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Transfusion Medicine and Blood Banking

The transfusion service is responsible for over 30,000 transfusions of blood and blood components annually at the Loyola University Medical Center.  The LUMC Blood Bank supports active renal, liver, cardiac, pulmonary, and stem cell transplantation programs.  It also supports an active pediatric/neonatal service, a Level 1 Trauma Center, an adult hematology/oncology and cardiothoracic surgery services.  The resident's rotations are structured to provide basic knowledge and experience in the application of transfusion medicine to  clinical settings so that they can function as laboratory directors and future consultants.  The rotations address blood donation requirements as well as the acquisition, storage, preparation, compatibility and other serologic testing of blood components.  They learn to solve antibody problems and are expected to participate in case presentations on assigned topics for discussion.   Residents learn pre-transfusion compatibility testing, the proper administration of blood products, and the management, prevention and evaluation of adverse consequences of transfusion therapy.  A large part of training focuses on the expectations of blood bank accrediting and regulatory agencies.  Evidence-based guidelines for all forms of therapeutic pheresis  are taught and practiced including residents’ being expected to follow patients’ progress with management decision-making, updated procedure notes and being a liaison to the clinical services.  Transfusion Medicine has an active, successful Patient Blood Management program in which residents’ participation are expected including activities such as auditing of practice and other quality assessment and improvement initiatives.  During their rotations through the Blood Bank, residents are required to attend and provide active participation and contributions to the institutional  Blood Usage Committee meetings and meetings of the Blood Bank Quality Unit.  Arrangements are made for residents participate in educational opportunities provided by our regional blood suppliers including the American Red Cross.

Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD PhD
Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Medical Director, Transfusion Medicine / Blood Bank / Apheresis Service