NAM; DATE;________________________________ Lab Instructor's Name; _______________________________ Module #11 Lab Worksheet Rh disease (erythroblastosis fetalis or a hemolytic disease of the newborn, HDN). (It may help to think of the Rh factor as a flag on the surface of the cell. An Rh- mother was previously sensitized by exposure to Rh+ red blood cells. This could have occurred either at delivery of her first Rh+ newborn or through incorrect blood typing where she was transfused with Rh+ red blood cells. In either case, she now has antibodies in her circulation (IgG, IgM, etc.) specific for Rh+ red blood cells. Recall also that IgG can cross the placenta. The next baby could be Rh+ or Rh-. Use the following table to indicate the relevant Ag and Ab. situation and the outcomes for each case. Next baby’s blood type Ag on baby’s RBCs Mother’s Ab. in serum Results with Coombs reagent + baby’s RBCs Outcome for baby Rh+ Rh─ 1. What class of antibodies normally causes Rh disease? Why is this significant? 2. How can one type for the Rh blood type? 3. What is Coombs reagent? How is it obtained? How does it reveal the presence of Rh antibody that is bound on the surface of RBC's? 4. Contrast the inherent danger of Rh disease in the case of an Rh- mother and an Rh+ father in the first pregnancy vs subsequent pregnancies. 5. Prevention of future Rh disease: What is RHOGAM? How is it made? How does it act? When must it be given? 6. How can the mother’s Abs cause lysis of the baby’s RBCs? 7. Why is administration of Rhogam a passive immunization but not a vaccination? 8. How is Rh disease
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