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Blood Bank Specialist

Blood bank specialists work under the direction of a pathologist or other physicians, typing, crossmatching, and processing blood for life-giving transfusions. In collecting, classifying, storing and processing blood, the specialist detects and identifies antibodies in patients' and donors' blood and selects suitable blood for transfusion. Although medical technologists and medical laboratory technicians may all perform various tests in blood bank technology, the specialist is a more highly trained individual who interprets technical work and who performs specialized tests such as immunohematology (the study of blood and its immunities). The specialist may also be a blood bank supervisor, educator, consultant or researcher.

Job Outlook
The employment rate for Blood Bank Specialist is good.

Educational Requirements
Certification in either medical technology, MT (ASC) or blood bank technology, BB (ASCP) or a bachelor's degree in biological or physical sciences or medical technology, plus work experience, are prerequisites for entrance into an accredited twelve-month advanced training program in blood bank technology. After completion of this program, certification as a specialist in blood bank technology SBB (ASCP) is available from the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Educational Programs