Course Descriptions

MT 5332 Serology
3 Semester Hours
Methods used to resolve ABO discrepancies, to perform antibody detection, identification, and crossmatch, and to perform antigen typing are reviewed. The principle and use of potentiators, enzymes, thiol reagents and other special reagents are introduced. Patient history, initial serological findings, reticulocyte harvest, adsorption, and elution techniques, as well as the solid phase and column methodologies, are applied to investigation of allo- and autoantibodies. (This course is a prerequisite or co-requisite for MT 5237 Serology Laboratory 1 and prerequisite for MT 5538 Serology Laboratory 2.)

MT 5237 Serology Laboratory 1
2 Semester Hours
Students perform routine and complex antibody identification and explore methods used to resolve ABO discrepancies. A variety of blood bank techniques are used that illustrate basic and some more advanced serologic skills. This course is taken in conjunction with or after the lecture course Serology MT 5332. (This course is a prerequisite for Serology Laboratory 2.)

MT 5538 Serology Laboratory 2
5 Semester Hours
Students are exposed to a variety of serologic situations in an effort to increase their problem-solving skills. Knowledge of blood group antigens and antibodies is reinforced. Students are given the opportunity to perform specialized testing that is unique to blood bank reference laboratories.

MT 5331 Human Blood Groups
3 Semester Hours
The conventional and International Society of Blood Transfusion nomenclatures for the blood group antigens and other pertinent terminology is reviewed. The principles of genetics, biochemistry, immunology and serology as applied to blood group systems, collections, and series are presented. The blood group antigens and their corresponding antibodies are addressed in relation to disease and transfusion therapy, respectively.

MT 5139 Advanced Case Studies
1 Semester Hour
The student demonstrates the application of theoretical knowledge to clinical situations in antibody and clinical case studies. The student presents solutions to unresolved problems. Additional testing is identified to contribute to the solution. Students also review serologic cases for thoroughness, accuracy, and validity.

MT 5341 Donor Center Operations
3 Semester Hours
The standards, regulations, and fundamental aspects of good manufacturing practices associated with donor center operations are introduced. Topics include recruitment of blood donors and collection, preparation, processing, inventory management, storage and distribution of blood components. Donor deferrals and notification, donor reentry, donor look-back, and transfusion transmitted disease investigations are discussed. The application of information management to document development, control, and record management is also addressed. (This course is a prerequisite or co-requisite for MT 5393 Donor Center Practice.)

MT 5393 Donor Center Practice
3 Semester Hours
This clinical experience includes rotations in a blood donor center as well as a processing laboratory. The student observes the application of the standards, regulations, and good manufacturing practices in the recruitment of blood donors and the collection, preparation, processing, inventory management, and storage of blood components. Managerial and quality assurance aspects of donor centers and processing laboratories are also addressed.

MT 5335 Transfusion Therapy
3 Semester Hours
The regulations associated with transfusion practice and fundamental aspects of transfusion therapy are introduced in this course. The composition of blood and blood components and their infusion are discussed. Transfusion therapy for different clinical situations is presented, including the special needs patient, neonatal/pediatric patients and indications and use of special components. Transfusion complications will also be addressed. (This course is a prerequisite or co-requisite for MT 5340 Transfusion Service Practice.)

MT 5340 Transfusion Service Practice
3 Semester Hours
This clinical experience includes a rotation in one or more transfusion services. The student observes and/or participates in the application of the standards, regulations, and good manufacturing practices in patient identification, blood sample collection, component selection and preparation, pretransfusion testing, compatibility testing, inventory management, transfusion reaction work ups, and prenatal and cord blood testing. Automated testing, blood administration, therapeutic blood collection, donor look-back and transfusion transmitted disease investigation is discussed. Managerial and quality assurance aspects of a transfusion service are also addressed.

5442 Management
4 Semester Hours
This course consists of didactic experience in management and laboratory information systems. Instruction is given in management theories, quality management and quality assurance techniques, administration, regulatory requirements, and accreditation requirements.

MT 5494 Education and Research
4 Semester Hours
Application of the four domains of learning in preparation of objectives, teaching materials, audiovisual aids, and evaluation tools for adult education is presented. The student also designs a research project in which data are collected and analyzed based on guidance provided in the course. Significant results are presented in written and oral communication. Students are encouraged to submit their research findings for scholarship consideration and publication.

The clinical practice courses have additional requirements that can be found at Clinical Curriculum located on the UT Southwestern Medical Center Website.