A Comprehensive Overview of "HTLA" and "HTLA-Like" Antibodies

(based on 686 customer ratings)

Author: Matt Hukill, PhD, MS, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM
Reviewer: Chelsey Geurkink, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Define the term "HTLA."
  • Recognize how "HTLA" antibodies present during an antibody identification investigation.
  • Review the blood group systems that are associated with the term "HTLA."
  • Differentiate between an "HTLA" antibody and other antibodies to red cell antigens.
  • Evaluate the clinical relevance of a newly identified "HTLA" antibody.
  • Recommend appropriate transfusion decision based on serological findings.

Course Outline

  • What is an "HTLA" Antibody?
    • Definition of an "HTLA" Antibody
      • Definition of an "HTLA" Antibody
    • History of "HTLA" Antibodies
      • History of "HTLA" Antibodies
    • Characteristics of an "HTLA" Antibody
      • Common Characteristics of an "HTLA" Antibody
      • Secondary Characteristics of an "HTLA" Antibody
    • Blood Group Systems Associated with "HTLA" Antibodies
      • Blood Group Systems Associated with "HTLA" Antibodies
      • Chido and Rodgers System
      • JMH System
      • Knops System
      • COST Collection
      • Cartwright System
      • Dombrock System
      • Gerbich System
      • Lutheran System
      • VEL System
      • Table 1: Summary of Blood Group Systems Associated with "HTLA" Antibodies
    • Knowledge Check
      • What does the term "HTLA" refer to?
      • While conducting a workup for "HTLA" antibodies to exclude underlying red cell antibodies, you realize your resources are limited. Based on the common...
      • Which antibody that is characterized as an "HTLA" antibody is commonly referred to as the old man antibody?
  • How to Identify an "HTLA" Antibody
    • Initial Antibody Panel Reactivity
      • Typical Reactivity Pattern of an "HTLA" Antibody
      • Reactivity with Alternate Methods
    • Determine if Reactivity is Consistent with "HTLA" Antibodies
      • Methods of Identification: Run Phenotypically Similar Panel Cells
      • Methods of Identification: Perform Antibody Titration
      • Methods of Identification: Adsorbing...Is It Helpful or Not?
      • Methods of Identification: Utilizing Alternative Sources of Red Blood Cells for Testing
      • Methods of Identification: "HTLA" vs. HLA Antibodies
    • Next Steps to Take in Antibody Investigation
      • Ruling Out Clinically Significant Antibodies
      • Treating Red Cells with Chemicals or Enzymes
      • Using Neutralization as an Identification Tool
    • Determine Clinical Significance of Identified Antibody
      • Make a Transfusion Recommendation (If Possible)
    • Knowledge Check
      • Why do "HTLA" antibodies typically not react when using the solid phase red cell adherence methodology?
      • What is the biggest clue to help differentiate between an "HTLA" antibody and an HLA antibody?
      • It is often difficult to provide blood negative for high-prevalence antigens. In very rare settings when the patient is expected to be reliant on tran...
  • Case Studies
    • Case Study #1
      • Case Study 1: Initial Information and Testing
      • Case Study 1: Subsequent Testing
      • Case Study 1: Further Subsequent Testing
      • Case Study 1: Selecting Blood for Transfusion
    • Case Study #2
      • Case Study 2: Initial Information and Testing
      • Case Study 2: Subsequent Testing
      • Case Study 2: Phenotypically Similar Cells
      • Case Study 2: Treating the Panel Cells
      • Case Study 2: Narrowing the Possibilities
      • Case Study 2: Transfusion Recommendation
    • Case Study #3
      • Case Study 3: Initial Information and Testing
      • Case Study 3: Subsequent Testing
      • Case Study 3: Enzyme Treatment
      • Case Study 3: Chemical Treatment
      • Case Study 3: Narrowing the Possibilities
      • Case Study 3: Wrapping Up
    • Knowledge Check
      • Which of the following antigens are destroyed by 0.2M DTT but not by proteolytic enzymes?
      • A trauma patient arrives at your hospital and a type and screen is drawn immediately upon arrival. Before testing is complete, the patient is given 2 ...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Advanced
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists and medical laboratory technicians. This course may also be appropriate for medical laboratory science students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Matt Hukill, PhD, MS, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM, is a specialist in immunohematology who currently works at the American Red Cross in Durham, NC. A dedicated educator, he serves as a trainer, instructor, and mentor in the Blood Bank Technology program, as well as working part-time as an AABB assessor. His experience in the field also includes managing an immunohematology reference laboratory (IRL), working in transfusion services in major hospital systems, as well as developing educational curricula and authoring technical documents.
Reviewer Information: Chelsey Geurkink, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM, is an instructor for the Specialist in Blood Banking and Medical Laboratory Science program within the College of Health Sciences at RUSH University. She completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at RUSH University. She completed her graduate degree in Clinical Laboratory Management at RUSH University. Chelsey received the Teaching Assistant of the Year award in the Medical Laboratory Science Department at RUSH University in 2015 and was recognized for her accomplishment in education and training in the field of transfusion medicine by the American Association of Blood Banks in 2019. She is currently the Manager of RUSH University Medical Center's Blood Bank.

This course is part of:
Compliance & CE
HTLA 1
HTLA 3
HTLA 4