Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The aim of this unit is to prepare graduates with the relevant theory and practical knowledge of transfusion science required of a medical scientist in advancing patient care in professional practice. On completion of the unit students are expected to understand and apply the Australian regulatory framework for pre-transfusion testing and transfusion practice in a clinical laboratory.

The aim is achieved by increasing knowledge and understanding of; principles of immunohaematology, methods for pre-transfusion testing and selection of compatible blood products for transfusion, the pathophysiology and investigation of transfusion reactions, and awareness of transfusion requirements of pregnant women and neonates.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain how blood is collected, tested and prepared into components for transfusion in line with the Australian regulatory framework; (2) perform pre-transfusion ABO and Rh(D) grouping, antibody screening, antibody identification and selection of compatible blood for a transfusion; (3) outline the pathophysiology of transfusion reaction investigations and haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn; and (4) perform investigation of blood transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) tests; and (3) practical assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the practical assessment component.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Matthew Linden and Dr Chris Cruickshank
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
PATH5161 Laboratory Haematology
Contact hours
lectures: up to 2 hours per week
labs: up to 3 hours per week
tutorials: up to 3 hours per week
Note
This unit includes collecting and working with blood from patients and healthy volunteers. While the activities involved have undergone risk assessment and relevant institutional biosafety approvals, some activities are considered to be exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). As such, it is important that students meet the expectations for Health Care Workers in Western Australia. Under these guidelines HCWs and students are responsible for ensuring—(1) they know their own blood borne virus status; (2) their vaccination status against vaccine preventable diseases is current and they can provide evidence of HBV vaccination or documented evidence of non-responder status; (3) any refusal to undertake recommended vaccinations and/or serology is to be documented; and (4) they adopt infection prevention practices to minimise the risk of occupational exposure (e.g. use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safe handling and disposal of sharps).
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.