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Immunohematologists perform tests to ensure blood is safe for transfusion, typing blood donations and preparing matched typed blood for surgery. They may work in hospitals, blood banks, and clinics, and require a two or four-year degree.
An immunohematologist is a laboratory technician who performs tests related to blood transfusions to confirm that blood is safe for transfusion into a patient. These technicians are familiar with the interaction between antigens and antibodies that can make a transfusion unsafe. They work in hospitals, blood banks, clinics and other facilities that handle transfusions. Salaries may vary depending on region and training levels.
One aspect of an immunohematologist’s job involves testing incoming blood donations to type them. This allows the technician to sort the blood by type for quick reference when a physician contacts the blood bank to request blood. Detailed typing that goes beyond the basic ABO and Rhesus blood group systems may be required and available in some regions where other blood group systems may prevail in the population and the laboratory wishes to avoid possible transfusion reactions.
In an emergency when blood is immediately needed to treat a patient, the immunohematologist sends the best possible match, such as a unit of type O negative blood. These units are less likely to cause a transfusion reaction in a patient with an unknown blood type. When more time is available, the immunohaematologist can check a unit of blood against a patient sample to check for possible antibody reactions that could cause a problem. In surgery planning, for example, the blood bank prepares matched typed blood that will be safe for use in the operating room.
Physicians may consult with an immunohematologist to discuss a planned transfusion procedure and obtain advice. These medical technicians may also work with nurses and others on topics such as developing a safe protocol for blood transfusions. They may also work in the field at blood drives and donation facilities, meeting with donors to conduct intake interviews and ensure they understand the risks and benefits of donating blood. Some also work on public outreach campaigns to encourage community members to consider donating blood.
Working as a medical technician or technologist may require a two-year or four-year degree. It is also possible to enter the field of hematology as a physician or other doctorate to study antigen-antibody reactions and learn more about blood transfusion and organ donation. This work requires more education as it involves research, new product development and direct patient care. An immunohematologist may choose to complete general training, start work, and then return to school for an advanced degree if the job sounds interesting.
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