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Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine

  • Mohamed Alsammak, MD, Medical Director
  • Andy Ngo, MD, Associate Medical Director

The goal of the Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine rotation is to develop competence and expertise in Transfusion Medicine. Residents acquire competency in general immunohematology/transfusion medicine, including pre-transfusion and post-transfusion testing, transfusion reactions, complications of transfusion medicine, and therapeutic apheresis. Residents become knowledgeable in the indications and appropriate use of blood components, safe blood transfusion process, methods of blood conservation, the pathophysiology and management of alloimmune reactions, and maintenance of the blood bank inventory. In addition, residents learn about requirements for blood collection and donor blood testing, quality management and the regulatory/accrediting agency (FDA, AABB, JCAHO and CAP) requirements relevant to blood banking/transfusion medicine.

Residents rotate on the blood bank service for 18 weeks throughout their residency. Graduated responsibility is granted to the residents as they progress in their training. Ample opportunity is available for engagement in multidisciplinary patient care as residents coordinate and manage the transfusion service and therapeutic apheresis. Blood Collection and donor side is covered during the 3rd or 4th residency year while attending the American Red Cross educational activities.