The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook (3rd Edition)

The Challenge It Addresses

In transfusion medicine and immunohematology, accurate identification of blood group antigens is critical to preventing hemolytic transfusion reactions, managing hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, and ensuring safe blood product allocation. Yet the sheer number of known antigens — over 330, organized into 33 blood group systems — makes it nearly impossible for clinicians, researchers, and laboratory scientists to keep current without a structured, authoritative reference. The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook solves this problem by delivering a concise, standardized factsheet for every clinically significant antigen, enabling rapid lookup and cross-referencing in a single volume.

What Is The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook (3rd Edition)? A Complete Overview

The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook is a comprehensive reference work edited by three leading experts in transfusion medicine: Marion E. Reid, Christine Lomas-Francis, and Martin L. Olsson. Published by Academic Press in its third edition (2012), this book consolidates essential data on all 33 blood group systems recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). Each entry includes the antigen’s molecular basis, frequency, clinical significance, and serological characteristics, presented in a uniform factsheet format that facilitates direct comparison across systems.

This edition has been completely revised and expanded to reflect the latest discoveries in blood group genetics and serology. It covers newly identified antigens, updated nomenclature, and refined disease associations, making it an indispensable tool for anyone working in hematology, transfusion medicine, or immunogenetics.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is designed for professionals who require precise, up-to-date antigen information in their daily practice or research. Its structured factsheet layout makes it equally valuable for quick reference and deep study.

• Transfusion medicine specialists — need immediate access to antigen frequencies and clinical significance for antibody identification and compatibility testing.
• Clinical laboratory scientists — rely on accurate serological data to interpret typing results and resolve discrepancies.
• Hematologists and immunologists — benefit from understanding the molecular basis of blood group antigens and their role in disease.
• Blood bank supervisors — use the book as a training resource for staff and a standard for evaluating new reagents.
• Researchers in immunohematology and genetics — require a comprehensive, cited reference for antigen discovery and population studies.
• Medical students and residents — studying transfusion medicine will find the systematic organization ideal for building foundational knowledge.

What You Will Learn

By working through The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook, readers gain a deep, practical understanding of blood group antigen science. Every factsheet is designed to deliver the following critical information:

1. Antigen identification and nomenclature — includes ISBT number, common name, and gene symbol for each antigen.
2. Molecular basis and genetics — describes the gene, chromosome location, and nucleotide changes that define each antigen.
3. Frequency and distribution — provides population-specific prevalence data, essential for predicting transfusion reactions.
4. Clinical significance — details the risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
5. Serological characteristics — includes optimal testing methods, antigen stability, and antibody detection tips.
6. Disease associations — links specific antigens to conditions such as malaria resistance, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

Why This Book Stands Out

Unlike general hematology textbooks or online databases, this factsheet format offers a unique combination of depth, consistency, and portability. Competing references often cover only the most common antigens or bury data in dense prose, slowing down critical decisions. The FactsBook series pioneered the one-page-factsheet approach, allowing users to compare antigens side by side without flipping between chapters. The third edition also includes expanded coverage of the 33 blood group systems — more than any previous edition or comparable print resource. Furthermore, the authors are recognized authorities who have shaped modern immunohematology, lending unmatched credibility to the content.

While online resources like the ISBT database provide similar information, they lack the curated, peer-reviewed validation and the convenient offline access that this book provides. For laboratory professionals who need rapid, reliable answers at the bench, the FactsBook remains the gold standard.

Behind the Book

Dr. Marion E. Reid is a world-renowned immunohematologist and former Director of the Immunohematology Laboratory at the New York Blood Center, with over 200 publications on blood group antigens. Christine Lomas-Francis is a Senior Scientist at the New York Blood Center and a leading expert in red cell serology. Dr. Martin L. Olsson is a Professor of Transfusion Medicine at Lund University, Sweden, and a pioneer in blood group genotyping. Together, they bring decades of hands-on experience, research, and editorial leadership to the book.

Published by Academic Press, an imprint of Elsevier, the book benefits from rigorous peer review and high editorial standards. Academic Press has a long history of producing authoritative reference works in the biomedical sciences, further reinforcing the trustworthiness of this third edition.

Is It Worth It?

For any professional involved in blood grouping, antibody identification, or transfusion management, the answer is unequivocally yes. The FactsBook saves time by organizing complex data into a predictable format, reduces errors by providing consistent, vetted information, and enhances clinical decision-making with clear guidance on antigen significance. No other single volume covers all 33 blood group systems with the same level of detail and accessibility. The third edition’s updates ensure that even experienced practitioners will find new material relevant to modern practice. Whether you are a trainee building your knowledge base or a seasoned specialist needing a bench-side companion, this book delivers exceptional value for its price.

Add The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook (3rd Edition) to Your Library

Stop relying on fragmented online searches or outdated textbooks. Order your copy of The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook, 3rd Edition, today and gain instant access to the most comprehensive, authoritative factsheet collection on blood group antigens. This edition from Academic Press (2012) is the definitive resource for transfusion medicine professionals, clinical laboratory scientists, and hematology researchers. Add to cart now and elevate your practice with the reference trusted by thousands worldwide.