SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES

MT 51 - FIRST SEMESTER CLINICAL INTERNSHIP

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION, INC.

BLOOD BANK/SEROLOGY SECTION

SEPTEMBER 4-8, 2023

A NARRATIVE REPORT

SUBMITTED TO: SIR JAN EMMANUEL G. KADUSALE

SUBMITTED BY: JIA ROSE C. TABAL

 As we all know, before being used in blood transfusions and other medical procedures,

donated blood or blood products are tested in a lab to ensure their safety. This process is known

as blood banking. Blood banking includes testing for infectious illnesses as well as typing the

blood for transfusion. During my third year level we were only told to perform some cross-

matching manually and Rh blood typing, we were not exposed to doing some antibody screening

in gel cards. In our Serology class we did some test such as pregnancy test kit, HBV test kit, and

HIV test kit, etc. Blood banking involves the collection, processing, testing, and storage of blood

and its components for medical use. It ensures a safe and sufficient supply of blood for

transfusions, surgeries, and medical treatments.

First thing in the morning, we were told to check the 6 temperature and record it, refill

the pipette yellow tips; the kits on the serological test we disinfect the area of surfaces we use.

She also gave us a brief introduction to the tools and test kits used in serology. The HIPRO HP -

AFS/3 Immunoassay Analyzer detects C-reactive protein (CRP), Antistreptolysin O (ASO), and

other assays using nephelometry, biochemistry, turbidimetry, and immunofluorescence. Another

is the Vitros 5600 Integrated System, which may be used for clinical chemistry testing as well as

immunoassays. It makes use of a number of different concepts, including colorimetric/rate,

potentiometric (direct ISEs), immuno-rate, turbidimetric, and enhanced chemiluminescence. This

was often reserved for transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs), such as syphilis, HIV, HBV,

etc., in the BB section. Serology, a subset of blood banking, focuses on studying blood serum

and identifying antibodies or antigens related to infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, or

COVID-19. Serological tests help diagnose infections, determine immunity status, and screen

blood donors for potential pathogens. Together, blood banking and serology play crucial roles in
healthcare, ensuring both the availability of life-saving blood products and the prevention and

control of infectious diseases.

Ma'am Julia instructed us in the section's standard procedure. Our workload solely

depends on whether a planned blood transfusion or an urgent request is made. The part requires

us to type blood. Blood typing determines a person's blood group, mostly by determining

whether or not certain antigens (A, B, and RhD) are present on the surface of their red blood

cells. This knowledge is essential for ensuring the safety of organ transplants and blood

transfusions by preventing negative blood-donor interactions. We must also complete the DAT

and IAT. Serological assays used in blood banking, such as the Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT)

and Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT), are essential. DAT aids in the diagnosis of disorders like

autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hemolytic illness of the newborn by directly evaluating

patient red blood cells for the presence of bound antibodies or complement proteins. IAT, on the

other hand, makes use of a patient's serum or plasma to spot any antibodies that might react with

donor or transfused red blood cells. This test is essential for antibody screening to find

potentially hazardous antibodies, assuring safe blood product transfer and crossmatching blood

to assure compatibility during transfusions. These tests protect both donors and recipients during

the blood banking process as a whole.

Dengue and salmonella tests come after these tests. In order to diagnose dengue fever, a

dengue serology test looks for antibodies (IgM and IgG) in a patient's blood serum. IgG denotes

immunity or a history of infections, but IgM shows an acute illness. These tests are crucial for

diagnosing patients, limiting outbreaks, and checking blood donors for exposure to the dengue

virus. In a patient's blood serum, a Salmonella serology test can find antibodies against the

organism. It can determine recent or previous exposure and aid in the diagnosis of Salmonella
infections. Salmonella testing at blood banks makes that donated blood is clear of bacterial

contamination, protecting recipients from diseases brought on by transfusions.

Lastly, I and Ysandra had the chance to do a bloodletting operation on the 3rd day of my

rotation. I had never done this before, so I was nervous, excited and worried about what might go

wrong. However, because the nursing supervisor trusted us to complete the process, I developed

confidence and completed it effectively and without any issues. I did 2 successful blood donation

from both a NAVY and they really trusted me while doing the process. Overall, my time

working in a blood bank has been both tremendously rewarding and humble. I am fortunate to be

able to contribute every day to the vital task of making sure that there is a safe and adequate

supply of blood available for patients who are in need. My coworkers' sense of accountability

and commitment to excellence is motivating. Knowing that handling blood products might

potentially affect someone's life, I've learnt to treat them with the utmost care. Each work is of

utmost importance, from blood cross-matching and typing to infectious disease screening.