Basic Site Tour
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! We are always are working on adding new quizzes for your viewing pleasure!
Podcasts!
Several times a year, I will post an approximately 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 (like platelets or plasma) 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:
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, and, in fact, the majority of the podcasts are video-only. You can see the video podcasts on each individual podcast page. 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!
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 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.
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!).
Interactive Learning
In 2012, I asked one of the most knowledgeable blood bankers and immunohematologists I know, Monica LaSarre, to start taking your actual questions about immunohematology and develop the new "Ask Monica" portion of the site. We have been really pleased with the response so far! Monica is developing more answers to commonly asked questions, and I am delighted to have her expertise available to those of you that are more on the technical side than I!
BBGuy Blog
Every now and then, 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, 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.
Glossary
The blood banking/transfusion medicine glossary covers close to 200 definitions, terms, and concepts that are essential in blood banking. BBGuy contributors will add more items to the list gradually, 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 almost 15 years ago, 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 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!
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.