BLOOD BANK TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST

Blood bank technology specialists perform both routine and specialized tests in blood banks and blood collection centers. Duties may include identifying blood types and antibodies, screening for transfusion-transmitted viruses, investigating adverse responses to transfusion, supervising the collection, separation, delivery and storage of blood components, and supporting physicians and nurses in blood transfusion therapy. Although medical technologists and medical laboratory technicians perform various blood tests, the blood bank technology specialist’s training enables him/her to perform specialized tests, such as those dealing with the study of blood and its immunities (immunohematology).

HOW DO I BECOME A BLOOD BANK TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST?

Most programs are approximately 12 months. Acceptance into an accredited program requires certification in medical technology by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in any of the biological or physical sciences. Most programs also require the applicant to have one year of work experience in addition to the bachelor’s degree. The curriculum for blood bank technology includes theoretical concepts of blood bank immunohematology, laboratory management, and rotations in all technical areas of the modern blood bank and transfusion services.

Certification as a blood bank technology specialist is voluntary and may be obtained from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Blood bank technology specialists work in many types of facilities, including community blood centers, private hospital blood banks, university-affiliated blood banks, transfusion services, and independent laboratories.

JOB OUTLOOK

Because of a growing elderly population, the job outlook is good for blood bank technology specialists  and is similar to that for medical technologists with a projected job growth of 15% from 2010-2020.  There will be an increasing need to diagnose certain diseases through laboratory procedures, which will increase the job market in the coming years.  With training, blood bank technology specialists may advance to supervisory or administrative positions.  These specialists may also be involved in research, teaching, or consulting.