Module Description: This module will develop an understanding of the safe acquisition, storage, distribution and clinical use of blood and blood products in the context of Blood Establishments and Hospital Blood Banks. It will foster the concept of a quality systems and best practice in blood transfusion. It will focus onadvancing practice in the detection, treatment and control of transfusion transmissible infections and new developments in prevention of their transmission.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to provide students with:
- A detailed knowledge of the transfusion process from donor recruitment through to therapeutic use.
- An understanding of the preparation, quality and safe use of blood and its products.
- A detailed knowledge of Quality and Stock Management in Transfusion Medicine.
- A comprehensive knowledge of adverse events and reactions to blood transfusion. Understanding of the reporting systems for events and reactions.
- A detailed knowledge if the legislation governing the practice of transfusion.
- A comprehensive knowledge of the provision and use of blood products, the indications for correct use of blood and the ‘Transfusion Trigger’.
- An understanding of the Transplantation work-up.
*Curricular information is subject to change
- Administration of blood, blood components and derivatives.
- Recruitment, retention and selection of blood donors.
- Production, storage, transport and use of red cells, plasma and platelet products. Quality assurance of products – GMP.
- Plasma fractionation and the provision and use of clotting factor concentrates to support patient with congenital/acquired coagulation disorders.
- Red Blood Cells: The selection and provision of red cell products for acquired anemia’s and guidelines for pre-transfusion serology testing.
- Neonatal transfusions
- Stock management and control in the hospital blood bank, Blood Bank Stock Management, Optimal use of resources,
- The European Union (EU) Directive on the administration of blood and blood components and its implications for Blood Establishments and Hospital Blood Banks. Accreditation, Audits and Training.
- Haemovigilance: The principles of Haemovigilance. The role of the National Haemovigilance Office and Traceability.
- Risks of Transfusion:
- Viral, bacterial and parasitic agents transmissible by transfusion and strategies to prevent transmission. Other possible adverse effects of Transfusion:
- TRALI Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury
- TA-GVHD Transfusion Associated Graft vs Host Disease
- Anaphylactic and allergic reactions
- TACO Circulatory overload
- Iron overload
- Immunisation
- Screening for the presence of unexpected blood group antibodies.
- Identification of these antibodies using supplementary techniques for the resolution of antibody specificity in complex serology such as adsorption and elution, titration, enzyme treatment.
- Investigation of AIHA, HTR and HDN
- Cross-matching, the IAT and DAT in tube and gel technology IT, Automation and traceability Systems
Practical program
Lectures, tutorials, laboratory practical sessions, case studies, online tools, self-directed learning.
Attendance at laboratory practical sessions is mandatory.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |