Overview
Haematology and transfusion science are two closely-related career fields in pathology. Both are focused broadly on teamwork in the health care sphere, on science and data management, and involve continuing change as new tools and methods are introduced. Haematology scientists work with the cells of the blood and assessment of bleeding and clotting.
Transfusion science has developed from being a part of haematology into a major specialty on its own that is closely linked to both health care and the medicines manufacturing industry.
It deals with collection, testing, production and supply of the unique range of biological medicines made from blood and used in clinical transfusion.
Transfusion science in New Zealand
Transfusion science in New Zealand operates primarily through the NZ Blood Service (NZBS) and partly through pathology laboratories that operate blood banks in the secondary hospital centres. Blood bank staff throughout New Zealand are a large group of medical laboratory scientists who are responsible for blood grouping and antibody screening and specialised tests to identify antibodies so that safe, compatible transfusions can be provided.
Specialised testing for blood groups and antibodies is also carried out by pathology laboratories throughout New Zealand for pregnant women and occasionally other specialised tests.
The medical laboratory scientists of NZBS have a wide range of roles. In blood banks and donation testing laboratories the work is focused on blood grouping and antibody detection so that compatible blood transfusions can be provided.
Other laboratories are involved with processing blood and specialised plasma donations to manufacture the large range of blood components and products needed throughout New Zealand.
Senior scientists play an important role in supervision of this work, quality monitoring, specialised testing and developmental work.
Haematology and transfusion science are two closely-related career fields in pathology.
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