Abstract
This book aims to provide a short, affordable, introductory text on transfusion science for medical and biomedical science students. Its style is explanatory rather than didactic, and it does not attempt to cover all the minutiae of the subject. Each chapter commences with a series of learning objectives, the text is written in a relatively accessible style with generous use of explanatory diagrams and tables and the chapters finish with self-assessment questions and a summary of key concepts and facts. The text focuses on developing conceptual understanding in what can be a difficult field, but a short bibliography is provided at the end of each chapter for those who may wish to pursue specific subjects in more depth. Chapter 1 reviews basic immunology including the components of innate, humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Chapter 2 deals in more detail with the nature, structure and function of antibodies, and Chapter 3 discusses the structure and function of the complement system. Chapter 4 covers some basic elements of molecular biology as it relates to blood groups. Chapter 5 deals with the ABO and Rhesus blood group systems and Chapter 6 with the other important red blood group systems, including Lewis, P, li, MNSs, Lutheran, Kell, Kidd and Duffy. Some areas such as the interaction between Se, H, Le and A and B genes and the nature of the P/P1 system are well explained despite their complex nature. Chapter 7 deals with immune haemolytic anaemias and haemolytic disease of the newborn. Chapter 8 reviews blood products and components. Chapter 9 provides a good review of haemagglutination and basic blood grouping methodology. Chapter 10 deals with adverse effects of blood transfusion, Chapter 11 with the HLA system, tissue typing and its role in transplantation. Overall this is a well-written book that provides comprehensive coverage of the conceptual basis of modern laboratory immunohaematology. I would highly recommend it as an introductory test for students of this field.
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