1;Introduction;7
2;1 Basics of transfusion medicine;11
2.1;1.1 The ABO and Rh blood group systems;11
2.2;1.2 Other blood group systems;20
2.2.1;1.2.1 The MNSs system;21
2.2.2;1.2.2 The P system;21
2.2.3;1.2.3 The Lutheran system;21
2.2.4;1.2.4 The Kell system;22
2.2.5;1.2.5 The Lewis system;22
2.2.6;1.2.6 The Duffy system;22
2.2.7;1.2.7 The Kidd system;23
2.2.8;1.2.8 The Diego system;23
2.2.9;1.2.9 The Xg-a system;24
2.2.10;1.2.10 The Dombrock system;24
2.2.11;1.2.11 The Colton system;24
2.2.12;1.2.12 The Chido/Rodgers system;24
2.2.13;1.2.13 The Cromer system;24
2.2.14;1.2.14 The I/i system;24
2.3;1.3 Natural and immune antibodies;25
2.4;1.4 Transfusion guidelines;27
2.4.1;1.4.1 Indications for the transfusion of concentrated red blood cells;28
2.4.2;1.4.2 Indications for the transfusion of platelet concentrates;31
2.4.3;1.4.3 Indications for the transfusion of fresh frozen plasma;32
2.4.4;1.4.4 Indications for the transfusion of leukodepleted blood components;33
2.4.5;1.4.5 Indications for the transfusion of irradiated blood components;35
2.4.6;1.4.6 Indications for granulocyte transfusions;36
2.4.7;1.4.7 Virus-inactivated blood components;36
2.4.8;1.4.8 Complications of transfusion therapy;38
3;2 The transfusion process;45
3.1;2.1 Blood donation;45
3.2;2.2 Donating multiple blood components;47
3.3;2.3 Preparation of blood and blood components;48
3.4;2.4 The immunohematology laboratory;49
3.5;2.5 The immunohematology laboratory;54
3.5.1;2.5.1 Studying the Rh system;54
3.5.2;2.5.2 Detecting allo-antibodies to red cell antigens;56
3.6;2.6 Transfusion request forms and the administration of blood and blood components;60
4;3 Automation and computerization of the transfusion process;65
4.1;3.1 Automation as a safety factor;65
4.2;3.2 Computerization of the transfusion process: from donor to patient;70
4.3;3.3 The computerized transfusion network;75
4.4;3.4 Hemovigilance;77
4.5;3.5 What can be improved in the future?;81
5;4 Biological validation of blood components;83
5.1;4.1 Molecular and serological methods;835.1.1;4.1.1 Serological investigations;84
5.1.2;4.1.2 Molecular investigations;85
5.1.3;4.1.3 Structure of the DNA;85
5.1.4;4.1.4 Real-time PCR;88
5.1.5;4.1.5 PCR-TMA;90
5.2;4.2 Decision-making and the quality system;94
5.3;4.3 Risk management versus patient safety: medicolegal considerations;105
6;5 Error in transfusion medicine;115
7;Index;119