Transfusion Medicine - Blood Bank

Blood Bank Transfusion Medicine.JPG

Mission Statement

The Vanderbilt University Transfusion Medicine Program (VTMP) is dedicated to optimizing the use of blood products, apheresis and cellular therapeutics for patient care and advancement of the field through outstanding clinical service and through basic and translational research. We will lead our institution in transfusion medicine-related education and development of best practices while nurturing the next generation of Transfusion Medicine leaders. 

The blood bank houses three automated testing platforms and the standard equipment to perform a wide breadth of serologic testing. Combined, annual red cell, platelet and plasma product throughput is ~7000 units each month. Our staff performs over 10,000 additional tests/month that include compatibility testing, specialized serological testing, product preparation, and medical support.  

  • The Diagnostic Management Team (DMT) for Transfusion Medicine is composed of attending physicians, resident physicians, specialists in blood banking (SBBs), and medical technologists.  The DMT meets on a daily basis to evaluate each abnormal blood bank test and all suspected transfusion reactions.  A report is generated that integrates relevant blood bank and other laboratory testing results to the overall clinical status.  The report provides input on clinical management, including advice on appropriate transfusion therapy.  Additionally, the DMT in Transfusion Medicine serves as an educational and quality assessment/quality control function by reviewing any laboratory operational issues and procedure variances.

     

    VML Overview

    Effective March 1, 2024, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Diagnostic Laboratories will operate under a new name, Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories (VML), with new CLIA certificates. This change reflects a complete transformation of our laboratory operations with many benefits.

    Our new 110,000-square-foot diagnostic core laboratory supports the needs of Vanderbilt University Medical Center's inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, regional hospitals, and extramural practice customers. Located five miles north of the 21st Avenue Nashville campus, the laboratory has expanded capacity to bring more testing to Vanderbilt, deploy innovative technology, improve patient care, and enhance team collaboration. The laboratory offers an expanded test menu supporting routine and specialized testing and aims to become the preferred reference laboratory provider in the southeast region.

    The PMI Department benefits from VML academically and financially.  The ability to perform high-end esoteric testing in the diagnostic laboratories has allowed the department to expand its professional expertise and enhance its teaching and research capabilities.  Additional revenues allow the Department to support new and ongoing programs.  VMC and VUH also benefit financially via the internal revenue taxation program and purchase of testing from the Hospital, respectfully.

    VML Tests

    • Type and Screen

    • Neonatal Type/Date

    • Cold Agglutinin Screen

    • Cold Agglutinin Titer

     

    The Transfusion Medicine section is also responsible for peripheral blood stem cell collections and photopheresis procedures.  Both allogeneic and autologous stem cell collections are performed at VUMC, including National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) collections.  Approximately 30 stem cell collections are performed each month and 50 photopheresis procedures.