Why we need more medical technologists
Blood bank and clinical lab technology have significant roles in the medical sector. Though we have many jobs, there is limited awareness about the courses available, writes Aruna Singh
Times of India 25.02.2019
Blood bank technology and clinical lab technology have significant roles in the medical sector. With advancing healthcare facilities , medical technologies have a crucial role to play. However, youngsters have limited knowledge of the growing job opportunities in this sector. Doctors depend on medical technologists, who provide precise data , collect and store samples and help the patients at the time of crisis.
Blood bank technicians are usually trained as phlebotomists and they work with patients to collect various settings, blood and labelling. The technicians usually work in medical laboratories and blood banks where they store blood of the donors for transfusion and transmission. Apart from this, they make sure that the type of blood and the collected blood is safe and also examines the level of healthy molecules in the blood.
National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) offers a course in Blood Bank Technology, and one can look at several options after finishing the course. The technicians can also start their own venture, through the Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission.
NATURE OF WORK
Blood bank technicians work in hospital laboratories and independent blood banks. Examining the donor’s blood, analysing the type , and particularly identifying the safety of the blood is important for any technician. The technicians are also expected to maintain a record. Any discrepancy in the record of the sample can lead to severe confusion amounting to change in the line of treatment or patient getting infected with a deadly disease. Those aspiring to pursue a career in this field must have the flexibility to work independently and should also have good analytical skills, besides sharp management abilities.
COURSE AND QUALIFICATIONS
The diploma and certificate course for Blood Bank Technology is required to be passed from any recognised institute that is approved from an accredited board after passing class XII. The duration of the course is 1-2 years (the duration varies in each institute).
Most of the courses consist of practical training, along with the theoretical knowledge of human physiology and biochemistry. The practical training offers them hands-on experience to test the types of blood samples, aberrations, and chemical properties of blood is explained.
They are also taught how to handle emergency situation, particularly during major accident and natural calamities.
After the successful completion of the course, one can also opt for government jobs, by applying for government posts through Staff Selection Commission. The main aim of the Diploma in Blood Bank Technology (DBBT) is to train students and turn them into skilled technicians to manage and work under pressure.
OPPORTUNITIES
After taking the diploma in this course, every state will open many new job opportunities in the government and non-government sectors. Apart from this, the candidate can also work in private hospitals or private laboratories. There is a requirement of blood bank technicians as there is a scarcity of trained staff in most medical labs. Several major pharma companies have set up their own laboratories and banks in most cities. However, they are still unable to manage it accurately only because of the lack of experienced and trained technicians. Both private and government hospitals need a well-equipped blood bank that is managed by seasoned staff.
REQUIREMENT
Those who are planning to enter in this industry need to have the following qualities: Carry out routine laboratory tests by using Standard Operating Procedures such as keeping the details of blood group (forward and reverse), crossmatch and coombs (direct and indirect) Check the expiry dates of stock and working reagents, blood and blood components Have knowledge of the temperature of reagent, blood bank, and deep freezers The question is,are we giving proper education to our students? A look at the prominent job portals will reveal a big number of vacancies for blood bank technicians. Aspiring students should be careful to pick an institute that must have well-equipped laboratories, libraries and experienced faculty. The programme should offer elaborate information on blood, components, collection, separation, preservation, storage, donation and blood transfusion.
SCOPE OF RESEARCH
The field of the medical technologist is fast growing. However, there is very limited research work undertaken by the students. After diploma and certification in blood bank, blood transfusion and laboratory technicians, one must look at higher education including research.
(The author is principal of Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute, New Delhi)
SHUTTERSTOCK
MAJOR INSTITUTES
• Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute, New Delhi www.dpmiindia.com
• Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala, Haryana www.mmumullana.org
• Shivalik Institute of Paramedical Technology, Chandigarh www.shivalikinstitute.org
• Indian Medical Institute of Nursing, Jalandhar, Punjab www.iminursing.in
Blood bank and clinical lab technology have significant roles in the medical sector. Though we have many jobs, there is limited awareness about the courses available, writes Aruna Singh
Times of India 25.02.2019
Blood bank technology and clinical lab technology have significant roles in the medical sector. With advancing healthcare facilities , medical technologies have a crucial role to play. However, youngsters have limited knowledge of the growing job opportunities in this sector. Doctors depend on medical technologists, who provide precise data , collect and store samples and help the patients at the time of crisis.
Blood bank technicians are usually trained as phlebotomists and they work with patients to collect various settings, blood and labelling. The technicians usually work in medical laboratories and blood banks where they store blood of the donors for transfusion and transmission. Apart from this, they make sure that the type of blood and the collected blood is safe and also examines the level of healthy molecules in the blood.
National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) offers a course in Blood Bank Technology, and one can look at several options after finishing the course. The technicians can also start their own venture, through the Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission.
NATURE OF WORK
Blood bank technicians work in hospital laboratories and independent blood banks. Examining the donor’s blood, analysing the type , and particularly identifying the safety of the blood is important for any technician. The technicians are also expected to maintain a record. Any discrepancy in the record of the sample can lead to severe confusion amounting to change in the line of treatment or patient getting infected with a deadly disease. Those aspiring to pursue a career in this field must have the flexibility to work independently and should also have good analytical skills, besides sharp management abilities.
COURSE AND QUALIFICATIONS
The diploma and certificate course for Blood Bank Technology is required to be passed from any recognised institute that is approved from an accredited board after passing class XII. The duration of the course is 1-2 years (the duration varies in each institute).
Most of the courses consist of practical training, along with the theoretical knowledge of human physiology and biochemistry. The practical training offers them hands-on experience to test the types of blood samples, aberrations, and chemical properties of blood is explained.
They are also taught how to handle emergency situation, particularly during major accident and natural calamities.
After the successful completion of the course, one can also opt for government jobs, by applying for government posts through Staff Selection Commission. The main aim of the Diploma in Blood Bank Technology (DBBT) is to train students and turn them into skilled technicians to manage and work under pressure.
OPPORTUNITIES
After taking the diploma in this course, every state will open many new job opportunities in the government and non-government sectors. Apart from this, the candidate can also work in private hospitals or private laboratories. There is a requirement of blood bank technicians as there is a scarcity of trained staff in most medical labs. Several major pharma companies have set up their own laboratories and banks in most cities. However, they are still unable to manage it accurately only because of the lack of experienced and trained technicians. Both private and government hospitals need a well-equipped blood bank that is managed by seasoned staff.
REQUIREMENT
Those who are planning to enter in this industry need to have the following qualities: Carry out routine laboratory tests by using Standard Operating Procedures such as keeping the details of blood group (forward and reverse), crossmatch and coombs (direct and indirect) Check the expiry dates of stock and working reagents, blood and blood components Have knowledge of the temperature of reagent, blood bank, and deep freezers The question is,are we giving proper education to our students? A look at the prominent job portals will reveal a big number of vacancies for blood bank technicians. Aspiring students should be careful to pick an institute that must have well-equipped laboratories, libraries and experienced faculty. The programme should offer elaborate information on blood, components, collection, separation, preservation, storage, donation and blood transfusion.
SCOPE OF RESEARCH
The field of the medical technologist is fast growing. However, there is very limited research work undertaken by the students. After diploma and certification in blood bank, blood transfusion and laboratory technicians, one must look at higher education including research.
(The author is principal of Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute, New Delhi)
SHUTTERSTOCK
MAJOR INSTITUTES
• Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute, New Delhi www.dpmiindia.com
• Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala, Haryana www.mmumullana.org
• Shivalik Institute of Paramedical Technology, Chandigarh www.shivalikinstitute.org
• Indian Medical Institute of Nursing, Jalandhar, Punjab www.iminursing.in
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