Glossary

Alloantibodies:  an antibody that against foreign tissues from a organism of the same species

Alloimmunization: development of antibodies in response to antigens that derived from a genetically dissimilar organism of the same species. 

Amniocentesis: process of withdrawal of amniotic fluid with a needle for the purpose of analysis.

Amniotic fluid: serous fluid in the amniotic sac in which the embryo is immersed.

Antibody screen:  an indirect antiglobulin procedure used to detect atypical antibody (non-ABO antibodies) in serum or plasma.

Avidity:  a measure of how strong antigenic determinants of an antigen could bind to its corresponding antibody

Direct antiglobulin test: serologic test to detect in vitro binding of antibody or complement to red blood cells; useful in cases of AIHA, drug-induced hemolytic anemia, transfusion reaction and HDN.

Eluate:  the supernate resulting when an elution is performed. Antibody bound to red blood cells is released into the eluate in the elution procedure and the eluate may be used for further testing.

Elution: procedure that removes antibody bound to the red blood cells. This antibody goes into the eluate, which can be used for serologic testing.

Erythropoiesis: is used to describe the process of RBC formation or production. In humans,    erythropoiesis occurs almost exclusively in the red bone marrow


Glucuronyl transferase: Glucuronyl transferase is a liver enzyme. It changes bilirubin into a form that can be removed through the bile. It also changes some hormones, medicines, and toxins into non-harmful products. If the body does not produce enough glucuronyl transferase, jaundice can occur.

Hemoglobinemia: the presence of free hemoglobin in blood plasma.

Heterozygous : possessing two different allele for one trait, one inherited from each parent.

Homozygous : possessing two identical allele for one trait, one inherited from each parent.

IgG: Immunoglobulin G, isotype of antibody that can cross the placenta

Indirect antiglobulin test: procedure used to detect in vitro binding of antibody or complement to antigen. The IAT has applications in antibody detection and identification, phenotyping and compatibility testing.

Isoimmununization: production by an individual of antibodies against constituents of the tissues of another individual of the same species

Macrophages: A type of white blood cell that ingests foreign material. Macrophages are key players in the immune response to foreign invaders of the body, such as infectious microorganisms. They are normally found in the liver, spleen, and connective tissues of the body

Petechiae: a small red or purple spot on the body that is caused by a minor hemorrhage


Purpura: red or purple discolorations on the skin that do not blanch on applying pressure


Reticulocytosis: a condition of increased count of reticulocytes (immature red blood cells)

Rhd gene: codes for the Rh factor antigen

Rhesus immune globulin (RhIg): concentrated and purified anti-D given to people who are capable of forming an anti-D (Rh negative) if exposure to the D antigen has occurred or may occur, as during pregnancy. The RhIg prevents immunization to the D antigen.

Rosette test: test used to determine presence of fetomaternal bleed. Fetal cell rosette around an indicator cell and can be counted.

Titre: reciprocal of the highest dilution that shows visible reaction.