GLOSSARY
AABB: American Association of Blood Banks. It is a blood bank accrediting agency.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): The HIV virus infects monocytes
and helper T cells producing a wide range of cellular immunologic defects.
Adsol: Anticoagulant (CPD plus additive solution).
Adulterated: Made inferior or impure.
Agglutination: The clumping together of red blood cells or any particulate matter
resulting from interaction of antibody and its corresponding antigen.
Aggregate: A cluster or clump.
AJBPO: Area Joint Blood Program Office. Manages blood issues in a specific
geographical area.
Albumin: The protein found in the highest concentration in human plasma. It is used
as a diluent for blood typing antisera and potentiator solution in serologic testing to
enhance antigen-antibody reactions.
Allo: Prefix indicating differences within a species. For example, an alloantibody is
produced in one individual against the red cell antigens of another individual.
Allogeneic: Blood or blood products donated for transfusion to the general public.
Anamnestic Response: An accentuated antibody response following a secondary
exposure to an antigen. Antibody levels from the initial exposure are not detectable in
the patient's serum until the secondary exposure, when a rapid reissue in antibody titer
is observed.
Anaphylaxis: An allergic hypersensitivity reaction of the body to a foreign protein or
drug.
Anemia: A condition in which there is reduced O2 delivery to the tissues. It may result
from increased destruction of red cells, excessive blood loss, or decreased production
of red cells.
Antibody (Ab): A protein substance developed in response to, and interacting
specifically with, an antigen. In blood banking, it is found in serum, from either a
commercial manufacturer or a patient. It is secreted by the plasma cells.
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