Course Description

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

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, questions for online discussion, critical thinking activities, directed study, Internet-enhanced reading assignments, and optional live webinar(s). 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 in-depth advanced knowledge of blood banking, transfusion medicine, and the managerial aspects of blood banking. Students will acquire advanced knowledge of the structure, biochemistry and function of red blood cells, hemoglobin and blood group systems, enhanced skills in the identification and resolution of complex antibody/ compatibility testing problems, and in the investigation 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 special transfusion requirements in various anemias, platelet deficiencies, coagulopathies, surgery, oncology, solid-organ transplantation, massive transfusion, autologous and directed donation, neonates, and pediatrics, an overview of medico-legal aspects of blood transfusion, and future directions for methodologies and therapeutic products.

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
Discuss the regulations in the Blood Banking Industry and how the concept of quality
assurance and management is the core of regulation compliance.
Describe the biochemistry, structure and function of blood group systems.
Explain the importance of Pre-Transfusion Testing and Resolution to Antibody Identification
Compare and contrast the implications and complications of the Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn.
Describe therapeutic indications, processing and storage, pre-transfusion testing, and
transfusion protocol for blood components, growth factors and cytokines.
Discuss transfusion support requirements for various anemias, platelet deficiencies,
coagulopathies, surgery, oncology, solid-organ transplantation, massive transfusion, neonates, pediatrics, and autologous and directed donations.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology and investigation of various types of transfusions reactions including immune and nonimmune, hemolytic and nonhemolytic, immediate and delayed transfusion reactions including the strategies to prevent the future occurrence of each type.
Discuss HLA structure, function and its application to immunogenetics and transfusion practice.
Describe blood utilization and auditing techniques used in health care today and the function of the Hospital Transfusion Service Committee.