Antibody Screen: Testing the patient's serum with group O reagent red cells in an
effort to detect atypical antibodies.
Anticoagulant: An agent that prevents or delays blood coagulation.
Antigen (Ag): A substance that is recognized by the body as being foreign, thus it can
elicit an immune response. In blood banking, antigens are usually found on the blood
cell membrane.
Antihemophilic Factor (AHF): Term that is sometimes used to describe
cryoprecipitate as well as commercially prepared Factor VIII concentrates.
Antihuman Globulin Test : Test to ascertain the presence or absence of red cell
coating by immunoglobulin (IgG) and/or complement. A positive result is agglutination.
DAT (direct) detects in vivo cell sensitization and IAT (indirect) detects Ag-Ab
reactions that occur in vitro.
Antihuman Globulin (AHG): An antibody prepared in rabbits or other suitable animals
that is directed against human immunoglobulin and/or complement. It is used to
perform the antihuman globulin or Coombs' test. The serum may be either polyspecific
(anti-IgG and anti-complement) or monospecific (either anti-IgG or anti-complement).
AO: Area of Operations.
Apheresis: A method of blood collection in which whole blood is withdrawn, a desired
component separated and retained, and the remainder of the blood returned to the
donor.
AS-1: Anticoagulant Adsol (CPD plus additive solution) of Fenwal that has a shelf life of
42 days. Several BDCs within DOD were licensed for AS-1 in 1996.
AS-5: Anticoagulant Adsol (CPD plus additive solution) of Terumo that has a shelf life
of 42 days. Several BDCs within DOD were licensed for AS-5 in 1996.
ASBP: Armed Services Blood Program directed by the ASBPO.
ASBPO: Armed Services Blood Program Office. A tri-Service staffed DOD field
operating agency responsible for ensuring implementation and coordination of
ASD(HA)-established blood program policies and management of blood resources.
ASD(HA): Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs).
Asymptomatic: Without symptoms.
MD0868
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