Getting Started with ISBT Tutorials

Welcome to the ISBT Blood Group Database tutorials. These comprehensive guides will help you navigate and effectively use the database to find blood group information, understand genetic data, and access reference materials maintained by the ISBT Working Party.

Tutorial Sections Overview

Our tutorials are organized into specialized sections to help you master different aspects of the database:

  • Reference Sequences: Learn about genetic templates and how to interpret sequence data for blood group alleles
  • Allele Nomenclature: Understand ISBT guidelines for naming blood group alleles in transfusion medicine
  • Releases: Understand database versioning, release notes, and how to track changes over time
  • Terminology: Master ISBT nomenclature, naming conventions, and standardized blood group terminology
  • Documents & Guidelines: Access official ISBT guidelines, protocols, and working party recommendations
  • Database Usage: Navigate the interface, search effectively, and interpret the data presented

Each tutorial provides step-by-step guidance with practical examples and best practices used by the transfusion medicine community worldwide.

How to Use These Tutorials

For the best learning experience, we recommend:

  • Start with this overview to understand the database structure
  • Review terminology first if you're new to blood group nomenclature
  • Use the navigation sidebar to jump between related topics
  • Follow along with examples using the actual database
  • Check the latest release information for current data

These tutorials are designed for laboratory professionals, researchers, clinicians, and students working with blood group genetics and transfusion medicine.

ISBT Database Foundation

The ISBT Blood Group Database is the authoritative source for:

  • Standardized blood group system nomenclature and numbering
  • Validated genetic sequences and allelic variants
  • Antigen expression data and phenotype information
  • Scientific references and supporting documentation
  • Historical nomenclature changes and updates

All data is curated and validated by the ISBT Working Party on Red Cell Immunogenetics and Blood Group Terminology, ensuring accuracy and consistency for clinical and research applications.

Tutorial Sections