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What does a blood bank technician do?

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read

A blood bank technician is typically a trained phlebotomist who works with donors and patients on a daily basis. They are primarily in charge of collecting blood and other components, labeling and storing them according to protocols, and preparing them for transfusion. They also work at laboratories to test and analyze different samples, assess potential donors, and maintain extensive records. Moreover, a blood bank technician assists donors or patients by answering inquiries, providing instructions, and helping them be at ease during the procedure.

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Blood bank technician responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real blood bank technician resumes:

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Function in all areas of testing, maintenance and quality control in hematology and chemistry.
  • Provide emergency coverage in hematology, chemistry, coagulation, blood gas, urinalysis, and HIV labs.
  • Perform ABO for adults, and babies, RH typing, antibody screening by tube or gel technique.
  • Complete blood typing, antibody screening, compatibility testing, and antibody identification procedures entering all data into patient file.
  • Review patient history and results testing in hospital LIS.
  • Perform QC on all reagents, media, kits and instrumentation
  • Perform all tasks in compliance with CLIA, OSHA, safety and risk-management guidelines.
  • Conduct lab tests in the areas of hematology, urinalysis, biochemistry, coagulation and serology.
  • Perform daily and external quality control and verify any corrective action when QC are out of range.
  • Retyped all donor units for ABO and antigen negativity and restock units on a rotating scale by expiration.
  • Perform blood and Rh type and antibody screen and crossmatch to include get cards and manual tube method.
  • Receive, accession, process and scrutinize laboratory findings on donate whole blood while maintaining strict FDA guidelines.
  • Draw autologous, homologous, therapeutic and direct donor blood donations under the strict compliance of the FDA regulations.
  • Assist hematology department and perform hepatitis, RPR, hemoglobin A1c, body fluidanalysis, and kit testing as needed.

Blood bank technician skills and personality traits

We calculated that 16% of Blood Bank Technicians are proficient in Blood Bank, Clinical Laboratory, and Patients.

We break down the percentage of Blood Bank Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Blood Bank, 16%

    Performed Technician responsibilities as a Student in demanding University HospitalBlood Bank setting

  • Clinical Laboratory, 15%

    Track and maintain training records and proficiency/competency testing for the clinical laboratory.

  • Patients, 10%

    Handled interviews of patients in order to ensure the accuracy and satisfaction regarding sanitary procedures hospital-wide.

  • Compatibility, 8%

    Completed blood typing, antibody screening, compatibility testing, and antibody identification procedures entering all data into patient file.

  • Blood Samples, 6%

    Determine antibody ID and antigen type from blood samples and products.

  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%

    Perform laboratory procedures in preparation for dispensing blood and blood products as ordered by physicians.

Most blood bank technicians use their skills in "blood bank," "clinical laboratory," and "patients" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential blood bank technician responsibilities here:

See the full list of blood bank technician skills

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Compare different blood bank technicians

Blood bank technician vs. Accessioner

An accessioner works at laboratories where they are primarily in charge of managing and organizing specimens, assisting scientists as needed. Their responsibilities include receiving and verifying samples, labeling and preparing specimens according to its purpose, updating databases, disposing of waste properly, and examining samples for any contamination. They may also answer client and staff inquiries, providing them with accurate information such as timelines and results. Furthermore, as an accessioner, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff and adhere to the laboratory's rules and regulations to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

The annual salary of accessioners is $21,037 lower than the average salary of blood bank technicians.Even though blood bank technicians and accessioners are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require patients, blood samples, and osha in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, blood bank technician responsibilities require skills like "blood bank," "clinical laboratory," "compatibility," and "laboratory procedures." Meanwhile a typical accessioner has skills in areas such as "laboratory specimens," "laboratory analysis," "lab tests," and "specimen handling." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Accessioners tend to make the most money working in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $32,962. In contrast, blood bank technicians make the biggest average salary, $57,234, in the finance industry.The education levels that accessioners earn slightly differ from blood bank technicians. In particular, accessioners are 2.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a blood bank technician. Additionally, they're 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Blood bank technician vs. Laboratory aide

A laboratory aide is primarily responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and order in laboratories, all while performing support tasks for scientists. Their duties revolve around arranging specimens and samples, transporting materials from one laboratory to another, preparing apparatuses and machines, and storing them accordingly. A laboratory aide may also run errands, produce progress reports, sanitize areas and instruments, and properly dispose of chemicals and other hazardous waste. Furthermore, it is crucial to implement the laboratory's safety policies and regulations, ensuring a safe and healthy laboratory environment for everyone.

On average, laboratory aides earn a $25,581 lower salary than blood bank technicians a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Blood bank technicians and laboratory aides both require similar skills like "patients," "blood samples," and "computer system" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that blood bank technician responsibilities requires skills like "blood bank," "clinical laboratory," "compatibility," and "laboratory procedures." But a laboratory aide might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "specimen handling," "lab equipment," "phlebotomy," and "cleanliness."

Laboratory aides may earn a lower salary than blood bank technicians, but laboratory aides earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $31,856. On the other hand, blood bank technicians receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $57,234.In general, laboratory aides achieve similar levels of education than blood bank technicians. They're 2.6% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Blood bank technician vs. Laboratory supervisor

The primary job of laboratory supervisors is to oversee the daily operations of laboratories. They are responsible for facilitating the collection, analysis, and interpretation of laboratory results. Other responsibilities include supervising personnel, managing the operating budget of the laboratory, and hiring employees. Laboratory supervisors are responsible for overseeing quality assurance and enforcing practices to ensure quality control within the laboratory. Aside from these tasks, they also manage the acquisition of laboratory equipment and supplies and resolve any technical or administrative issues within the laboratory.

An average laboratory supervisor eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of blood bank technicians. The difference in salaries amounts to laboratory supervisors earning a $13,697 higher average salary than blood bank technicians.Using the responsibilities included on blood bank technicians and laboratory supervisors resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "clinical laboratory," "patients," and "osha.rdquo;

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a blood bank technician is likely to be skilled in "blood bank," "compatibility," "blood samples," and "laboratory procedures," while a typical laboratory supervisor is skilled in "patient care," "lab equipment," "test results," and "clia."

Laboratory supervisors earn the best pay in the health care industry, where they command an average salary of $77,667. Blood bank technicians earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $57,234.Most laboratory supervisors achieve a higher degree level compared to blood bank technicians. For example, they're 5.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Blood bank technician vs. Laboratory assistant

Laboratory assistants work for researchers, scientists, or professors in the laboratory setting. They are expected to have a solid background in the field of study of the laboratory they are assigned to. They do a variety of tasks in the laboratory, such as setting up equipment, observing experiments, analyzing results, creating reports, and recommending improvements to the testing. They may also be assigned to clean and sanitize laboratory equipment as needed. Laboratory assistants should have good research skills, analytical skills, and organizational skills.

Laboratory assistants typically earn lower pay than blood bank technicians. On average, laboratory assistants earn a $19,496 lower salary per year.According to resumes from blood bank technicians and laboratory assistants, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "patients," "blood samples," and "laboratory procedures. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between blood bank technicians and laboratory assistants, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a blood bank technician might have more use for skills like "blood bank," "clinical laboratory," "compatibility," and "blood products." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of laboratory assistants require skills like "phlebotomy," "customer service," "lab procedures," and "specimen collection. "

In general, laboratory assistants earn the most working in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $35,997. The highest-paying industry for a blood bank technician is the finance industry.In general, laboratory assistants hold similar degree levels compared to blood bank technicians. Laboratory assistants are 0.0% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of blood bank technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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