Glossary

  • Alloantibody - These are antibodies formed after sensitization via transfusion or pregnancy against foreign antigens.
  • DAT - The direct antiglobulin test (or direct Coombs test) detects antibodies bound to the surface of RBCs.
  • DDAVP  - (or desmopressin) is a drug that promotes the release of VWF and factor VIII used in patients with certain coagulation disorders.
  • DIC - Disseminated intravascular coagulation is the life-threatening process whereby blood begins to coagulate throughout the body, consuming platelets and coagulation factors in the process, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
  • IAT  - The indirect antiglobulin test (or indirect Coombs test) detects unbound antibodies in the patient’s serum.
  • Massive transfusion  - This refers to the replacement of the entire blood volume within a 24-hour period.
  • Microvascular hemorrhage  - This may manifest as bleeding from IV sites, mucosal bleeding or peritoneal hemorrhage. Microvascular hemorrhage may be due to thrombocytopenia, or an underlying condition such as DIC.
  • Plasma - This is the protein-rich liquid component of blood.
  • Platelet  - These are cellular fragments involved in blood clotting.
  • PT/INR  - The prothrombin time or international normalized ratio are measures of time of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation.
  • PTT  - The partial thromboplastin time is a measure of time of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.
  • RBC  - Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are cells involved in oxygen transport.
  • Serum  - This refers to plasma in which the clotting factors have been removed by allowing the blood to coagulate.
  • VWF  - Von Willebrand factor is a glycoprotein involved in coagulation.
  • WBC  - White blood cells, or leukocytes, are cells involved in the immune response.