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Transfusion Science unit (CXA333)

Location: Launceston

Introduction

This unit covers the major blood group systems of relevance to human blood transfusion and the theoretical basis of common transfusion testing practices. We explore the donation of blood products and the management of transfusion services and study in detail, haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and the adverse effects of blood transfusion. An integrated series of lectures, tutorials and practicals cover these topics, with an emphasis on the development of laboratory skills and problem solving through transfusion-based case studies. The practical sessions concentrate on the essential skills of blood grouping, antibody screening, cross matching and problem solving.

Summary

Unit name Transfusion Science
Unit code CXA333
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Health Sciences
Discipline Health Sciences
Coordinator Ms Jane Pittaway
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Launceston Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 20/7/2025 18/8/2025 7/9/2025 25/10/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply theoretical knowledge of blood group antigens and antibodies, to explain and interpret laboratory data.
  • Explain and demonstrate the practical, interpretive and evaluation skills required in compatibility testing and the investigation of immunohaematology-related adverse events.
  • Explain and apply theoretical knowledge of immunohaematology-related adverse events to explain and interpret clinical and laboratory data.
  • Communicate information about transfusion science roles, responsibilities, and results as appropriate for a professional environment.
  • Demonstrate professional skills and behaviours through effective, responsible, and safe work practices.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
019901 $1,164.00 $1,164.00 not applicable $2,726.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CXA231

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Independent Learning (2hrs x weekly), Tutorial (2hrs x weekly), Practical (3hrs x weekly)

AssessmentFinal Practical Examination|Mid Semester Theory Test (20%)|In Class Practical Activities (25%)|In Class Practical Test (25%)|Final Theory Examination (30%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need to access the following texts [eBooks available via the Library] and readings on a regular basis. They are all available via the Readings link on the MyLO home page for the unit:
•    Daniels G. Human Blood Groups. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated; 2013.
•    Harmening D. Modern Blood Banking and Transfusion Practices. 7th ed. F.A. Davis; 2019.
•    McCullough J. Transfusion Medicine. 5th ed. [electronic resource] Wiley Blackwell; 2017.
•    Murphy MF, Roberts DJ, Yazer MH, Dunbar NM, eds. Transfusion Medicine and Hemostasis. 1st ed. John Wiley & Sons Ltd; 2022.
•    Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion. Guidelines for Transfusion and Immunohaematology Laboratory Practice. 1st ed. Revised. ANZSBT; 2020.
•    Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion. Guidelines for the Administration of Blood Products. 3rd ed. Revised. ANZSBT; 2019.
•    National Blood Authority. Patient Blood Management Guidelines: Module 1 Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion. Version 1.4. National Blood Authority; 2023.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.