Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine

The goal of the rotation in Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine is for the resident to become sufficiently familiar with current knowledge in the field to allow him/her to serve as consultants to clinicians and to blood bank staff.

The rotation is three blocks in duration, which may be completed in a single block or more often in a 2-month block followed by a one month-block. Incoming Residents are expected to learn practical methods in immunohematology by spending time in the Blood Bank under the supervision of the Blood Bank Medical Director/Attending Pathologist/Technical Staff. This includes daily teaching rounds session. 


The resident must:

  • Understand basic immunology as applicable to Transfusion Medicine: antigens, antibodies, and complement; immune reactions, involving blood cells and blood constituents, both in vivo and in vitro.
  • Be conversant with blood group serology and genetics; including red cell, leukocyte, and platelet antigens; their respective antibodies; and the serologic techniques necessary for their demonstration.
  • Be familiar with blood component therapy; including knowledge of the coagulation mechanism, evaluation and treatment of coagulation disorders, and advantages and disadvantages of specific blood components.
  • Be conversant with principles of stem cell/tissue transplantation and blood transfusion; including red cell compatibility testing; histocompatibility testing, rejection phenomena; and hazards of blood transfusion, including transfusion reactions and disease transmission.
  • Be able to communicate with clinicians regarding indications and contraindications for therapeutic apheresis procedures. 
  • In the third month residents are expected to perform a mock accreditation inspection according to the AABB standards under the coordination of the Blood Bank management.

Rotation Highlights

  • Self-directed learning program which consists of recorded lectures on several topics covering blood bank and transfusion medicine.
  • Bench work observation experience with our technical staff/education coordinator.
  • One on one teaching lectures and the daily round discussions on blood bank cases and consultations with the attending pathologist.
  • Meetings with the blood bank management on how to manage a transfusion service.