Update on programs for achieving Specialist in Blood Banking certification in the United States: 2023

BS in clinical laboratory sciences, biology, chemistry, or related field

Minimum of 2 years post-baccalaureate full-time experience in transfusion services, blood donor services, or an IRL

Lectures

Rotations

Projects

Professional development

Participation

Courses include homework, quizzes, and examinations; a student must maintain ?80% grade for each course and is required to have ?80% score on the comprehensive final exam.

Clinical rotations, a student research project, and a journal presentation are required.

MT/MLS(ASCP)/BB(ASCP) certification or equivalent

A minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 for math and sciences

≥ 2 years full-time equivalence experience in a hospital transfusion service or donor center

Citizenship or legal residency in the United States

Other students considered on a case-by-case basis

Lectures

Rotations

Projects

Professional development

Attendance

Participation

Passing all written exams and quizzes with a minimum composite score of 80% per course as well as passing all practical exams, completing rotation checklists, presenting at a journal club, and completing a research project with accompanying paper suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal

Since COVID-19, some clinical rotations conducted virtually

Online orientation in 2021; now on site

BS degree with a minimum of:

• –

  16 credit hours of biology

• –

  16 credit hours of chemistry

• –

  3 credit hours of math

MLS, MT, or BB certified

Minimum GPA: 2.5 (3.0 preferred)

2 years full-time blood bank experience preferred by program start date; candidates with ?1 year full-time experience in a tertiary medical center transfusion service or blood bank with greater than 400 inpatient beds who have performed specialized immunohematology serologic testing will be considered.

Students must work 40 hours per week during the program; students are to start employment at least 90 days before the program start date; 120 days is preferred.

Students participate in didactics, discussions, and clinical rotations

Students to complete exams with scores ?80%, present journal articles and patient cases, and prepare a research project

Laboratory resources

Textbooks

Learning management system

Buban KR, Lawrence CE, Zhu XJ, et al. Algorithm-based selection of automated red blood cell exchange procedure goals reduces blood utilization in chronically transfused adults with sickle cell disease. J Clin Apher 2022;37:1–8. doi: 10.1002/jca.22004.

Blagg LN, Hruban RH, Gehrie EA. A department-sponsored, hospital-based pathology education symposium is a cost-effective method to provide laboratory staff with highly rated continuing education experiences. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021;145:231–39. doi:10.5858/arpa.2019-0694-EP.

Haddaway K, Bloch EM, Tobian AA, et al. Hemostatic properties of cold-stored whole blood leukoreduced using a platelet-sparing versus a non–platelet-sparing filter. Transfusion 2019;59:1809–17. doi: 10.1111/trf.15159.

Erony SM, Marshall CE, Gehrie EA, et al. The epidemiology of bacterial culture–positive and septic transfusion reactions at a large tertiary academic center: 2009 to 2016. Transfusion 2018;58:1933–39. doi: 10.1111/trf.14789.

Lokhandwala PM, O’Neal A, Patel EU, et al. Hemostatic profile and safety of pooled cryoprecipitate up to 120 hours after thawing. Transfusion 2018;58:1126–31. doi: 10.1111/trf.14550.

1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experience with an emphasis/interest in blood banking preferred

One of the following two options:

• 1)

  MLS or BB (ASCP) certification and a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university

• 2)

  Baccalaureate degree from an accelerated college/university with a major in a biological or physical science

Lectures

Professional development

Wet workshop

Host/coordinate a Versiti blood drive

Minimum acceptable grade average for courses is 80%; minimum passing score for virtual practicals is 85%; minimum passing score for the final written exam is 80%.

Rotations

Attendance

Journal Club

Projects in Progress (PIP)

Projects

Participation

Abstract development and presentation at a state blood bank meeting

Recognized researchers, lecturers, and educators

In-person mentors

Flexible clinical scheduling at Versiti Blood Centers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan

Guaranteed clinical placement

Structured, yet self-paced program with virtual and in-person learning over the course of five semesters

Research practicum under the guidance of a mentor

Create, develop, prepare samples, and deliver hands-on workshops for working medical laboratory scientists

Advocate Aurora Health: St. Luke’s

Froedtert Hospital

Northwestern Medical Center: Chicago

Children’s Wisconsin

Marshfield Clinic Health System: Marshfield

Karafin MS, Schumacher C, Zhang J, Simpson P, Johnson ST, Pierce KL. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-incompatible mean fluorescence intensity-selected platelet products have corrected count increments similar to HLA antigen-matched platelets. Transfusion 2021;61:2307–16. doi: 10.1111/trf.16430. Epub 2021 June 1. PMID: 34075590.

2022 Poster Presentation: Crystal Theiler, MLS(ASCP)^CMSBB^CM, Weak and partial D phenotyping: a comparison study between molecular and serologic results. Transfusion 2002;62(S2):I–IV, 1A–291A.

2020 AABB Future Leaders Award: Connie Schumacher, MLS(ASCP)SBB^CM, Corrected count increments associated with the transfusion of partially matched platelets transfused in the presence of donor specific antibodies are comparable to HLA-matched platelets.

2021 AABB Future Leaders Award: Jennifer Herring, BS, SBB(ASCP)^CM, CHT(ABHI), Laboratory developed lectins using kodecyte technology Tn control cells.

2022 AABB Future Leaders Award: Teri D. Kopish, MLS(ASCP)^CMSBB^CM, Comparing warm autoantibody reactivity to number of adsorptions.

Weekly lecture series during the student’s first year (September–August)

Lectures generally not recorded; must be attended live (online via Zoom or in person at a Versiti blood center) 9:00 AM–noon CST each Friday

Lasts five semesters, beginning in the fall; students register for “fall” and “spring” courses, curriculum; exams and rotations conducted year-round

Select clinical experiences at any of the Versiti Blood Centers (WI, IL, IN, MI)

No tuition for the SBB certificate

Tuition for George Washington University MS courses

BS degree

MLS certification

Active-duty U.S. military member

Lectures

Clinical rotations

Research project

Military-specific training

BS degree in appropriate science field

Minimum 2.75 GPA

Current employment in some aspect of blood banking

≥2 years full-time post-baccalaureate experience relevant to immunohematology in an accredited facility

Ability to be on-campus in Galveston for orientation week in late April

Lectures

Practicums

Projects

Professional development

Participation in synchronous sessions

Attendance at orientation week in late April

Blake DE, Crews WS, Wortman S, Walker L, Burnett-Greenup S. Implementation of a molecular genotyping protocol for patients with warm autoantibodies. Transfusion 2023; in press.

Munyikwa R, Walker L, Rajendran R. Improvement in platelet product wastage and reduction of costs through implementation of the Pan Genera Detection Test. Lab Med 2023;54:287-90; https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmac111.

Wafford TR, Walker LP. Prevalence of Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy and MNS antigens in the Hispanic donor population of South Texas. Immunohematology 2022;38:43-50.

SBB and MSTM graduates have presented 26 abstracts at national and regional meetings since 2016.

Sydney Klausing, MSTM, MLS(ASCP)SBB: AABB Future Leader’s Award (2023); Erin Westby, MLS(ASCP)SBB: AABB Future Leader’s Award (2020); SCABB Sol Haberman Scholarship Award (2019)

The UTMB SBB Program received the ASCP Program Director Education Grant in 2016 and 2023.

Grants 19 graduate credits for the SBB courses

Can be combined with the MSTM degree program

Fully on-line, distance education program; students are required to be on campus for the 1-week orientation at the beginning of the program

Since the program grants graduate credits, students are eligible for tuition reimbursement from many employers. Students can also apply for UTMB scholarships, with many students receiving funds each year.

Degree: BA/BS with required science/math

Experience: 2 years

GPA/exam scores: GPA >3.0 preferred; lower GPA may be considered

Residency/employer requirements: none

Lectures

Rotations

Professional development tasks

Research project

Education project

11 graduates reported publication of abstracts or papers

3 graduates have presented nationally

4 graduates are serving on industry committees at the national level

4 graduates have become AABB assessors or MLS educators

Graduates awarded the SCABB Sol Haberman Scholarship Award in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023

U.S. citizenship required

Education: baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university including biological science, chemistry, and mathematics courses

Experience: ?2 years full-time blood banking experience

Attendance: required (three excused)

Didactics: >75% on examinations, complete homework, participate in Journal Club

Clinical rotations: attendance required, completion of post-rotation questions, and satisfactory instructor evaluation

Student project: choose, conduct, report progress, write, and present

NIH Library

Government-issued laptop

AABB Technical Manual and Standards

AABB eCasts

ARCBS, Philadelphia, PA

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Fairfax, VA

Remley VA, Collins A, Underwood S, et al. Optimizing a fully automated and closed-system process for red blood cell reduction of human bone marrow products. Cytotherapy 2023;25:442-50.

Byrne KM, Collins AA, Seifu R, Paige TD, Flegel WA. Using social media to recruit for a face-to-face Specialist in Blood Bank (SBB) Technology program. Immunohematology 2022;38:62-3.

Byrne KM, Paige TD, Flegel WA. An outcome-based review of an accredited Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) program: 25 years and counting. Immunohematology 2020;36:7-13.

Tynuv M, Flegel WA. Quality improvement with platelet additive solution for safer out-of-group platelet transfusions. Immunohematology 2019;35:108-15.

Byrne KM, Mercado CMC, Nnabue TN, Paige TD, Flegel WA. Inhibition of blood group antibodies by soluble substances. Immunohematology 2019;35:19-22.

Lodermeier MA, Byrne KM, Flegel WA. Red blood cell sedimentation of apheresis granulocytes. Transfusion 2017;57:2551-2.

No cost is associated with this 1-year certificate program.

Students are employees of the transfusion service laboratory.

Affordable housing may be available from https://faes.org/housing.

Current employee of the American Red Cross or one of its academic partners in select locations

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory, biological, or related science

MT, MLS, or BB certification

≥ 2 years of full-time blood banking experience (preferred)

U.S. citizen

Learner guides

Clinical rotations

Research project

Professional development activities

Hybrid program that includes 22 directed and self-study learner guides, on-line lectures, 12 clinical rotations (6 in-person and 6 virtual), a required research project (proposal, submission/approval by IRB, execution, written paper, and presentation), and monthly professional development activities

Students supported by their selected mentors and local leadership and by program staff in the form of weekly office hours and monthly group meetings

Attendance and participation at scheduled learning events is mandatory; however, program staff take every opportunity to be flexible with working professional students when scheduling learning events.

SUCCESS® library of recorded lectures

Live learning events every 2 weeks

Access to PubMed literature by article/by request

Currently available at 10 ARCBS regional facilities located throughout the United States

Each ARCBS program facility partners with an academic medical center in their region to provide a comprehensive educational experience for the students.

Additional locations may be onboarded in the future.

Baccalaureate degree from accredited college/university including 24 semester hours of biological sciences and chemistry

MT(ASCP), MLS(ASCP), or BB(ASCP) certification

≥ 2 years of full-time hospital transfusion service, reference laboratory, or blood bank experience

Undergraduate GPA 3.0 (preferred)

U.S. citizenship or eligible to work in the United States

7 courses, maintaining ≥70% average

12 clinical practicums

7 professional development tasks

Research abstract

J Laureano – Ultrasensitive ELISA for the detection of immunoglobulin A-deficient blood donors

K Stein – Reducing STAT turnaround time and potential cost savings using lean six sigma methods

M Prieto – An enzyme-linked antiglobulin test for D antigen screening using microplate and an automated process

National accreditation as an MT in immunohematology

At least 3 years of full-time clinical experience in a blood bank in an accredited laboratory within the last 5 years; 3 years of experience acquired after completion of a baccalaureate degree

Maintain an average of ?75% for exams of the six courses in the program and achieve an average of ?75% for the midterm and final exams.

Complete clinical, technical, and administrative rotations as assigned.

Access to content and medical library resources via Blackboard

Access to three IRLs (two accredited IRLs), and HLA, molecular, QC, and stem cell-processing laboratories

• -

  Laboratories directed by three board-certified, blood banking/transfusion medicine pathologists

• -

  Laboratories staffed by 10 SBBs and 40 MTs

Group and individual communication via Slack

Review/discussion meetings via ZOOM (at least monthly)

Baccalaureate degree or U.S. equivalent (after transcript evaluation by WES or ECE)

GPA 3.0 preferred but not required

2 years full-time blood bank/transfusion service experience preferred; 1 year full-time experience required

Employer verification of clinical experience in the blood bank or transfusion service

All curriculum mapped to the CAAHEP SBBT/TM Standards and Guidelines as well as the ASCP SBB Exam Content Outline Guideline

Students attend the program asynchronously.

No specific required time for lectures, projects, attendance, and participation

Required participation; weekly due dates for all assignments, quizzes, case studies, and discussion boards

Recorded lectures for students; faculty contact with students through frequent announcements and feedback on assignments, case studies, exams, and quizzes

Rush University Library and Archives: comprehensive collection of printed materials with access to over 9200 full-text electronic journals, 115 databases, and 8200 electronic books

Center for Clinical Wellness: network of on-site and virtual tools and provides free counseling, coaching, and other services to Rush students

Center for Academic Excellence: holistic, targeted learning support for Rush University students; provided services range from support in science, statistics, and writing to academic coaching

Center for Innovative and Lifelong Learning: innovative, cutting-edge, research-based, and expert-driven continuing education; all Rush students have access to these courses; many are free to Rush students

Hukill M. An adjusted process to improve efficiency and efficacy of adsorption procedures to resolve warm autoantibody cases. Lab Med 2022;54:e85-90.

Gillard L, Royeen C. Promoting global health through improved blood collections and transfusion practices: a pilot project between Rush University and University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda; November 2021.

Caudill J, Gillard L. HDFN resulting from anti-U: alternatives to allogeneic intrauterine transfusion. Lab Med 2022;53:79-82.

Matthew Hukill, a recent graduate, was the recipient of the 2021 AABB Future Leader, Specialty in Blood Banking Scholarship Award.

The mission of the Rush SBB program is to provide advanced blood banking and transfusion education to all qualified applicants.

The applicants must have the required degree and experience; GPA is not a deciding factor.

All interested individuals are encouraged to contact the program director with any questions regarding admissions.