BB (ASCP) - Technologist in Blood Banking

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) grants the certification of Technologist in Blood Banking (BB). This certification is designed for MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS OR MEDICAL LABORATORY CLINICIANS professionals who support physicians in blood transfusion therapy by identifying blood types and antibodies during routine and specialized testing. This national certification is designed for medical and clinical laboratory technologists who work in blood banks. A bachelor’s degree level education or higher is required for certification.

To obtain Technologist in Blood Banking (BB) certification, candidates must meet education and experience requirements and pass a written exam.

The BB ASCP exam tests candidates in the following areas:

• serologic/molecular testing

• quality control/assurance

• routine problem solving

• laboratory operations

• donor collection, processing, testing

The BB (ASCP) certification is not required to work in a blood bank, but some employers may require it.

Cost

• Exam Fee: $250

• International Candidate Fee: $210. There is a discount of $95 for applicants that have a medical laboratory education and reside in specific countries listed in the International Pricing Policy

Test Format

To qualify for the Technologist in Blood Banking (BB (ASCP)) certification, professionals must apply online, submit eligibility documentation, and pay an application fee. If the application is approved, the candidate will receive an authorization to test (ATT) via email.

When the approval is received, the candidate must schedule an appointment to take the Technologist in Blood Banking (BB (ASCP)) certification exam.

The Technologist in Blood Banking (BB (ASCP)) test is a two-and-a-half-hour timed, computer-based exam. It consists of 100 questions.

Results

Examinees will receive unofficial pass/fail results at the testing center on completion of the exam. An official results report is available online within four business days.

The steps to obtain the BB (ASCP) certification are:

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent

2. Earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry, or a related field

3. Be hired as a lab tech to gain the required experience

4. Apply for the Technologist in Blood Banking (BB (ASCP)) exam

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To apply for the BB (ASCP) exam, candidates must demonstrate lab experience within the past five years in all the following procedures:

• Serologic and Molecular Testing: ABO and Rh Typing, antibody detection and identification, direct antiglobulin tests, tests for other antigens, crossmatching

• Routine Problem Solving: transfusion reactions, immune hemolytic anemias, Rh immunoglobulin studies, indications for transfusion, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)

• Quality Control/Assurance: equipment and reagents

• Laboratory Operations

• Donor Collection, Processing, and Testing: donor selection, donor preparation, collection, processing, donor testing, preparation for storage, and administration.

Technologist in Blood Banking (BB (ASCP)) certification is valid for three years.

Technologists must complete Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) requirements to renew certification. The requirements include:

• renewal application online

• 36 CMP points

Renewal Fee

• Renewal fee: $100

• Reinstatement fee: $135

• Fee is reduced by $20 if renewing multiple ASCP certifications that expire on the same day or will expire in three months of each other.

Effective 1/1/2023, all certification categories are required to complete one CMP point of continuing education in the area of medical ethics (e. g., HIPAA, compliance, confidentiality training.)

Beginning January 2024, the amount of dedicated CMP points increased from 2 to 8 for the Technologist in Blood Banking (BB) credential. The overall CMP points required did not increase.

The ASCP offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Guideline

• Reading List

• Exam and Certification Procedures

The ASCP also offers the following:

• Technologist in Chemistry (C)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Cytotechnologist (CT)

• Technologist in Hematology (H)

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)