Understanding reference lab techniques like adsorption, elution, and enzymes feels like learning a new language! Jan Hamilton is here to help you learn to speak “reference lab.”

NOTE: Continuing Education credit for this episode has expired. See below for details.

102CE Hamilton reference lab

Jan Hamilton, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB

Most of the routine testing done in hospital transfusion services is quickly mastered by those learning transfusion medicine. However, when things start to get complicated, more advanced testing may be necessary, and words like “adsorption,” “elution,” and “enzymes” are spoken by the local reference laboratory.

We Need a Translator!

This interview will introduce some of you to Jan Hamilton, who is the manager of the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory at the American Red Cross-Southeastern Michigan Region in Detroit, Michigan (I say “some of you” because Jan’s work is pretty widely known, and many of you are already aware of how awesome she is!). Jan will help you understand more clearly how to “speak reference lab” and understand these more advanced serologic techniques. The interview also includes answers to the commonly asked question, “which testing platform is best?”

Wait, a FREE BOOK?

You read that right! Jan is one of the authors of the incredibly helpful book from AABB Press, “Antibody Identification: Art or Science?”, and the AABB, along with Wiley Health Learning and Transfusion News, have arranged for you to have the chance to win a free copy of the book. See details below in the Continuing Education box!

102CE Hamilton reference lab

Jan Hamilton, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB

Most of the routine testing done in hospital transfusion services is quickly mastered by those learning transfusion medicine. However, when things start to get complicated, more advanced testing may be necessary, and words like “adsorption,” “elution,” and “enzymes” are spoken by the local reference laboratory.

We Need a Translator!

This interview will introduce some of you to Jan Hamilton, who is the manager of the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory at the American Red Cross-Southeastern Michigan Region in Detroit, Michigan (I say “some of you” because Jan’s work is pretty widely known, and many of you are already aware of how awesome she is!). Jan will help you understand more clearly how to “speak reference lab” and understand these more advanced serologic techniques. The interview also includes answers to the commonly asked question, “which testing platform is best?”

Wait, a FREE BOOK?

You read that right! Jan is one of the authors of the incredibly helpful book from AABB Press, “Antibody Identification: Art or Science?”, and the AABB, along with Wiley Health Learning and Transfusion News, have arranged for you to have the chance to win a free copy of the book. See details below in the Continuing Education box!

102CE featured image reference lab

About My Guest:

Jan Hamilton, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB is the Manager of the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) at the American Red Cross-Southeastern Michigan Region in Detroit, Michigan. She is a member of the ISBT Immunohaematology Working Party and recently joined the journal Immunuhematology as an Associate Editor. She is past chair of the AABB IRL Accreditation Program Unit and the ACSP Board of Registry Blood Bank Examination Committee. Jan co-authored the chapter “Identification of Antibodies to Red Cell Antigens” in the 18th and 19th editions of the AABB Technical Manual. She also is co-author of “Antibody Identification: Art or Science? A Case Study Approach ,”and “Investigating Positive DAT Results: A Case Study Approach.” Her special interest is performing and teaching serological problem solving. She has been part of the Indian Immunohematology Initiative which focuses on hands-on immunohematology education in India and neighboring South Asian countries.

Continuing Education Expired

This podcast episode offered continuing education credit for two years from its release date, but is no longer eligible for such credit.

There are currently no episodes of Blood Bank Guy Essentials eligible for continuing education credit, but check back soon!

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed on this episode are those of my guest and I alone, and do not reflect those of the organizations with which either of us is affiliated. Neither Ms. Hamilton nor I have any relevant financial disclosures.

Further Reading:

  • Hamilton JR, Johnson ST, and Rudmann SV, eds. “Antibody Identification: Art or Science: A Case Study Approach.” AABB Press 2013

Special thanks to:

  • Tommy Walker and Tommy Walker Ministries for the use of his amazing song, “Get Up,” heard at the beginning and end of the episode
  • Jessica Murray, BBGuy Assistant

Additional Music Credit

Music for this episode includes “Reflejo,” by Mar Virtual via the Free Music Archive. Click the image below for permissions and license details.
Creative Commons license and link

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