DAVAO CITY — As the week for Medical Technologists started, the Coalesced Organization of Medical Technologists (COMETS) once again made its way to promote their work by showing their dedication and highlighting their skills by extending services to the school through the ABO Blood Typing Activity.

What better way to start the event than to showcase skills and provide services that will exhibit the importance of Medical Technology?

The COMETS invited JMarian students and employees to take part in their activity which provides individuals with information about what type of blood they have with only a prick of a finger. Their blood types are determined by the blood typing procedure, which also reveals intriguing inheritance patterns and the concept of the appropriate types of blood suitable for an individual.

The activity took place in the JMCFI Radiologic Technology Laboratory on September 19, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The activity was initiated by the Program Head of the College of Allied Health Sciences Education, Ms. Queen Jane M. Bacon, RMT, MSMT, and made possible with the help of the COMETS officers and their coordinator, Ms. Alexis Joy Davila, RMT. In charge of the event are the Registered Medical Technologists, and the professors of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, Mr. Rigidor S. Padayhag, RMT, and Mr. Tom Anthony Tonguia, RMT.

 “The purpose of this activity is to make people aware of their own blood types. The Philippines, being a developing country, numerous citizens are really not that enlightened in terms of obtaining medical information and do not know their own blood type, that is why this activity is held free”, Adrian Ray Gonzales, COMETS’ Vice President, stated.

This activity has given way for students and employees in the school to determine their blood types, especially those who are incapable of knowing their own blood type.

By signing a form, interested students and employees would have to stand in line to have their blood checked by having their fingers pricked, a procedure more commonly known as Capillary Blood Sampling, which only needs a tiny amount of blood from the patient.

“While it really is painful having your middle finger be pricked with a needle, it really helped me clear up the misconceptions I had. I actually thought that I was O positive, but it turns out that I’m actually B positive. So it really is helpful in clearing up any misunderstanding”, Shaena Mae Estolas, a participant, expressed.

 “I have always been curious about my blood type. I’ve never been to any hospital and have also never checked my blood type. It really is an effective and helpful activity, especially for those who are unable to know their own blood types. So I am really glad that they decided to make this activity free of charge, it gives opportunities to people like me to be aware of the type of blood that one has”, Joanna Marie Ladeza, a participant, said.

 “It’s really interesting to know what your blood type is. I actually have an idea of what type of blood I have but it’s not medically confirmed, so I’m really grateful that they had this. Not only is it cool being pricked, but it is also very informative”, Rodelyn May Escovidal, a participant, shared.

147 participants joined in the activity and had their own blood checked. Despite having fear of needles, the participants left the event with amazement and a sense of triumph as they exited the room knowing their blood types.

The MedTech week, which started on Monday, September 18, 2023, was designed to celebrate the advancement and contribution of Medical Technology in the area of healthcare.