Blood Bank Technology

This Special Interest Group (SIG) is dedicated to advancing awareness and understanding of emerging and innovative developments in:

• Serological techniques

• Transfusion laboratory automation and computerisation

• Applications of artificial intelligence in blood transfusion

• Blood grouping and antibody screening reagents

• Guidelines and legislation relevant to blood bank practice

The SIG aims to provide a forum that is both relevant and engaging for transfusion professionals across hospital and blood centre settings. It has established a strong reputation for delivering meetings that highlight cutting‑edge laboratory technologies and foster dynamic, informed discussion.

Operating at the intersection of hospital transfusion laboratories, UK blood transfusion services, and clinical teams, the SIG plays a key role in sharing expertise and addressing sector-wide challenges. The SIG Committee meets several times a year to review developments affecting laboratories and to plan forthcoming scientific events.

The SIG hosts one of the opening sessions on the first day of the BBTS Annual Scientific Conference, a session that consistently attracts high attendance. Later in the year, usually in November, the SIG co‑hosts a scientific meeting with UK NEQAS BTLP, focusing on issues of importance to laboratory staff and managers, career development, scientific updates, and notable case studies.

In addition, the SIG contributes proactively to BBTS/BSH guideline development in areas pertinent to blood banking. The SIG Committee includes representatives from hospital and blood centre laboratories, as well as specialist members from the IBGRL and UK NEQAS BTLP.