Blood Banking Importance

The medical laboratory is a staple of any hospital or clinic and is essential in providing accurate results for the patient. Blood banking is of particular importance because of its direct tie to helping patients. There are a number of tests that must be performed on blood, and the clinic as a whole would not be able to function without them.
In the laboratory, there are certain tests that must be performed on all donated blood. Blood typing is done to determine the donor’s ABO blood group and Rh status; it is then matched to the corresponding patient. Before a patient can receive any donated blood, it is tested to ensure the safety of the blood. Blood is tested for red blood cell antibodies that could cause a reaction in the patient, and units …show more content…
While medical laboratory scientists and medical technicians can perform blood tests, the blood bank technology specialist is allowed to do more specialized tests. Blood bank technology specialists are typically more knowledgeable in all aspects of blood banking and demonstrate a superior level of technical proficiency and problem solving. A major part of their responsibilities are supervision, management, and teaching. Although they have extra responsibilities compared to medical laboratory scientists or technicians, they still do routine testing. Blood bank technology specialists can work in a range of fields, including blood donor centers, transfusion services, reference laboratories, and research facilities. To become a specialist, one must obtain a bachelor’s degree in a biological or physical science field and get certified as a medical technologist. Then they must enroll in a one-year specialized training program for certification or pursue a master’s degree in immunohematology for 24 months. Finally, the aspiring blood bank technology specialist must pass a certification exam and, in some states, be licensed ("Blood Bank Technology