The need for education in molecular immunohematology: A survey of specialists in blood banking

Abstract

Background: Within transfusion medicine, the education of molecular technologies lacks standardization. Objective: To address this problem, we surveyed specialist in blood bank technology (SBBT) programs, immunohematology reference laboratories, and SBBT graduates to define its current state. Methods: An anonymous online survey (SurveyMonkey) was emailed to the 15 American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) SBBT programs, 59 AABB IRLs, and 82 SBBT graduates. Results: In the didactic portion of the SBBT curriculum, all programs incorporate knowledge base of blood groups, 13 incorporate molecular techniques, and 5 include case studies. Thirteen programs have intentions of expanding the knowledge base in molecular topics. Most IRLs (97%) think SBBT programs should continue to expand molecular knowledge base. Most graduates (94%) believe more molecular topics should be included in the SBBT curriculum; however, only 50% believe they currently apply their molecular knowledge in their post-graduate employment. Conclusion: We propose a more descriptive molecular diagnostics curriculum for SBBT programs to help standardize the education of molecular topics.