In honor of Lab Professionals Week, we recognize our dedicated experts at our Pomona based Betty Bazar blood productition center, where quality control techicians ensure each of the 400,000+ blood products processed annually meets the highest standards for patient safety. From donor screening to pathogen reduction and double-checked lab testing, their work is meticulous and mission-driven. Photos by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross.
By Saida Pagan/American Red Cross
As one of the world’s leading blood collection and processing facilities, the Betty Bazar Blood Center, formerly known as the American Red Cross Pomona Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center—processes over 400,000 blood products yearly. It is the largest platelet collection center in California–processing nearly 14,000 platelets. Approximately 250,000 units of blood forsurgeries, cancer treatment and more are also collected and quality control is the top priority and the responsibility is enormous.
“Our hospital clients and their patients have to be assured that their blood products are safe,” said Tim Coleman, shift supervisor in Quality Control. “Our mission is to follow all our procedures exactly with no variation.”
Donated blood samples undergo rigorous testing, each one representing a potential lifesaving transfusion—and a serious responsibility. Lab professionals like Kimberly Hernandez and Tim Coleman follow strict FDA-approved procedures to screen for infectious diseases, verify volume and type and eliminate pathogens. “Our hospital clients and their patients have to be assured that their blood products are safe,” said Coleman. Every safeguard reflects a commitment to excellence—and honors the donors who make this lifesaving work possible.
If the donated blood is initially deemed usable, it then receives additional screening. Besides tests for infectious diseases, calculations are performed, checking for weight, volume, color and type. Only then is the blood allowed to be processed further.
In the platelet preparation process, for example, the blood product is also tested for the presence of bacteria and undergoes an FDA-approved pathogen reduction process lasting several hours. In this step, a compound is used, designed to reduce the possibility that any disease-causing bacteria, viruses or other pathogens might remain.
“It starts with [many hours of] training,” Coleman said. “It is a responsibility and we don’t accept any mistakes. There is no allowable percentage of errors.”
Kimberly Hernandez, a Quality Control lab technologist in the platelets department majored in biology and worked in other lab settings before joining the Red Cross five years ago. She says standards are also kept high by a system requiring double-checking by other staff members. More steps include samples being randomly tested prior to shipment and again at medical settings before transfusions. She welcomes these important safeguards.
“I always think in the back of my mind, ‘What if this were my family member?’ Hernandez asked. “I would want to make sure we have the best quality.”
Hernandez says part of her quest for excellence is informed by the sacrifice made by donors. She thinks she understands what motivates them.
“Someone helped my loved one and I want to give back,” she said, referring to a transfusion one of her cousins had recently. “That is very inspiring to me.”
Hernandez says part of her quest for excellence is informed by the sacrifice made by donors. She thinks she understands what motivates them.
Tim Coleman has similar thoughts.
“We see some of them come in every other week. It’s a time commitment of between two and four hours,” Coleman said, commenting on their selflessness.
And although he doesn’t get to meet donors directly, he holds them in very high regard.
“I would love to go and thank them myself.”
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
