The Role of the Transfusion Service Physician
This chapter focuses on the role of the hospital transfusion service (TS) physician. The physician plays a leading role in a critical operation within the hospital by ensuring a reliable and adequate supply of safe and effective blood products and matching with recipients. The organization chart is discussed and according to the AABB Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, the transfusion service physician must have a clearly defined structure and documentation of the individuals responsible for key functions including executive management. The specific roles of the TS physician include overseeing specific laboratories, laboratory and administrative policies and procedures, direct and indirect patient care and education and research. In transfusion services, the TS physician not only directs the traditional hospital blood bank, where pretransfusion testing and blood product dispensing occur but may also direct a number of other laboratory and clinical services. The other responsibilities of the TS physician being discussed include transfusion service management, quality management and patient care. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.