Leaderboard

Vis-a vis Sc:-3 blood, I remember when I was working as a VERY junior member of staff in the IBGRL Red Cell Reference Laboratory of Dr Carolyn Giles and Joyce Poole, we did a family study following the relatives of an Sc:-3 female in a small village in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and we found six others. This was at least 40 years ago now, but it may be worthwhile contacting the PNG Blood Service to see if any of them are still donors, or, indeed, if they have found any other such donors.

In all my years (30+) in blood banks and transfusion services I never QC'd panels and it was never addressed in any inspections/assessments. When ever the subject came up I figured that if you were not QCing every antigen on every cell you were doing little more than providing some random inspector with smoke and mirrors so they would think you are doing something worth while. A some point you need to trust the manufactures to do their job.

Just to add to this, ask your medical director if he/she is willing to help you out with study material. At the University Hospital where I work the medical director was kind enough to take us through the same material/coursework that the residents go through in order to prepare for their board examination. That along with a lot of studying on your on will have you on your way to an SBB.

You do not have to go to SBB school - BUT, the test is made so that those who do attend will have a better chance at passing. Challenge it . . . I did. Remember, this specialty exam has the least percentage of techs passing, but look at the knowledge you will gain in studying for it. Also, some blood centers offer study courses and I think there are some on line also. good luck