Introduction to Blood Transfusion Technology

Abstract

In 1989, following several years of being national examiner for blood transfusion technology in South Africa, I wrote a book that was updated in 1992: Introduction to Blood Transfusion Technology. The aim was to provide written information as simply as possible, so that students who found themselves without adequate training and support were able to gain knowledge for themselves. The book was privately printed and distributed in South Africa for many years. Some copies also found their way to other parts of the world ... Technical information, such as that given in Introduction to Blood Transfusion Technology should be regularly reviewed and updated, but unfortunately this did not take place. In April 2007 the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) made the rewriting of this original publication a possibility by offering to support its printing and dissemination by both physical and electronic means. In June 2007 the project began its journey towards becoming a reality, thanks to a small and select group of medical technologists specialized in blood transfusion technology, with a combined total of more than 170 years’ experience. A short introduction follows: Rob Wilkinson, an expert in all aspects of quality, particularly within the management of a transfusion service, wrote the ‘Quality’ section as well as ‘Equipment and materials management’, and ‘Safety, health and the environment’, besides giving critical comment on all sections and coauthoring ‘Genetics’ and ‘Compatibility testing’. Elizabeth Smart, an experienced immunohaematologist with international recognition, coauthored many sections; her major input being the ‘Blood group systems’. Her contribution to the ‘Principles of laboratory techniques’, ‘Donation testing’, ‘Haemolytic diseases’ and ‘Compatibility testing’ has also been invaluable. Jonathan Hardwick, an expert in cold chain management and the preparation of blood components, has contributed outstanding value in writing the sections on ‘Blood processing’ and ‘Blood storage and transportation’. Leesha Raman, a practicing training officer, coauthored ‘Principles of laboratory techniques’ and ‘Donation testing’ and provided important practical input into the other sections, particularly from the perspective of the student. I was involved in training and development for many years in South Africa, and recently had the privilege of working in Blood Transfusion Safety at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. The original publication of Introduction to Blood Transfusion Technology consisted of 150 pages and included the fundamentals of haematology, immunology, antigen–antibody reactions, causes of false results, genetics, blood group and HLA systems, blood donation and storage, blood components, safety in the laboratory, quality control and assurance, proficiency testing, donor grouping and the detection of viral markers, crossmatching, transfusion reactions, blood transfusion regulations, haemolytic disease of the newborn, antenatal and postnatal testing, haemolytic anaemias, laboratory glassware and equipment and sterilization. This publication is not an updated edition of the original texts that were written almost 16 years ago. Although it shares the same title as its predecessor, it takes into account the advances in technologies and presents introductory information for international benefit. The primary objective of this publication has been to meet the academic needs of students whose courses relate to blood transfusion technology, particularly when they find themselves in areas of the world where there is not ready access to information and facilities. It has not been written for experts; it has been written as a training manual to give access to the inexperienced. It contains a broad spectrum of information with sufficient detail to provide a platform for students to build on their knowledge and become experts themselves one day. The information covers the transfusion chain and is supported by many illustrations, a comprehensive glossary, an index and list of abbreviations. Information that relates to more than one section has either been cross-referenced in the text, or duplicated sufficiently in the section so that each can be studied as a stand-alone module. Each section lists the learning objectives, provides a content summary and suggests additional learning activities. The scope of this publication does not include some of the more recent technological advances, such as stem cell production, cord blood banking and detailed molecular techniques and findings. Education is a crucial component of lifelong learning and continuous improvement. Without it, quality cannot be attained and maintained in a blood transfusion service, and professional capacity and leadership cannot be built for the future. Blood transfusion is about saving lives, and we should take this very seriously. Although a blood service needs to run as a business, it first needs to cherish and develop its scientific capacity. Nelson Mandela has said on many occasions that ‘education is the key’, and the five of us fully endorse this philosophy.