A scientist who collects and analyzes donated blood for transfusions is known as a blood bank technology specialist. He or she is in charge of ensuring that blood donations are of high quality, disease-free, and suitable for transfusion into specific patients. A blood bank technology specialist determines the components and type of a blood sample using a variety of complicated laboratory tools and testing techniques. Many experts assist doctors during blood transfusion procedures.
Before being allowed to give blood, donors must undergo a thorough interview and examination. These initial screenings are frequently performed a blood bank technology specialist, who then draws specific amounts of blood from suitable donors. After that, the specialist examines a sample to confirm blood type and ensure that it is not contaminated. For transfusions, high-quality blood is labeled and carefully stored. In some cases, a specialist may conduct tests on the transfusion recipient to ensure that his or her system is compatible with and responsive to new blood.
To analyze blood, blood bank technology specialists use sophisticated laboratory equipment and computer technology. To determine the exact components of a sample, they may use microscopes and cell counters, for example. Blood must be separated into its component parts, such as plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells, in some clinics. Blood sample data is typically stored in computer systems specialists.
A bachelor’s degree in medical technology from a four-year college or university is usually required to work as a blood bank technology specialist, though many specialists choose to pursue master’s degrees. A new specialist must also complete one to two years of paid, structured training in a hospital or clinic, as well as pass a certification exam. Trainees usually work as assistants to experienced specialists, assisting them with sample collection and learning about various laboratory techniques. The American Society for Clinical Pathology offers blood bank technology specialist certification in the United States (ASCP). Most countries have organizations that administer certification exams to new specialists, similar to the ASCP.
Hospitals and community donation centers employ the majority of blood bank technology specialists. Some specialists research new and unusual blood diseases in private, independent laboratories. In addition, experienced specialists frequently work in research and development laboratories for companies that produce new blood bank equipment. Those with advanced degrees may choose to teach medical technology courses and supervise laboratory research at universities.