CAP Pro Course - Blood Bank - Antibody Screen and Identification (2025 & 2026)

Author: Suzanne H. Butch, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, SBB, DLM
Reviewers: Joy Gould, MS, SBBCM(ASCP)CCM, BB, MLT, CQIA(ASQ), CPHQ and Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Select problem-solving techniques based on serologic and clinical information.
  • Interpret antibody panels and apply rule-out strategies to identify antibodies.
  • Apply antibody characteristics to antibody identification.
  • Select additional testing procedures to confirm/rule-out presumed antibody identification.

Course Outline

  • Select problem-solving techniques based on serologic and clinical information.
      • Specimen Quality
      • Antibody Screening and Antibody Identification
      • Antiglobulin Reagents
      • Frequency of Antibody Identification
      • The First Steps in Problem Solving - Reviewing
      • Antibody Characteristics
      • Dosage
      • Selecting a Problem-Solving Strategy
      • Example of Selecting a Problem-Solving Strategy
      • A panel was performed on a new serum specimen from patient HG. Polyspecific antihuman globulin was used to perform the testing. Hemolysis is noted in ...
      • Patient RW has a positive antibody screen on a current specimen. The previously identified antibody was anti-M. Which of the following screening cells...
  • Interpret antibody panels and apply rule-out strategies to identify antibodies.
      • Antibody Identification Panels
      • Methods Used for the Initial Antibody Identification Panel
      • The Rule-Out Process
      • Cross-out Method
      • Rules for Rule-Outs
      • When the Antibody Cannot Be Identified in the Initial Panel
      • More About Probability of Rule-Outs
      • Of the remaining possible antibodies, which antibodies must be confirmed or ruled out by additional testing? Rh-HrKellDuffyKiddLewisMNSsP1LutheranXgDo...
      • What antibodies can be ruled out based on the reactions with homozygous cells in the panel? Rh-HrKellDuffyKiddLewisMNSsP1LutheranXgDonor Cell NumberRh...
  • Apply antibody characteristics to antibody identification.
      • Patterns of Reactivity
      • Strength of Reactivity
      • Phases of Reactivity
      • The primary testing strategy for performing additional testing in the panel below would be based on which of the following? Rh-HrKellDuffyKiddLewisMNS...
      • In the panel below, the pattern of reactivity is suggestive of which of the following? Rh-HrKellDuffyKiddLewisMNSsP1LutheranXgDonor Cell NumberRhDCcEe...
  • Select additional testing procedures to confirm/ruleout presumed antibody identification.
      • Confirming the Antibody
      • Selection of Additional Cells
      • Antigen Typing
      • Enhancement and Selection Methods
      • Enhancement and Selection Methods, continued
      • Adsorptions and Elutions
      • Putting It All Together
      • The panel has been completed on patient SS. The interpretation is anti-Fya. Based on the panel and antibody screen results, is the workup considered c...
      • Patient ST has a history of anti-k. Antiglobulin crossmatches performed today using k-negative red cells were positive. What technique may be most hel...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for MLS, MT, and MLT personnel, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information: Suzanne H. Butch, MA, MLS(ASCP)<sup>CM</sup>, SBB, DLM is currently working on special projects for the Department of Pathology at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She formerly worked in Quality Assurance in the Department of Pathology and as the Administrative Manager for Healthcare, Blood Bank & Transfusion Service at the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds a Bachelors in Medical Technology from the University of Michigan, a Masters's Degree in Management and Supervision from Central Michigan University, and Certifications as a Specialist in Blood Bank, as a Quality Audit and as a Diplomate in Laboratory Medicine.
Reviewer Information:
Joy Gould, MS, SBBCM(ASCP)CCM,BB, MLT, CQIA(ASQ), CPHQ received a Master of Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA and a Bachelor of Science from Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. She is a Teaching Assistant Professor and the Director of Academic and Corporate Initiatives for the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Biotechnology at Thomas Jefferson University. She held the position of Transfusion Medicine Supervisor for both Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Methodist Hospital for 12 years. Joy has been a Medical Technologist for over 37 years, 23 in a blood bank supervisory capacity.
Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP), has over 20 years of experience as a medical technologist, technical supervisor, professor, and manager. He is the former Director of Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Laboratory Technician Programs at Brookline College. Rory holds a BS degree in Medical Technology from North Dakota State University and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.

This course is part of the CAP Competency Assessment Hub.

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