The ASCP(SBB) certification represents the "Specialist in Blood Banking" credential awarded by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The certification is a mark of advanced knowledge, skill, and expertise in blood banking and transfusion medicine. Here are some primary points or reasons behind the ASCP(SBB) certification:
Advanced Expertise: The SBB certification represents a higher level of proficiency in the field of blood banking and transfusion medicine than the standard Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Blood Bank Technologist (BB) certification. It signifies that the individual has advanced knowledge and expertise in areas such as blood collection, processing, testing, compatibility, and transfusion-related practices.
Career Advancement: SBB-certified individuals often qualify for leadership roles, supervisory positions, and specialized roles within blood banking and transfusion services in hospitals, reference labs, blood donation centers, and other healthcare settings. In fact, many leadership roles in a transfusion medicine setting require SBB certification as a prerequisite.
Education and Training: Earning the SBB certification typically requires completion of a specialized educational program that covers advanced topics in blood banking, ensuring the individual is well-versed in the complexities of the field.
Research and Development: SBBs are often involved in research and development activities in the blood banking sector, working to develop new tests, processes, and technologies to enhance the safety and efficacy of blood products.
Quality Assurance and Compliance: The in-depth knowledge that SBBs have is crucial for quality assurance, ensuring that blood products meet all safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Consultation: Medical professionals often rely on SBBs for consultation regarding complex transfusion cases, donor eligibility, rare antibodies, and other advanced topics in the field.
Professional Recognition: The ASCP(SBB) certification is nationally recognized as a mark of excellence, indicating that an individual has met stringent educational and experiential qualifications.
Continual Learning: Maintenance of the SBB certification requires ongoing education, ensuring that certified professionals stay updated with the latest advancements and practices in the field of blood banking.
Advocacy and Education: SBBs play a critical role in advocating for best practices, developing guidelines, and educating other medical professionals and the public about the importance and nuances of blood banking.
Enhanced Patient Care: Ultimately, the advanced knowledge and expertise of SBBs contribute to improved patient care. They ensure the safe and effective use of blood products, optimizing patient outcomes in various clinical scenarios.
As of July 2023, the cost of applying for the chance to sit and test for the SBB is $300.
Candidates aspiring for the Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) certification need to submit their application online, along with the necessary eligibility documents and associated fees. Once the application gets the green light, they'll get an email notification granting them the right to take the test (RTT). Following this, they can lock in their SBB exam date.
Pearson VUE supervises the test delivery. There are numerous authorized testing hubs across the country where aspirants can book their slots. The exam, taken on a computer, spans 2.5 hours and contains a total of 100 questions.
The testing method is rooted in Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). This means each question's significance adjusts based on the candidate's previous responses. Questions are scaled in terms of difficulty, and to pass, candidates must correctly answer a sufficient number of the more challenging ones. The score to beat is set by the certification board.
Outcome Details
Right after wrapping up the test, candidates can access a preliminary pass or fail status at the testing venue. A detailed scorecard becomes available online within a span of roughly four working days.
If a candidate doesn't succeed on their first try, they have four more opportunities to retake the exam under the same eligibility criteria. However, after five unsuccessful attempts, they would need to seek a different eligibility pathway for further attempts.
Credential Maintenance Program
SBBs are required to renew their certification every 3 years.
In doing so, the applicant must have collected 36 CMP (eligible Continuing Education credits) throughout the previous 3 years.
Fees
Renewal fee: $95
Reinstatement fee: $125 (if you allowed your certification to lapse without renewing)
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