immTest

immTest is a term that refers to the Immunohematology Testing laboratory, a crucial component of blood banking and transfusion services. This laboratory is responsible for performing a variety of tests to ensure the safety and compatibility of blood products before they are transfused to patients. The primary goal of immTest is to prevent transfusion reactions, which can range from mild allergic responses to severe, life-threatening conditions.

Key tests performed within immTest include blood typing, also known as ABO and Rh typing, which determines an individual's blood group. This is essential because transfusing incompatible blood types can lead to a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Another critical test is antibody screening, which identifies unexpected antibodies in a patient's serum that could react with antigens on donor red blood cells. Crossmatching, or compatibility testing, is also a central function, where the donor's red blood cells are mixed with the recipient's serum to detect any antigen-antibody reactions. Furthermore, immTest laboratories may perform tests for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, to ensure the donated blood is free from transmissible pathogens. The meticulous work carried out in immTest laboratories is fundamental to safe and effective transfusion medicine.