Unit Outline

This unit covers the major blood group systems of relevance to human blood transfusion and the theoretical basis of common transfusion testing practices. We explore the donation of blood products and the management of transfusion services and study in detail, haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and the adverse effects of blood transfusion. An integrated series of lectures, tutorials and practicals cover these topics, with an emphasis on the development of laboratory skills and problem solving through transfusion-based case studies. The practical sessions concentrate on the essential skills of blood grouping, antibody screening, cross matching and problem solving.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Apply theoretical knowledge of blood group antigens and antibodies, to explain and interpret laboratory data.
2	Explain and demonstrate the practical, interpretive and evaluation skills required in compatibility testing and the investigation of immunohaematology-related adverse events.
3	Explain and apply theoretical knowledge of immunohaematology-related adverse events to explain and interpret clinical and laboratory data.
4	Communicate information about transfusion science roles, responsibilities, and results as appropriate for a professional environment.
5	Demonstrate professional skills and behaviours through effective, responsible, and safe work practices.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CXA231

Alterations as a result of student feedback

The Week 10 skills check has been moved to Week 12 in response to student feedback requesting the change.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	In Class Practical Activities	Week 1	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Mid Semester Theory Test	Week 7	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	In Class Practical Test	Week 7	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Final Practical Examination	Exam Period	0 %	LO2
Assessment Task 5:	Final Theory Examination	Exam Period	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: In Class Practical Activities

Task Description:

In-class practical activities:
Tests completed throughout the semester provide ongoing assessment and feedback in preparation for weekly practical sessions, the in-class practical test and the final theory and practical exams. These tests include:
-Weekly Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) (10% weighting). Ten questions based on the activities and underlying theory,
Week 4 in-class blood grouping skills check (5% weighting) and Week 12 in-class crossmatching & antibody identification skills check (10% weighting).

Task Length:

MCQs 15 minutes each week; Skills checks in scheduled practical classes

Due Date:

Week 1

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Perform ABO and Rh blood groups, blood group antibody screening tests, antibody identification and patient-donor crossmatching.	LO2, LO5
2	Apply theoretical and practical knowledge to resolve blood-grouping anomalies and identify any atypical antibodies detected.	LO2
3	Interpret laboratory findings related ABO and Rh blood groups, blood group antibody screening tests and antibody identification and patient-donor crossmatching, to report findings and provide compatible blood for safe transfusion.	LO1, LO4, LO5
4	Apply theoretical knowledge of immunohaematology-related adverse events to explain and interpret clinical and laboratory data.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Mid Semester Theory Test

Task Description:

Mid Semester Theory Test -
You need to demonstrate and apply knowledge of content presented in the first half of the semester by correctly answering a series of short answer questions and multiple-choice questions.

Task Length:

90 minutes

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate knowledge of ABO and Rh blood groups, blood group antibody screening tests and antibody identification.	LO1
2	Apply knowledge of ABO and Rh blood groups, blood group antibody screening tests and antibody identification to explain results.	LO1, LO4
3	Analyse and interpret case studies to explain clinical features of haematological characteristics and the diagnostic implications.	LO1, LO2, LO4

Assessment Task 3: In Class Practical Test

Task Description:

In-class practical test:
You need to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills learned and practiced in the first half of the semester by performing a series of immunohaematology tests and interpreting the results.

Task Length:

2 hours 45 minutes - normal practical class time

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Perform ABO and Rh blood groups, blood group antibody screening tests, antibody identification and patient-donor crossmatching.	LO2, LO5
2	Apply theoretical and practical knowledge to resolve blood-grouping anomalies and identify any atypical antibodies detected.	LO2
3	Interpret laboratory findings related ABO and Rh blood groups, blood group antibody screening tests and antibody identification and patient-donor crossmatching, to report findings and provide compatible blood for safe transfusion.	LO1, LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 4: Final Practical Examination

Task Description:

Final Practical Examination - The practical exam will take place in the Haematology Laboratory, during the University Examination Period.

This is a hurdle task that you must pass to pass the unit.

It is a requirement to attend a minimum of 75% of the laboratory practical sessions before sitting the final practical exam to ensure adequate competency is gained for safety in practice.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

0 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply knowledge of blood grouping techniques, cross matching and blood transfusion reactions to resolve anomalies and atypical results and demonstrate practical skills.	LO2

Assessment Task 5: Final Theory Examination

Task Description:

This is a face to face invigilated exam, where you will be required to demonstrate your individual ability to communicate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Compare and contrast the characteristics and clinical and laboratory significance of the ABO, Rh and other major blood group systems.	LO1
2	Describe blood-grouping techniques, identify blood group antibodies and discuss cross-matching procedures that result in safe blood products for transfusion.	LO2, LO4
3	Describe the clinical and laboratory features and practical investigation of blood transfusion reactions, haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn, autoimmune haemolytic anaemias and adverse effects of transfusion.	LO3, LO4
4	Explain the role of the transfusion laboratory in the effective use and management of blood and blood products.	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

You will need to access the following texts [eBooks available via the Library] and readings on a regular basis. They are all available via the Readings link on the MyLO home page for the unit:
•   Daniels G. Human Blood Groups. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated; 2013.
•   Harmening D. Modern Blood Banking and Transfusion Practices. 7th ed. F.A. Davis; 2019.
•   McCullough J. Transfusion Medicine. 5th ed. [electronic resource] Wiley Blackwell; 2017.
•   Murphy MF, Roberts DJ, Yazer MH, Dunbar NM, eds. Transfusion Medicine and Hemostasis. 1st ed. John Wiley & Sons Ltd; 2022.
•   Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion. Guidelines for Transfusion and Immunohaematology Laboratory Practice. 1st ed. Revised. ANZSBT; 2020.
•   Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion. Guidelines for the Administration of Blood Products. 3rd ed. Revised. ANZSBT; 2019.
•   National Blood Authority. Patient Blood Management Guidelines: Module 1 Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion. Version 1.4. National Blood Authority; 2023.