Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Blood Bank Technician
CIP Code: 51.1010 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness in transfusion services and donor operations. Certified Blood Bank Technicians perform specimen handling, blood typing and antibody screening, component preparation and storage, compatibility testing, and documentation for safe transfusion support across hospital and reference lab settings.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $199 • 10 CEU • No lapse (CPR not required)
Why Multi-Skilled?
NHWCA’s multi-skilled model verifies cross-functional competency in immunohematology, component processing, compatibility testing, documentation, and quality systems—so labs can staff flexibly across transfusion service tasks with one certified team member.
Job Description
A Blood Bank Technician performs blood grouping and typing, antibody screening and identification, crossmatching, component prep and allocation, refrigerated storage & inventory control, transfusion reaction workups, documentation, and LIS data integrity under established quality and safety protocols.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of an allied health or laboratory training program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited healthcare facility or transfusion service; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable work in blood bank/transfusion services.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Immunohematology & Serology Fundamentals | 30% | ~38 |
| Compatibility Testing & Crossmatch | 25% | ~31 |
| Blood Components: Collection, Processing & Storage | 15% | ~19 |
| Transfusion Reactions & Hemovigilance | 10% | ~12 |
| Quality Systems, Regulatory & Safety | 10% | ~12 |
| Specimen Handling, Documentation & LIS | 10% | ~12 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $199 • 10 CEU • No lapse (CPR not required)
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