Medical Laboratory Technology - Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology

The teaching is based on known basic topics in immunology and cell biology. The following topics will be presented in lectures, as guidance in laboratory courses and in external study practice: Blood banking and blood transfusion services (historical perspectives and today), Quality assurance and safety issues in Blood banking, Blood collection and testing, Major blood group systems and transfusion, Antibody detection, identification and titration, Compatibility testing, Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (postpartum testing, prevention and treatment), Clinical considerations in immunohematology, Blood component preparation, Quality testing. Aspects of sustainability, inter-professional skills, own and other professions roles within blood banking and transfusion services.

The student should achieve the following competence:

Knowledge:

• Have in-depth knowledge of methods, laboratory equipment, quality requirements and bioengineering tasks in transfusion medicine and immunohematology -
• Knowledge of regulations and relevant procedures related to blood donation and further treatment of blood drawn -
• Knowledge of screening programs and standardized test courses -
• Know about different transfusion reactions, hemolytic disease in fetuses and newborns and auto hemolytic disease in adults -
• Know quality management systems, rules for HSE, certification and accreditation schemes -
• Know the historical development and traditions of transfusion medicine, and know the role of other professions in transfusion medicine

Skills:

• Can apply professional knowledge to interpret an order, make informed choices in the practical exercise of analyzes that ensure that a person receives a transfused safe blood product - imunohematology - can interpret analysis results for prophylactic treatment of mothers
• can convey correct test results in Norwegian both in writing, orally and at the right time
• can master bioengineering work in transfusion medicine and immune hematology in a structured and accurate way, and draw blood donors under guidance
• Can communicate with and guide blood donors and others in connection with blood donation
• Can assess the risk of adverse events and know methods to follow this up systematically

General competence:

• Can identify, reflect on and discuss key societal and professional / treatment ethics issues related to the transfusion service and one's own professional practice and the role of other professions within it
• can relate to the health and welfare system, to laws, regulations and supervisors in his service as a biomedical laboratory scientist.

The expected workload for the course is estimated at 200 hours, including 16 hours of lectures and 35 hours of mandatory internal and external study practice, as well as group work involving the communication of subject knowledge through oral and written presentations.