CAMLPR Transfusion Practice Test

What is an antibody screen and how does it guide transfusion?

A test that screens donor units for infectious agents. A test that determines the recipient’s ABO type only. A test for clinically significant alloantibodies detected by reagents; positive screens require antibody identification and selecting antigen-negative donor units. A test that substitutes for crossmatching.

Correct Answer:

A test for clinically significant alloantibodies detected by reagents; positive screens require antibody identification and selecting antigen-negative donor units.

Explanation:

An antibody screen looks for unexpected antibodies in a patient’s plasma that could attack donor red cells. It uses screening cells that carry a broad set of common red cell antigens. If the screen is negative, the risk of a reaction is low and a crossmatch can confirm compatibility with a chosen donor unit. If the screen is positive, the specific antibody (or antibodies) is identified, revealing exactly which red cell antigen the patient’s plasma targets. Once the antibody is known, you select donor units that lack the corresponding antigen (antigen-negative for that antibody) to prevent a transfusion reaction. This process helps ensure safer transfusions and may lead to broader or extended antigen matching for future transfusions.

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