antigen
Medical term Routine Blood Collections
A marker the immune system recognizes. Red-cell antigens such as A, B and the Rh factor decide a person's blood type.
Related terms
- Rh factorRed-cell antigen tested with the ABO type: people who have it are Rh-positive; those who lack it are…
- anemiaToo few red cells or too little hemoglobin, lowering oxygen delivery. Repeated blood draws can contribute…
- antecubital fossaThe hollow at the front of the elbow where the median cubital, cephalic and basilic veins lie; the main…
- antibodyA protein the immune system makes against a specific antigen. Antibodies against foreign red-cell antigens…
- anticoagulantPrevents clotting: tube additives like EDTA, citrate and heparin, and blood thinners like warfarin, which…
- antisepticA germ-killing agent for skin and living tissue, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol for routine venipuncture…
- arteryA vessel carrying blood away from the heart under high pressure. It pulses when palpated, which helps the…
- atriumAn upper heart chamber. The right one collects blood coming back from the body; the left one collects…
- basilic veinVein on the little-finger side of the antecubital area; the last choice, because the brachial artery and…
Study Routine Blood Collections