DNB Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion

The Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion is a specialized postgraduate program designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of transfusion medicine. The duration of the program is generally 3 years but may vary depending on the institute offering the program. The curriculum includes topics like immunohematology, blood banking, transfusion practices, and clinical pathology

DNB immunohematology and transfusion (DNB IHBT) is a 3 years multidisciplinary postgraduate program focusing on transfusion medicine, blood-related disorders, and blood banking.  

The course focuses on providing theoretical knowledge and practical training to improve the quality of care.  

The transfusion medicine physician is trained to analyze immunohematology issues, blood center administration, collection, storage, and preservation of blood, and donor recruitment. 

Apart from this, the blood transfusion specialist will also develop skills for supervisory and academic roles by the end of the program. 

The program is structured into two durations:  

a 3 years program for post-MBBS trainees (Primary DNB), also called the Post MBBS DNB Course, and  

a 2-year curriculum (secondary DNB) for students who have completed a diploma in the same specialty. 

Entrance for primary DNB is through NEET-PG, counseling conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) of DGHS, MoHFW, and other post-graduate courses. 

 For the secondary DNB, the candidate has to clear DNB-PDCET counseling conducted by NBEMS.  

 Diplomate of National Board in immunohematology and transfusion is equivalent to MD/MS/DM/MCh.  

This degree is recognized as a PG medical qualification and can be pursued after MBBS. 

Curriculum includes: 

Direct patient care & consultation 

Regulatory Compliance 

Inventory Management  

Manufacturing & Storage Supervision 

And more 

Post-MBBS DNB (Primary DNB) 

The Post-MBBS DNB is for MBBS graduates. The eligibility criteria are as follows: 

• Candidates should have an MBBS degree recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC). 

• The candidate must qualify for NEET-PG. The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) of DGHS, MoHFW, and other post-graduate courses conduct the counseling. 

Post-MBBS DNB in immunohematology and transfusion is a  3-year program. 

This is intended for individuals who have already completed their diploma in the same field, i.e., Immunohematology & transfusion from a recognized institute.  

For the secondary DNB, the candidate has to clear DNB-PDCET. NBEMS conducted the counseling.  

Post-MBBS DNB in immunohematology and transfusion is a  2-year program. 

• Post-MBBS/ Post-Diploma graduates interested in building a career in medical laboratory sciences or transfusion services, immunohematology, and laboratory medicine can pursue this course. 
• Professionals wanting to build careers as blood bank directors and supervisors can also pursue this course.  

Responsibilities include: 

• Blood center administration 
• Managing collection, processing, storage, and distribution of blood 
• For medical professionals interested in research work and academic careers, this field can expose them to clinical research on transfusion practices, academic positions in medical colleges, blood safety, and related fields. 

DNB Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion offers a specialized path to becoming a Transfusion Medicine Specialist, giving you in-depth exposure to various skills such as blood component therapy, blood banking, immunohematology, and transfusion practice,e opening diverse career opportunities for an individual.  

The average annual fees for DNB immunohematology and blood transfusion fees is upto INR 1,25,000 but might vary across institutions.  

Eligibility Criteria: To participate in the program, the candidate must have an MBBS qualification and 1 year of internship. 

Apart from this, admission to the course takes place depending on the NEET-PG merit.  

The DGHS, MC, and the State Authorities conduct a counseling process that distributes seats through NEET PG score rankings.  

DNB Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion programs educate students about blood transfusion, blood component use, and blood diagnosis procedures. 

The course contains sections about immunohematology, transfusion medicine, and blood banking.  

Through this curriculum, students gain skills for running blood transfusion services while learning about hemodynamic systems. 

The educational program teaches competency-based learning to train students to operate transfusion facilities efficiently while teaching the critical role of transfusion medical research in practice. 

To view the complete curriculum, you should check the educational resources and the National Board of Examinations' criteria for DNB training. 

While other colleges are offering the same curriculum, here are our top picks:  

Government: 

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 
• Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 
• Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research Puducherry 
• Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur 
• Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar 
• Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai 

• KS Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore 
• Kasturba Medical College, Manipal 
• Father Muller Institute of Medical Education and Research, Mangalore 
• Singhania University, Jhunjhunu 
• Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai 

DNB immunohematology and blood transfusion offers a diversified scope. Here is a concise list: 

• Blood grouping & compatibility testing  
• Medico-legal aspects relevant to the field 
• Management and diagnosis of transfusion-related issues 
• Management of blood donations, rare blood type, and hemolytic diseases of the newborn (HDN) 
• Biostatistics, Research Methodology, and Clinical Epidemiology 
• Performing apheresis procedures for therapeutic purposes 
• Administering blood product safety protocols, ensuring proper functioning of blood banks & ensuring timely supply and regulatory compliance 
• Consultant jobs, advising health professionals with appropriate blood disorder-related therapies. 
• Opens opportunities for research and training in transfusion medicine