Human Blood Groups is a comprehensive and fully referenced text covering both the scientific and clinical aspects of red cell surface antigens, including: serology, inheritance, biochemistry, molecular genetics, biological functions and clinical significance in transfusion medicine. Since the last edition, seven new blood group systems and over 60 new blood group antigens have been identified. All of the genes representing those systems have now been cloned and sequenced. This essential new information has made the launch of a third edition of Human Blood Groups, now in four colour, particularly timely. This book continues to be an essential reference source for all those who require clinical information on blood groups and antibodies in transfusion medicine and blood banking.

This important book uses selected molecules expressed on erythrocytes, lymphocytes, platelets and granulocytes to illustrate how genetic polymorphisms and variations in these molecules can affect their structure and function in mature human blood cells. The examples described tend to have a clinical association. Human blood group antigens and HLA antigens are classic examples of genetic polymorphism and they are important in blood transfusion and organ transplantation, respectively. In common with the blood group antigens, the polymorphic and variant antigens on platelets and granulocytes can be targets for antibodies in feto-maternal antigen incompatibility and transfusion reactions. Certain inherited haemolytic anaemias can be attributed to some of the polymorphic and variant forms of erythrocyte anion transport protein, spectrin, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase which exhibit abnormal structural or functional properties. Similarly, the study of cytokine gene polymorphism can provide a further understanding of the immune/inflammatory diseases and allogeneic transplantation./a