Doctor of Medicine (MD) Immunohaematology: Admission, Fees, Medical Colleges, Eligibility Criteria details here

The course is a full-time course pursued at various recognized medical colleges across the country. Some of the top medical colleges offering this course include Government Medical College (Chandigarh), B J Medical College(Ahmedabad), Medical College (Baroda), Dr. D Y Patil Medical College (Kolhapur), and more.

Admission to this course is done through the NEET PG Entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by counseling based on the scores of the exam that is conducted by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities.

The fee for pursuing an MD (Immunohaematology and  Blood Transfusion) varies from college to college and is about Rs.15000 to Rs.24 Lakh per annum.

After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or pursue a super-specialization course where MD Immunohaematologyis a feeder qualification. Candidates can take reputed jobs in positions as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, Consultants, etc. with an approximate salary range of Rs. 2 Lakh to Rs. 30 Lakh per annum.

What is MD in Immunohaematology?

Doctor of Medicine in Immunohaematology, also known as MD (Immunohaematology) is a three-year postgraduate programme that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS.

Immunohaematology is the branch of medical science dealing with interactions of the immune system and blood, namely with the detection of blood cells antigens and related antibodies.

National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex medical regulator, has released a Guidelines for Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme for MD in Immunohaematology.

The Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme governs the education and training of MDs in Immunohaematology.

The PG education intends to create specialists who can contribute to high-quality health care and advances in science through research and training.

The required training done by a postgraduate specialist in the field of Immunohaematology would help the specialist recognize the community's health needs. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and should be aware of the recent advances in their specialty.

The candidate should be a highly competent doctor possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Immunohaematology independently. The PG candidate should also acquire the basic skills in teaching medical/para-medical students.

The candidate is also expected to know the principles of research methodology and modes of the consulting library. The candidate should regularly attend conferences, workshops, and CMEs to upgrade her/ his knowledge.

Course Highlights

Here are some of the course highlights of MD in Immunohaematology: 

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MD in Immunohaematology are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which include:

• Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

• Candidates should have done a compulsory rotating internship of one year in a teaching institution or other institution which is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

• The candidate must have obtained permanent registration of any State Medical Council to be eligible for admission.

• The medical college's recognition cut-off dates for the MBBS Degree courses and compulsory rotatory Internship shall be as prescribed by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).

Admission Process

The admission process contains a few steps to be followed in order by the candidates for admission to MD in Immunohaematology. Candidates can view the complete admission process for MD in Immunohaematology mentioned below:

• The NEET PG or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Post Graduate is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma Courses.

• The requirement of eligibility criteria for participation in counseling towards PG seat allotment conducted by the concerned counseling authority shall be in lieu of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (as per the latest amendment) notified by the MCI (now NMC) with prior approval of MoHFW.

1. AIIMS, New Delhi, and other AIIMS

2. PGIMER, Chandigarh

3. JIPMER, Puducherry

4. NIMHANS, Bengaluru

Fees Structure

The fee structure for MD in Immunohaematologyvaries from college to college. The fee is generally less for Government Institutes and more for private institutes. The average fee structure for MD in Immunohaematology is around Rs. 15000 to Rs.24 Lakh per annum.

Colleges offering MD in ImmunoHaematology

Various medical colleges across India offer courses for pursuing MD (Immunohaematology).

According to the National Medical Commission (NMC) website, the following medical colleges offer MD (Immunohaematology) courses for the academic year 2022-23.

The stipend offered by various medical colleges in India for Immuno Hematology for the year 2022 is as follows:

An MD in Immunohaematology is a three years specialization course that provides training in the stream of Immunohaematology.

The course content for MD in Immunohaematology is given in the Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme released by National Medical Commission, which can be assessed on the link given below:

Competency-Based Training Programme For MD Immunohematology And Blood Transfusion

I. History of transfusion medicine

I.1 Scientific landmarks in its development

I.2 Impact of world wars on its development

I.3 Development of PVC bags.

II. Scientific basis of transfusion

A. Biochemistry & physiology of elements of blood

2.0 Process of cell production and life span

2.1 red cells

2.2 white blood cells

2.3 platelets

3.0 Red cells

3.1 Hemoglobin structure & function

3.2 Metabolic pathways

3.3 Membrane structure & function

4.0 White cells

4.1 Structure, function & kinetics

5.0 Platelets

5.1 Structure, function & kinetics

6.0 Physiology of haemostasis

6.1 Role of platelets

6.2 Coagulation pathways

6.3 Fibrinolysis

7.0 Hemodynamics of blood flow & volume

8.0 Iron metabolism

9.0 Bilirubin metabolism

B. IMMUNOLOGY

10. Principles of basic immunology

10.1 Antigen, antibody, complement, immunoglobulin

10.2 Antigen antibody reaction

10.3 Lymphocytes in humoral & cellular immunity

11. Role of hybridoma technology in Immunohematology

12. Immunology of transplantation

13. HLA and genetic control of immune response

C. GENETICS

14. Principles of basic genetics

15. Genetics of blood groups

15.1 Phenotype & genotype

15.2 Principles of blood group inheritance

15.3 Population genetics of blood groups

III. Antigen systems in formed elements of blood

16. Red cell antigens

17. Leucocyte antigens

18. Platelet antigens

IV. Blood collection, processing, component Preparation

A. Management of blood donation

19. Donor recruitment

19.1 Voluntary blood donation systems

19.2 Categories of blood donors

19.3 Education, awareness & information of prospective donor

19.4 Use of Information Technology for donor recruitment

19.5 Donor information programmes

20. Acceptability criteria of blood donor

21. Care of blood donor

21.1 Pre-donation

21.2 Mid-donation

21.3 Post-donation

21.4 Prevention & management of complications of blood donation

22. Blood collection

22.1 Anticoagulants & preservatives

22.2 Procedure

22.3 Blood donation camps

B. Blood components

23. Components

23.1 Types

23.2 Methods of preparation

23.3 Indications, dosage & administration

23.4 Leucodepletion

23.4.1 Various methods

23.4.2 Quality control

24. Storage of blood & components

24.1 Whole blood

24.2 Red cell concentrate

24.3 Plasma

24.4 Granulocyte

24.5 Cryoprecipitate

24.6 Stem cells

24.6.1 Peripheral blood stem cell

24.6.2 Cord blood

24.6.3 Dendritic cell

25. Plasma fractionation

25.1 Viral inactivation

25.1.1 Single donor

25.1.2 Pooling

25.2 Newer methods

V. Pre-transfusion testing

26. Compatibility testing

26.1 ABO grouping & Rh typing

26.2 Antibody screening

26.3 Cross matching methods

26.4 Newer methods of cross matching

26.4.1 Solid phase

26.4.2 Gel technology

27. Screening for transfusion transmitted infections

27.1 Methodology

27.2 Nucleic acid amplification techniques

27.3 Newer emerging pathogens

27.3.1 Prions

27.3.2 CJ disease

27.3.3 Lyme disease

27.3.4 Others

28. Selection of blood, components & plasma products for transfusion

VI. Adverse effects of blood transfusion

29. Clinical presentation, pathophysiology, investigations, management

29.1 Hemolytic transfusion reaction

29.2 Non- Hemolytic transfusion reaction

29.3 Allergic, anaphylactoid and anaphylactic reactions

29.4 Alloimmunization to various elements of blood

30. Transfusion transmitted infections

30.1 Bacterial

30.2 Viral

30.3 Parasitic

31. Transfusion associated graft versus host disease

32. Transfusion related acute lung injury

33. Others

33.1 Hemosiderosis

33.2 Volume overload

33.3 Post transfusion purpura

VII. Apheresis

34. Technology of apheresis, various equipment & disposables

35. Haemapheresis (platelets, granulocytes, plasma, stem cells)

35.1 Donor selection

35.2 Procedure

35.3 Complications

36. Therapeutic apheresis

36.1 Indication, procedure & complications

36.2 Plasma exchange, red cell exchange

36.3 Newer methods for immunoadsorption

VIII. Autologuos transfusion

37. Basic principles, indication & contra indications

37.1 Pre deposit

37.2 Haemodilution

37.3 Intra operative blood salvage including equipment

37.4 Post operative blood salvage

37.5 Directed donation

IX. Antenatal and neonatal transfusion practice

38. Pathophysiology, diagnosis & management

38.1 Rh incompatibility

38.2 ABO & other blood group incompatibility

39. Exchange transfusion

39.1 Indications, methodology & complications

40. Neonatal transfusion practice

40.1 Strategies to reduce donor exposure

40.2 Organised donor selection

40.3 Intra uterine transfusion

X. Immunohaematology

41. Classification, diagnosis & management

41.1 Immune hemolytic anemia

41.2 Immune thrombocytopenia

41.3 Immune neutropenia

42. Immunohaematological problems in multi transfused patients

XI. Hemotherapy

43. Pathophysiology, diagnosis & management of anemia

43.1 Anemia

43.1.1 Iron deficiency anemia

43.1.2 Megaloblastic anemia

43.1.3 Aplastic anemia

43.1.4 Anemia of chronic diseases

43.1.5 Neonatal anemia

43.2 Hereditary anemia

43.2.1 Thalassemia

43.2.2 Sickle cell anemia

43.2.3 Enzymopathy

43.2.4 Others

44. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of hemostatic disorders

44.1 Hemophilia

44.2 Von Willebrand disease

44.3 Platelet disorders

44.3.1 Qualitative disorders

44.3.2 Quantitative disorders

44.4 DIC/TTP/HIT

44.5 Acquired disorders

44.5 Others

45. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and transfusion support in acute blood loss

45.1 Shock

45.2 Massive transfusion

46. Transfusion support in surgery

46.1 General surgery

46.2 Specialised surgery – Cardiopulmonary bypass/hemodialysis

47. Classification, diagnosis & transfusion support in oncology

47.1 Hemopoietic malignancy

47.2 Non-hemopoietic malignancy

XII. Transplantation

48. Transfusion support in transplantation

48.1 Stem cell transplantation

48.1.1 Harvesting

48.1.2 Cryopreservation

48.1.3 CD34 counting & quality control

48.1.4 Infusion

48.2 Bone marrow transplantation

48.2.1 Harvesting

48.2.2 Processing

48.2.3 Immunohaematological problems in ABO mismatched BMT

48.2.4 Transfusion support BMT patients

48.3 Transfusion support in specialized conditions

48.3.1 Renal transplantation

48.3.2 Liver transplantation

48.3.3 Others

49. Irradiation of blood products

49.1 Indications, dosage, adverse effects

50. Tissue banking

51. Cord blood banking

XIII. Blood substitutes and hemopoietic agents

52. Crystalloids & colloids

53. Oxygen carrying compounds

54. Use of hematinics

55. Hemopoietic growth factors

56. Plasma products

XIV. Medicolegal considerations in transfusion medicine

57. Ethical and legal considerations pertaining to transfusion practice

58. Identification of blood stains

59. Paternity testing

60. Donor notification & counselling

61. Look back programme

62. Drugs & Cosmetics Act, Accreditation

63. Consumer protection Act

64. Others

XV. Total quality management

65. Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) manual.

66. Quality control

66.1 Reagents & diagnostic kits

66.2 Instruments

66.3 Personnel

66.4 Blood & components

67. Quality assurance

67.1 Internal quality control

67.2 External quality control Proficiency testing

68. Hospital Transfusion Committee

69. Medical audit

70. Turnaround time

71. ISO certification/GMP

XVI. Organisation & management of transfusion services

72. Organisation & function of blood services & hospital transfusion practice

72.1 Recruitment & motivation

72.2 Operation of blood mobile

72.3 Development of transfusion service

72.4 Inventory control

72.5 Development of forms, labels, records, etc.

XVII. Biosafety

73.1 Personnel

73.2 Laboratory

73.3 Equipment

73.4 Sterilization

73.5 Disposal of waste material

XVIII. Modern biological techniques

74. Principle, methods, relevance in transfusion medicine

74.1 Western blot

74.2 Polymerase chain reaction

74.2.1 SSCP

74.2.2 SSOP

74.3 Dot blot hybridization

74.4 Others – Animal experiments, museum techniques

74.5 Microarrays

74.6 Proteomics

74.7 Other new technique in Transfusion medicine

XIX. Automation & computerisation

75. Instrumentation

76. Automated blood group & processing

77. Automated infectious screening

78. Use of bar codes

79. Use of computer

80. Laboratory and hospital information system

General orientation- Bio-statistics, computers, medical ethics, scientific presentations, publications, leadership qualities, cost effectiveness, preparation of reagents, handling equipments, educational technology.

Career Options

After completing an MD in Immunohaematology, candidates will get employment opportunities in Government as well as in the Private sector.

In the Government sector, candidates have various options to choose from which include Registrar, Senior Resident, Demonstrator, Tutor, Blood Bank Manager, Blood Bank Supervisor, Blood Bank Technician, Blood Transfusion Officer, etc.

While in the Private sector the options include Resident Doctor, Consultant, Visiting Consultant (Immunohaematology), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Immunohaematology), Consultant Immunohaematology Specialist, etc.

Courses After MD in Immunohaematology Course

MD in Immunohaematologyis a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing MBBS. After pursuing a specialization in MD (Immunohaematology), a candidate could also pursue super specialization courses recognized by NMC, where MD (Immunohaematology) is a feeder qualification.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) – MD in Immunohaematology Course

Question: What is an MD in Immunohaematology?

Answer: MD Immunohaematology or also known as MD in Immunohaematology is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS.

Question: What is the duration of an MD in Immunohaematology?

Answer: MD in Immunohaematology is a postgraduate programme of three years.

Question: What is the eligibility of an MD in Immunohaematology?

Answer: Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India.

Question: What is the scope of an MD in Immunohaematology?

Answer: MD in Immunohaematology offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.

Question: What is the average salary for an MD in Immunohaematology postgraduate candidate?

Answer: The MD in Immunohaematology candidate's average salary is Rs. 2 Lakh to Rs. 30 Lakh per annum.

Question: What does immunohematology mean in medical terms?

Answer: Immunohematology is the study of RBC antigens and antibodies associated with blood transfusions.

Question: What is the scope of transfusion medicine?

Answer: Transfusion medicine specialists will lead big blood centers. They will be more clinically oriented and actively associated with transfusion regime in the patients. There will be opening for at least one specialist in every big hospital. Stem cell production and dispensing will be a routine job.

Question: What is immunohematology test?

Answer : Immunohematological tests enable safe blood transfusion and transplantation of haematopoietic tissue, as well as prevent undesired immune-related phenomena after transfusion, transplantation and during pregnancy.