Blood Bank Specialist (IRL)

About the role

The Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) Specialist provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise within the 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

In this role, you will:

• 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.
• Coordinate the identification, reservation, and management of antigen-negative red blood cell units for patients with special transfusion requirements.
• Monitor 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.

Requirements

The role is divided into several key areas:

• Operational Leadership: 20% of the role
• Regulatory Compliance, Quality and Continuous Improvement: 30% of the role
• Testing: 40% of the role
• Mentorship & Professional Development: 10% of the role

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline required.
• 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.
• MT(ASCP), MLS(ASCP), BB(ASCP), or equivalent certification required.

We prefer: Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB) certification

Skills

The ideal candidate will have sound judgment, professionalism, diplomacy, and effective communication skills.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work performed in a clinical laboratory environment with exposure to biological materials and laboratory chemicals.
• Available to work overtime, weekends, holidays, as needed to support business operations.

About the organization

Since 1975, Gulf Coast Blood has been one of the nation’s largest community blood centers, serving 170 hospitals across 26 counties.