Blood Bank Technology Specialists

Blood bank technology specialists process donated blood and perform simple tests within research laboratories, blood transfusion facilities, mobile blood donor facilities, and hospitals and medical clinics. While processing and testing blood samples, blood bank technology specialists must adhere to the American Association of Blood Bank’s guidelines.

Blood bank technology specialists are trained to perform the following tasks:

Identifying antibodies and testing blood for compatibility and antigens
Analyzing samples for hemolytic diseases
Assisting doctors administering blood transfusions, treating patients with blood clots, and performing organ transplants and other surgical procedures
Processing blood transfusions and performing molecular testing, blood typing, and viral marker testing
Teaching classes to students completing blood bank technology training
Managing other specialists at larger clinics or blood banks

Blood bank technology specialists work in a variety of healthcare and medical facilities including private hospital blood banks, community blood centers, transfusion services, as well as independent laboratories. Specialist with the right technical expertise and higher education may qualify for a variety of career advancement opportunities into supervisory, administrative, teaching or research positions.

Education and Training
Blood bank technology training programs are typically 1 year long, while master’s degree programs usually take 2 years to complete.

To qualify for a blood bank technology job, you must complete medical technology certification and hold a bachelor’s degree.

If Blood Bank Technology Specialists have not been certified in medical technology by the Board of Registry, they are required to earn a bachelor degree in a field of biology or physical science from a regionally accredited college, university or medical school.