Transfusion Science unit (CXA633)

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. This unit is co-taught with a related unit to students in the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine, and although you will be provided with similar knowledge and laboratory skills as these students, you will also undertake additional learning activities and assessment. This is necessary for you to develop and demonstrate the higher level investigatory and communication skills to satisfy the Australian Qualification Framework level 9 requirements of a Master’s degree.

Summary

Unit name	Transfusion Science
Unit code	CXA633
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Health Sciences
Discipline	Health Sciences
Coordinator	Ms Jane Pittaway
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and apply theoretical knowledge of blood group antigens and antibodies, to interpret and evaluate laboratory data.
• Explain and demonstrate the practical, interpretive and evaluation skills required in compatibility testing and the investigation of immunohaematology-related adverse events.
• Analyse and apply theoretical knowledge of immunohaematology-related adverse events to interpret and evaluate clinical and laboratory data.
• Critically evaluate and communicate current and evolving issues, roles and responsibilities in transfusion science as appropriate for a professional environment.
• Demonstrate professional skills and behaviours through consistent individual and collaborative performance in scheduled cooperative learning sessions.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CXA631

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Independent Learning (2hrs x weekly), Tutorial (2hrs x weekly), Practical (3hrs x weekly)
Assessment	Final Practical Examination|Group PowerPoint Presentation (10%)|Mid Semester Theory Test (15%)|In Class Practical Activities (20%)|In Class Practical Test (25%)|Final Theory Examination (30%)
Timetable	View 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.