x

ISBT Science Series

(2008)

3

, x–xi

INTRODUCTION

©

2008 The Author.Journal compilation

©

2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Introduction to Blood Transfusion Technology

In 1989, following several years of being national examinerfor blood transfusion technology in South Africa, I wrote abook that was updated in 1992:

Introduction to BloodTransfusion Technology

. The aim was to provide writteninformation as simply as possible, so that students who foundthemselves without adequate training and support were ableto gain knowledge for themselves. The book was privatelyprinted and distributed in South Africa for many years. Somecopies also found their way to other parts of the world ...

Technical information, such as that given in

Introductionto Blood Transfusion Technology

should be regularly reviewedand updated, but unfortunately this did not take place.

In April 2007 the International Society of Blood Transfu-sion (ISBT) made the rewriting of this original publication apossibility by offering to support its printing and dissemina-tion by both physical and electronic means. In June 2007 theproject began its journey towards becoming a reality, thanksto a small and select group of medical technologists special-ized in blood transfusion technology, with a combined totalof more than 170 years’ experience. A short introductionfollows: Rob Wilkinson, an expert in all aspects of quality,particularly within the management of a transfusion service,wrote the ‘Quality’ section as well as ‘Equipment and mate-rials management’, and ‘Safety, health and the environment’,besides giving critical comment on all sections and coauthor-ing ‘Genetics’ and ‘Compatibility testing’. Elizabeth Smart,an experienced immunohaematologist with internationalrecognition, coauthored many sections; her major input beingthe ‘Blood group systems’. Her contribution to the ‘Principlesof laboratory techniques’, ‘Donation testing’, ‘Haemolyticdiseases’ and ‘Compatibility testing’ has also been invaluable.Jonathan Hardwick, an expert in cold chain managementand the preparation of blood components, has contributedoutstanding value in writing the sections on ‘Blood process-ing’ and ‘Blood storage and transportation’. Leesha Raman, apracticing training officer, coauthored ‘Principles of labora-tory techniques’ and ‘Donation testing’ and provided impor-tant practical input into the other sections, particularly fromthe perspective of the student. I was involved in training anddevelopment for many years in South Africa, and recentlyhad the privilege of working in Blood Transfusion Safety atthe World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

The original publication of

Introduction to Blood Trans-fusion Technology

consisted of 150 pages and included thefundamentals of haematology, immunology, antigen–antibody

reactions, causes of false results, genetics, blood group andHLA systems, blood donation and storage, blood components,safety in the laboratory, quality control and assurance,proficiency testing, donor grouping and the detection of viralmarkers, crossmatching, transfusion reactions, blood trans-fusion regulations, haemolytic disease of the newborn, ante-natal and postnatal testing, haemolytic anaemias, laboratoryglassware and equipment and sterilization.

This publication is not an updated edition of the originaltexts that were written almost 16 years ago. Although itshares the same title as its predecessor, it takes into accountthe advances in technologies and presents introductoryinformation for international benefit. The primary objectiveof this publication has been to meet the academic needs ofstudents whose courses relate to blood transfusion technology,particularly when they find themselves in areas of the worldwhere there is not ready access to information and facilities.It has not been written for experts; it has been written as atraining manual to give access to the inexperienced. It con-tains a broad spectrum of information with sufficient detailto provide a platform for students to build on their knowledgeand become experts themselves one day.

The information covers the transfusion chain and issupported by many illustrations, a comprehensive glossary,an index and list of abbreviations. Information that relates tomore than one section has either been cross-referenced in thetext, or duplicated sufficiently in the section so that each canbe studied as a stand-alone module. Each section lists thelearning objectives, provides a content summary and suggestsadditional learning activities. The scope of this publicationdoes not include some of the more recent technologicaladvances, such as stem cell production, cord blood bankingand detailed molecular techniques and findings.

Education is a crucial component of lifelong learningand continuous improvement. Without it, quality cannot beattained and maintained in a blood transfusion service, andprofessional capacity and leadership cannot be built for thefuture. Blood transfusion is about saving lives, and we shouldtake this very seriously. Although a blood service needs torun as a business, it first needs to cherish and develop itsscientific capacity.

Nelson Mandela has said on many occasions that ‘educationis the key’, and the five of us fully endorse this philosophy.

Beryl Armstrong