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Rutgers SHP Requirements for Graduation and Course Descriptions

Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences/Medical Laboratory Sciences

Clinical Laboratory Science

CLSC5133 - Transfusion Practice

Course Description

The course provides a foundation of knowledge in theory, practice applications, regulations, quality, and compliance in Blood Banking and transfusion services. In addition, the course provides an overview of donor blood collection, processing, testing and storage as well as current understanding of cellular therapy in the hospital transfusion service. Theory of blood group systems, complex antibody and compatibility problems, requirements for transfusion support, adverse effects of transfusion, and blood utilization will be discussed. Additional topics include hematopoietic progenitor cells and HLA transplantation, and case studies may be incorporated to apply learning in practice.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits: 3

Students should anticipate spending approximately 135 hours on the course, or an average of 9 -12 hours per week for 15 weeks.

The course is web based. Various active teaching/learning strategies and techniques will be utilized via Internet delivery of the course. Modes of instruction and course format may include posted lectures, textbook readings, articles, questions for online discussion, critical thinking activities, directed study and Internet-enhanced reading assignments. Students are expected to be prepared for all class meetings, and it is essential that all students be prepared to contribute to class discussions and activities.

Prerequisites

Baccalaureate degree, plus previous work experience in immunohematology - blood banking.

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

The goals of the course are to provide students with current practice applications in blood banking and transfusion services. Students will acquire advanced knowledge of the structure, biochemistry and function of red blood cells, organization of blood group systems, the evidence base for optimizing transfusion therapy, and measures of transfusion effectiveness in outcomes studies and investigations of adverse reactions to transfusions. From the managerial aspect, student will acquire knowledge related to indication and practice guidelines for administration of blood and blood components including transfusion requirements in special circumstances and for special patients, e.g., platelet deficiencies, coagulopathies, neonates, organ and tissue transplantation, massive transfusion, therapeutic apheresis, an overview of medico-legal aspects of blood services delivery, and future directions in applications, methods, and therapeutic product development.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
Apply Advanced Concepts: Discuss key physiological, molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms related to blood management and transfusion outcomes. Include regulations and quality assurance practices, as well as the relevance of molecular testing and blood product utilization.
Evaluate Transfusion Service Compliance: Apply federal, state, and local regulations, including FDA 510K clearance, to ensure compliance in blood product management and transfusion practices.
Manage Blood Bank Systems: Support the development and maintenance of blood bank and electronic systems to enhance transfusion medicine practices.
Analyze and Interpret Hematologic Disorders: Examine and apply scientific literature, guidelines, and diagnostic criteria for disorders such as hemolytic disease and autoimmune hemolysis, including their etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management.
Assess Laboratory Testing: Evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and limitations of laboratory tests used in the diagnosis and management of blood disorders and identify factors affecting test accuracy.
Support Clinical Transfusion Needs: Address transfusion support requirements for various clinical scenarios, including anemias, coagulopathies, and complex cases, and discuss procurement strategies for special situations.
Investigate and Manage Transfusion Reactions: Describe the pathophysiology and investigation of transfusion reactions, including strategies to prevent future occurrences and manage different types of reactions.
Ethical and Contraindication Considerations: Discuss ethical considerations and contraindications for transfusions, including special populations and scenarios requiring careful ethical evaluation.
Optimize Blood Utilization: Describe blood utilization practices, auditing techniques, and the role of the Hospital Transfusion Service Committee in managing blood resources.
Evaluate Emerging Tests and Strategies: Stay informed about current, new, and emerging tests and strategies for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of blood disorders.