MLS 4550C Immunohematology & Transfusion
This is a lecture and laboratory course which integrates theoretical concepts and practical application related to the blood donation process, transfusion therapy practice and blood group system biochemistry, genetics and serology. The lecture component is laced with detailed information about blood banking practice from a historical perspective to its present state of development. The laboratory component gets the students involved with blood group serology and antibody identifications. Students are expected to become proficient in blood banking techniques and to develop confidence in their ability to work successfully in the blood bank. 

With so many more blood group systems already discovered and many more to be discovered this field of the clinical laboratory science profession is in a constant state of fluidity. The potential for viral and bacterial contamination of blood and blood components creates opportunities for research in the area of viral and bacterial inactivation of blood and blood components. This is an area in which I am currently doing some research relating to white blood cell contamination of blood products. An internal grant from the university is funding the study designed to determine the effect of photodynamic treatment of donor blood on contaminating white blood cells.

This course will evolve into an internet course such that student at a distance can register and take the course. The logistics of ensuring that the laboratory component is not lost has to be worked out. It may be possible for students taking the internet course to fulfill the laboratory component at a blood bank where they are gainfully employed. This can be arranged especially for articulated students who are employed as clinical laboratory technicians and are seeking a baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory science.        
Immunohematology Syllabus
Strategies for Viral and Bacterial Inactivation
Adverse Outcomes in Blood and Blood Component Therapy