Blood Bank Specialist

About the role

We provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise within the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) while performing advanced serologic testing to investigate complex antibody identification cases, resolve serologic discrepancies, and support the selection of compatible blood products for patient transfusion. This role supports laboratory operations, quality systems, regulatory compliance, scientific advancement, and customer service initiatives while fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and guidance for daily IRL operations, ensuring effective workflow and timely resolution of complex serologic cases.
• Evaluate the acceptability of patient samples, testing requests, and consultation referrals in accordance with established laboratory guidelines.
• Receive specimens and orders, issue and return blood products, and ensure accurate documentation of all activities.
• Care for and manage antigen-negative red blood cell units for patients with special transfusion requirements.
• Maintain inventory levels of blood components, reagents, laboratory supplies, and reference materials to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Communicate effectively with hospitals, physicians, laboratory personnel, donors, and other stakeholders regarding patient requests, sample requirements, rare donor donations, and related services.
• Prepare consultation reports and provide technical recommendations to support serologic problem resolution and transfusion management.
• Maintain compliance with FDA, AABB, CAP, CLIA, OSHA, state, and organizational requirements governing laboratory operations.
• Participate in proficiency testing, quality assurance activities, quality control review, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes.
• Ensure accurate, complete, and timely documentation of laboratory procedures, testing activities, and results in accordance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Perform and/or oversee quality control testing, preventive maintenance, and equipment performance monitoring.
• Aid in validation and implementation of new methods, reagents, instrumentation, software systems, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with laboratory leadership, Quality, Hospital Services, and external partners to support operational excellence, quality improvement, and customer service initiatives.
• Promote adherence to organizational policies related to safety, equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and ethical conduct.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, compliance, and service delivery.
• Develop and implement testing strategies to investigate and resolve complex serologic problems.
• Perform, interpret, and document advanced immunohematology testing, including antibody identification, compatibility testing, antigen typing, and related reference laboratory procedures.
• Conduct antigen screening to identify antigen-negative blood products for patients with specific transfusion requirements.
• Review and verify test results for technical accuracy, completeness, and clinical appropriateness.
• Investigate and resolve serologic discrepancies, unusual findings, and complex transfusion support cases.
• Troubleshoot testing issues, instrumentation problems, reagent performance concerns, and unexpected laboratory results.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding compatible blood product selection and transfusion support.
• Support the training, onboarding, and competency assessment of laboratory personnel.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to technologists and laboratory staff.
• Assist with internal and external educational programs, presentations, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of advances in immunohematology, transfusion medicine, and laboratory science through professional journals, continuing education, workshops, seminars, and professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline required.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in blood banking, transfusion services, or an Immunohematology Reference Laboratory required.
• Demonstrated experience performing complex antibody identification and advanced serologic investigations.
• Experience interpreting complex immunohematology test results and providing transfusion support recommendations.
• Certifications / Licenses: MT(ASCP), MLS(ASCP), BB(ASCP), or equivalent certification required.

Skills

• Technical leadership and guidance for daily IRL operations.
• Advanced serologic testing and interpretation.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Training and mentoring.

Benefits

Free parking, career advancement, engaging and exciting opportunity to save lives.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Mon – Fri, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Department

Consultation & Reference

Locations

Headquarters - Gulf Coast Blood

Employment type

Full-time

Employment level

Professionals

Job Code

650509

Work Week

Monday-Friday

Shift

7:00am-3:00pm

Employment Status

Fulltime

OT Status

Non-Exempt

Driving Status

Non-Driver

About Gulf Coast Blood

We are one of the nation’s largest community blood centers, proudly serving over 170 hospitals across 26 Texas counties. Headquartered in Houston, we support the world’s largest medical complex, the Texas Medical Center, while operating donor centers and thousands of mobile drives each year. Our mission is powered by professionals who embody integrity, commitment, and respect.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Gulf Coast Blood is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for positions are considered without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, military status, protected veteran status, disability status, genetic testing results, or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable law, statute, regulation or Executive Order.