Academy
Report on training workshop practical immunohaematology and biosafety in blood banking
The training course on "Practical Immuno-haematology and Biosafety in Blood Banking" was successfully conducted with the support of the ISBT Academy and hosted by the IMDC Blood Donor Society. The event took place in the scenic location of Murree. Recognized and endorsed by the Ministry of Health, this course has been officially acknowledged as a certified training program in the field of blood banking.
The training program covered both theoretical and practical aspects of blood banking procedures, including blood grouping, cross-matching, antibody screening, and identification, blood component indications and contraindications, adverse transfusion reactions and haemovigilance, emphasis on quality assurance in blood banking to enhance awareness regarding transfusion safety, and biosafety in blood banks. Additionally, participants were provided with hands-on experience in resolving blood group discrepancies and troubleshooting procedures. Each participant was given an opportunity to demonstrate at least one procedure in front of the group.
Some pictures from the workshop
The training program accommodated 40 participants from diverse professional backgrounds, including medical technologists, quality control managers, postgraduate residents, supervisors/managers, and haematologists. The participants were evenly divided, with half representing local professionals from Islamabad and the other half consisting of outstation attendees from regional blood centers and hospital blood banks in Karachi, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Peshawar, Swat, and Quetta.
To ensure adequate preparation, all participants received a pre-course email containing essential learning materials, including powerpoint lectures, case studies, national standards and guidelines, standard operating procedures related to blood group serology, and biosafety materials. These resources provided participants with foundational knowledge and insights to enhance their learning experience during the course.
In Pakistan, the provision of red cell antibody detection and identification tests in accordance with international standards is primarily limited to a few private-sector blood centers. Given that these tests are critical for ensuring the availability of safe blood, this training program played a significant role in strengthening the capacity of professionals in transfusion medicine. The workshop contributed to enhancing participants' understanding of red cell serology and its importance in blood transfusion safety.
Some pictures from the workshop
A structured pre- and post-course assessment was conducted to evaluate the knowledge gained by participants. A questionnaire comprising 50 multiple-choice questions was administered at the beginning and conclusion of the course. The assessment results indicated an increase in knowledge levels from 67.5% to 83.5% post-training, highlighting the effectiveness of the course. Before the concluding session, an evaluation was conducted using a standardized questionnaire provided by ISBT. The feedback received was mostly appreciative, indicating the success of the training program. The results of this evaluation will be utilized to refine and enhance future capacity-building programs.
The training course on "Practical Immuno-haematology and Biosafety was a highly successful initiative that contributed significantly to the professional development of blood banking personnel in Pakistan. By equipping participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, the program has played a crucial role in promoting quality assurance and safety in blood transfusion practices. The insights gained from participant feedback will serve as a foundation for future training endeavors aimed at further strengthening transfusion medicine expertise in the region.
