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Blood Bank
Technology Specialist
Specialists in blood bank technology perform and supervise
routine and specialized tests in blood banks and blood collection centers.
Their duties include: 1) identifying blood types and antibodies; 2) screening
for transfusion-transmitted viruses; 3) investigating adverse responses to
transfusion; 4) supervising the collection, separation, delivery, and storage
of blood components; and 5) supporting physicians and nurses in blood
transfusion therapy. The blood bank technology specialist's training enables
him or her to perform specialized tests, such as those dealing with the study
of blood and its immunities (immunohematology).
Work Environment
Blood bank technologists work primarily in hospitals,
community blood banks, transfusion centers, and laboratories.
Job Outlook
Employment opportunities in Texas are expected to be good because of a growing elderly population. The job outlook
for blood bank technology specialists is similar to that for medical
technologists.
Length of Training/
Requirements
Acceptance into an accredited 12-month training 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 that applicants have
one year of work experience in addition to the bachelor's degree. The blood
bank technology curriculum includes theoretical concepts of blood bank
immunohematology, laboratory management, and rotations in all technical areas
of the modern blood bank and transfusion services.
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Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $35,000 - $55,000.
Educational Programs
The University of Texas
Health Science Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas Houston
Health Science Center
The University of
Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
The University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas
Professional Associations
American Association of
Blood Banks
8101 Glenbrook Rd.
Bethesda, MD 20814-2749
301/907-6977
American Society for
Clinical Laboratory Science
7910 Woodmond Ave., Ste. 530
Bethesda,
MD 20814
301/657-2768
American Society of
Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry
2100 W. Harrison St.
Chicago, IL 60612-3798
312/738-1336
Fax: 312/738-5800
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