3 international experts from the field of immunohematology and transfusion medicine"