Cool Stuff!
Quizzes
We understand that many of you love to take quizzes to review information as well as to learn new stuff. For that reason, the Blood Bank Guy quiz page has been greatly expanded, and we are not done yet! Over the last few months of 2011, we are working on adding multiple new quizzes for your viewing pleasure!
Facebook and Twitter Notifications
Social media alert: You can now follow/"like" this site on Facebook or Twitter, and you'll be notified when a new podcast is available. I post status updates on Facebook and "tweet" (c'mon, really? "Tweet?") about new blog entries, podcasts, and other news. I also regularly interact with people through both methods, so you can send me questions or comments for more immediate feedback.
BBGuy Blog
Once or twice a month, I will post a blog entry that covers a particular topic in the world of blood banking/transfusion medicine. The entries will cover interesting or illustrative things that I see in my practice in a major blood center, as well as stuff that either isn't covered in depth elsewhere, or is covered in so much depth that I feel like it needs a summary for clarity. As with everything I do, I try to keep these simple, straightforward, and useful to as many as possible.
Podcasts!
Several times a year (I'm trying to get better with this), I will post an approximately 45-60 minute podcast that covers a single topic in blood banking/transfusion medicine. The podcasts will cover a wide variety of topics, from transfusion of various blood products to technical things like antibody identification. In general, the podcasts will go into greater detail than the blog entries I mentioned above. As time goes by, I plan to cover the majority of the essentials of blood banking, so that you can learn what you need to know in small "bites!"
There are several options for seeing and/or hearing the podcasts, as follows:
Audio Version:
For me, listening to a lecture is just better when you can take it along with you. The audio version of the Blood Bank Guy podcast is designed especially for those of you that are "on-the-go." This is the version that works best when it is downloaded to your MP3 player or phone (hopefully, one with a fruit logo on the back!) for maximum portability. The very best way to do this is to subscribe to the audio podcast in iTunes, so that when I post a new podcast, it will download automatically. You can also stream it or download it directly to your computer.
Video Version:
The video version of the BBGuy podcast is much like attending a lecture. You will be able to see the presentation while you hear it, with slides synchronized to sound. Those of you that are visual learners will like this format. You can see the video podcasts on each individual podcast page (see the pages for plasma, platelets, or TTDs 1). Like the audio version of the podcast, you can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes so that it downloads to your computer (and your iPod or iPhone, if you want) automatically. I personally prefer the iTunes option, but it is up to you!
Handouts:
Every podcast comes with a handout that you can download, print, and keep for reference (or use to start a fire if it really sucks!).
Glossary
The blood banking/transfusion medicine glossary already covers well over 100 definitions, terms, and concepts that are essential in blood banking. Every month, I will add more items to the list (until I get sick of it or feel like I've got nothing left to define!), sometimes corresponding with the topics covered in the monthly podcast or blog entries. In many areas of the site, I have linked specific words, phrases, and concepts to their discussion in the glossary, and more of these will follow as I keep working on it.
STILL Free!!
I just have to point out that, as has been the case since the day I started this site, you are STILL getting all of these things for the bargain price of ZERO DOLLARS! As you will see from my mission and vision for this site, I have a passion to teach people as much about blood banking and transfusion medicine as I possibly can. The comments and appreciation of visitors like you over the thirteen years of this site's existence serve as awesome payment for the work that I put into it, so, please, if something I have done here has helped you, don't hesitate to let me know!