A GLOSSARY OF TERMS RELATED TO BLOOD AND BLOOD BANKING

ABO the major blood groups system. People can be either A, B, O or AB. Among the donor population, the approximate breakdown of blood groups is : Group O - 45%; Group A - 40%; Group B - 11% and Group AB - 4%. Each time an individual donates blood, his or her blood is treated as a first- time donation and the ABO and Rh typing are repeated.

ALT Alanine aminotransferase - a liver enzyme. The ALT test determines the level of this enzyme in the blood. Blood donors who show a high level of ALT may be at increased risk of transmitting Hepatitis.

Anemia A condition in which there is reduced oxygen delivery to the tissues due to a reduction in the number of circulating red cells. It may result from increased destruction of red cells, excessive blood loss or decreased production of red cells.

Antigen A substance that is recognized by the body as being foreign, thus it can elicit an immune response. In blood banking, antigens are usually, but not exclusively, found on the blood cell membrane.

Apheresis A special blood donation procedure in which plasma or selected cellular elements, such as platelets or white cells, are separated from the other parts of the blood and retained. Blood is drawn and processed through a cell separator, and the other cells and plasma are returned to the body. Apheresis takes approximately two hours compared with a whole blood donation of about eight to ten minutes.

Autologous the collection and storage of blood or blood components from a patient for subsequent transfusion to that same person.

Bloodmobile any site staffed and equipped for collecting blood from donors.

Bone Marrow     the site in the body in which all blood cells are made.

CFR Code of Federal Regulations - the manufacturing standards that govern and regulate blood operation, laboratories and other medical functions throughout the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces compliance of the CFR.

Components Portions of the blood extracted from the whole blood after it has been collected in a multi-pack blood bag intended for separation. Components prepared by Red Cross Blood Services are red blood cells platelet concentrates; fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and cryo-poor plasma.

Cryoprecipitate Concentrated form of Factor VIII used to treat hemophiliacs. The component is produced by thawing fresh frozen plasma for two hours in a 4/C water bath until it yields precipitate of the antihemophilic factor. The plasma unit is then spun in a refrigerated centrifuge to separate the cryoprecipitate from the rest of the plasma.

Deferral People registered to donate blood who are not permitted to donate blood, either temporarily or permanently for medical or other reasons.

Derivatives Blood products obtained from liquid or frozen plasma units that have been pooled and then chemically fractionated.

Directed Donation Blood donated by individuals recruited by the recipient and designated specifically for transfusion to that specific recipient. If the intended recipient does not use the blood it may be released for use by any patient.

Donor Group Companies, schools, churches or civic clubs that sponsor blood drives.

Doubles a blood collection bag with one additional, or satellite, bag for collection and processing of red cells and plasma.

Factor VIII the clotting factor absent or decreased in patients with Hemophilia A. Also called anti-hemophilic factor.

FDA Food and Drug Administration - a federal government regulatory agency. All Red Cross blood centers operate under one license issued, regulated, and inspected by this agency.

Fixed Site Permanent Blood Collection facilities based at selected chapters in the region for the purpose of regular blood collections in that area.

Fresh Frozen Plasma FFP - this product is manufactured from the liquid portion of the blood (plasma). Plasma contains coagulation factors in blood and is used to treat patients who develop bleeding problems during major surgery or through massive trauma. Because some of the factors are very unstable, plasma must be frozen within eight hours of separation in order to preserve its functions. Plas+SD is a new form of FFP in which viruses responsible for hepatitis and AIDS have been killed.

Gamma Globulin Plasma protein derivatives used to fight infection.

Hemoglobin Hgb - an iron containing protein found in red blood cells. Blood donors must meet an established level of hemoglobin before they can donate blood.

Hepatitis Inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis B a virus transmitted through blood and other body fluids. All blood units that test positive for Hepatitis B are destroyed and the blood donor is permanently deferred from donating blood. Blood collection centers began testing all units of blood for Hepatitis B virus in the early 1970s.

Hepatitis B Immune Globulin HBIG is a vaccine used for prevention of Hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis C HCV - the virus identified as the leading cause of Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis. The Hepatitis C Antibody (or Anti-HCV) test detects antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus. The Anti-HCV test was implemented in May 1990 to further reduce the incidence of post-transfusion hepatitis. The blood from donors who test positive for HCV antibodies is discarded.

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus - the virus associated with AIDS. The Anti-HIV test for exposure to the AIDS virus detects antibodies to HIV. A confirmed positive result from the anti-HIV means that the person has been exposed to the AIDS virus, has developed antibodies to the virus and may be a carrier of the virus. All blood units that test positive are destroyed and the blood donor is permanently deferred from donating blood. Testing for the AIDS antibody began in April 1985. Testing for the antigen began in 1996.

HLA Human Leukocyte Antigen - any one of four significant genetic markers found on all nucleated cells of the body that determine white blood cell types. The HLA system is used to assess tissue compatibility for platelet and white blood cell transfusion and organ transplantation. There are approximately 10,000 HLA types.

Homologous Donation a unit of blood (about 450 m) donated by a volunteer blood donor and intended to be used by any patient in any hospital.

Immune Globulin a sterile protein solution made from human plasma containing the gamma globulin protein fraction. This product is used to enhance the body’s immune response when it is exposed with a disease causing antigen.

Immune Response the reaction of the body to substances that are foreign or are interpreted as being foreign. See antigen and antibody.

Leukocyte the term used for all types of white blood cells (granulocyte, lymphocyte, monocyte) Among the functions of the leukocyte are the engulfment of bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Leukocyte Reduced Components components with white blood cells (leukocytes) removed to prevent adverse reactions due to antigens on white cells.

Leukocyte Reduced Red Blood Cells Red blood cell filtration can be accomplished by use of a bedside filter immediately before transfusion or at the blood center shortly after collection. Platelets can also be leukoreduced.

National Marrow Donor Program NMDP - a program to match volunteer unrelated donors to patients who need a bone marrow transplant.

National Testing Laboratory NTL - a centralized lab where all blood tests on Red Cross donor blood are performed.

Platelets the smallest blood cell. The platelet is necessary to prevent bleeding from smaller vessels and is a necessary part of the clotting mechanism.

Unit 1)a bag of donated blood that contains 450-500mL (approximately one pint) 2) three donor beds at a bloodmobile 3) the blood collection vehicles, staff, equipment and supplies sent to a bloodmobile.

Venipuncture (VP) the puncture of a vein for the withdrawal of blood or for intravenous medication.

White Cells the cellular component of blood that fights infection.

Whole Blood blood is made up of several elements, each of which performs a special function in the body. These elements are red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, cryoprecipitate and platelets. Blood is collected as whole blood.