| diastolic blood pressure | The pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries when the heart is in the relaxation phase (diastole). Considered abnormally elevated if consistently over 90 mmhg. (27 Sep 1997) |
|---|---|
| differential blood pressure | The arterial blood pressure at corresponding points on the two sides of the body. (05 Mar 2000) |
| differential white blood count | An estimate of the percentage of white blood cell types which make up the total white blood cell count. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Dombrock blood group | See Blood Groups appendix. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dragon's blood | Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| duffy blood-group system | A blood group consisting mainly of the antigens fy(a) and fy(b), determined by allelic genes, the frequency of which varies profoundly in different races; amorphic genes are common. (12 Dec 1998) |
| I blood-group system | A blood group related both to the abo and p systems that includes several different antigens found in most people on erythrocytes, in milk, and in saliva. The antibodies react only at low temperatures. (12 Dec 1998) |
| incompatible blood transfusion reaction | A syndrome due to intravascular haemolysis of transfused blood by serum antibodies of the recipient, which react with an antigen of the donor red cells; characterised by chills, fever (often with urticaria), backache or muscle cramps, haemoglobinaemia, haemoglobinuria, and oliguria, which may result in acute renal failure, DIC, and death. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occult blood | Blood that is in the faeces or vomitus that is not obvious by general inspection. Used as a diagnostic screening test for colon cancer. Tests for occult blood are generally colourimetric. Stool sample will turn blue when a particular chemical reagent is mixed with the specimen on test paper. Kits for measuring occult blood in the stools are now available at most drug stores. (27 Sep 1997) |
| exchange transfusion, whole blood | Repetitive withdrawal of small amounts of blood and replacement with donor blood until a large proportion of the blood volume has been exchanged. Used in treatment of foetal erythroblastosis, hepatic coma, sickle cell anaemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, septicaemia, burns, thrombotic thrombopenic purpura, and fulminant malaria. (12 Dec 1998) |
| faecal occult blood test | <investigation> A chemical test that measures the presence of fresh or decomposed blood. Blood may arise from bleeding anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. An easy to perform colourmetric test. Occult means hidden. (08 Mar 2000) |
| K blood group | K blood group See Kell blood group, Blood Groups appendix. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Kell blood group | <haematology, immunology> Blood type classification based on a group of erythrocyte antigens that is characterised by an antibody called anti-K. Multiple erythrocytic antigens that comprise at least three pairs of alternates and amorphs, determined by one complex gene or possibly several genes at closely linked loci. The system is important in transfusion reactions. Its expression involves the X chromosome. (21 Jun 2000) |
| Kidd blood group | See Blood Groups appendix. (05 Mar 2000) |
| kidd blood-group system | A group of antigens consisting principally of jk(a) and jk(b), determined by allelic genes. Amorphs are encountered. Antibodies of these substances are usually weak and quite labile, stimulated by erythrocytes. (12 Dec 1998) |