I passed the SBB without ever working in a reference laboratory (without working in a transfusion service, either...SBBs come from many paths, and mine is via Blood Center experience). Fortunately, I was able to work with a wonderful person in my reference lab who was willing to take me under her wing and make me work on the difficult samples (recently transfused, positive DAT, warm auto with underlying allos) until I got it right. And it was not about just knowing how to get the right answer, but why it was the right answer and why all of the other answers were wrong. I also used these forums while I was studying...even when I didn't respond to a post, I read everyone's answers and learned something from their experience (especially Malcom, who seems to have encountered just about everything). The research project is something that EVERYONE struggles with. I would recommend reading some articles in Transfusion to get a feel for the format (abstract, background, methods, results, discussion). In the front of the journal, they usually have at least one editorial that discusses an article, whawt other literature has to say about the subject, and what studies still need to be done to gather more information. Work with your program coordinator to identify potential topics, then work with your mentor to narrow them down to something that is relevant at your facility. Good luck!