IgG and IgM antibodies: Remember them the easy way

• 

Have you ever had to get your blood drawn? Have you ever wondered about the factors that come into play when the needle and your skin come in contact with each other? Blood Banking incorporates different aspects such as ABO and Rh testing, cross matches, compatibility, donor and recipient requirements among other things. Due to the fact that there are different types of blood groups, it’s important to know the different types in the laboratory because some antibodies can cause life-threatening complications if there is an incompatibility between donor and recipient. Below I have some cute mnemonics of some blood groups that are clinically significant and which ones aren’t. 

All about IgG

IgG antibodies are antibodies that react at body temperature (37C), can cross the placenta  and are therefore considered clinically significant. Eight blood groups that are classified as IgG include Kell, Duffy, Kidd, S, U, P and Rh. Need to remember IgG antibodies? Remember the following mnemonic:

Kell and Duffy had a kidd named Lubby. They all liked to go to the movies and have SUPper Rhight after. They all had a great time. 

Kell (anti-K, anti-k)

Duffy (anti-Fya, anti-Fyb)

Kidd (anti-Jka, anti-Jkb)

Lub (anti-Lub is in the lutheran blood group)

S (Both anti-S and anti-s are part of the MNS system)

U (anti-u in blood group MNS)

P (P blood group system)

Rh (anti-D, anti-C, anti-E, anti-e, anti-c)

All about IgM

IgM cannot cross the placenta and is therefore considered clinically insignificant. Of course there are some rare cases, but for the most part, IgM can be classified as clinically insignificant. There are five antibodies pertaining to IgM. The five blood group systems that pertain to IgM include I (anti-I), Lewis (anti-Lea, anti-Leb), P1 (anti-P1), Lutheran (anti-Lua), and MN( anti-M, anti-N). Here;s a cute menomon to remeeber the anitbodies. 
For this mnemonic the following:

Hi, I’m Paul Lewis, the #1 MaN in charge of the IgM world. 

I’m (anti-I)

P1 (P blood group system)

Lutheran (anti-Lua)

Lewis (anti-Lea, anti-Leb)

MN (anti-M and anti-N from the MN blood group system)

Blood banking is not only imperative within the laboratory, but there are precautions and standards that have to be met in order to give quality patient care. From donor requirements for compatibility crossmatch to making sure blood components are properly stored, it’s imperative to understand the principles behind the blood banking lab as well as understand which blood groups are considered clinically significant. Once you know what type of blood groups are involved in a patient’s workup, you will then know the precautions and steps you will have to do as a follow up to protect the patient. A hospital can’t work alone. From medical laboratory scientists to nurses to doctors to desk workers to the janitors, a hospital works together to give the best patient care. Because after all, every day is a beautiful day to save lives. But better yet, every day is a beautiful day to save lives together.