Position Summary

Blood Bank Technologists demonstrate a superior level of technical proficiency and problem-solving ability in such areas as testing for blood group antigens, compatibility; investigating abnormalities such as hemolytic anemia and adverse reactions to transfusion; supporting physicians in transfusion therapy for patients with coagulopathies, disease affecting blood clotting; works with considerable independence to perform and interpret various immunohematological tests in order to provide compatible blood for transfusion of patients.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Follows established Blood Bank protocols perform tests including the most complex for an assigned area and prepares component blood products for transfusion.

2. Provides guidance and consultation to technologists and other in the interpretation of complex or unusual test results and in the performance of standard operating Blood Bank procedures.

3. Interprets and correlates clinical test results with patient history, diagnosis, and clinical condition in order to explain test results, normal/abnormal, so the appropriate action can be taken and/or blood component can be transfused.

4. Performs all testing and work assignment with a positive sense of urgency meeting all established turnaround times and deadlines.

5. Troubleshoots testing process discrepancies.

6. Logs and receives donor and patient specimens. Sort and triage requisitions and specimens to appropriate work area in a timely manner. Processes specimens for patients including but not limited to centrifugation, aliquotting and labeling.

7. Answers telephones and communicates pertinent information.

8. Performs assigned duties to ensure an adequate inventory of supplies for the assigned area.

9. Monitors inventory levels and stores equipment and supplies in a neat and orderly manner. Utilizes first-in/first-out, FIFO, inventory management practices.

10. Maintains concurrent, complete and accurate records of processes performed using manual systems. Follow records management procedures. Archive records as directed.

11. Performs quality control studies to ensure accuracy of clinical data.

12. Performs routine preventive maintenance on assigned instruments and equipment according to established schedule and procedure.

13. Verifies instrument functioning by checking and calibrating specific lab instruments and documents data.

14. Records on instrument logs any repairs, replacement, and maintenance needed of equipment.

15. Records on instrument logs any repairs, replacement, and maintenance needed of equipment.

16. Participates in training of new personnel as assigned.

17. Participates in CQI, safety and infection control studies as assigned.

18. Follows the safety rules of the department and hospital.

19. Complies with all applicable standards from Federal, State, FDA, AABB, AOA, and any other regulatory requirements.

20. Follows special procedures such as isolation precautions.

21. Demonstrate proper respect, attitude, courtesy, professionalism, and communication skills towards patients, staff, co-workers, doctors, administration personnel.

22. Performs other assigned duties as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Understand and uses scientific and technical language and symbols.

• Ability to carry out oral and written instructions, and understand technical information from supervisors, charts, reference books, manuals and labels.

• Uses special medical skills to care for the sick or handicapped.

• Uses personal judgment and specialized knowledge to give information to people.

• Communicates well. Speaks clearly and listens carefully.

• Adheres to policy and procedures as set forth by the hospital.

• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.

• Assists patient and their families in their needs.

• Ability to multitask.

• Bilingual preferred, English/Spanish.

Physical Demands

Medium work: Exerting up to 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, up to 1/3 of the time to move objects. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree and requires sitting a minimal amount of time.

Environmental Conditions

Inside: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

Hazards

• Subject to exposure to infectious and contagious diseases bearing specimens.

• Subject to exposure to blood borne pathogens.

• Subject to exposure to body fluids, and wastes.

• Subject to exposure to electrical and radiant energy hazards.

• Subject to hazards of odorous chemicals and specimens.

Reasoning Development

Be able to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Interpret and direct a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.

Mathematical Development

Be able to compute standard measures, weights, ratios, volumes as are common in Respiratory Therapy.

Language Development

Reading: Read and understand instructions and be able to convey instructions and guidance to subordinates.

Writing: Write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar using all parts of speech.

Speaking: Speak with poise, authority, voice control, confidence and respect using correct English in a well-modulated voice.

Relationships to Data, People and Things

Data: Coordinating: Determining time, place and sequence of operations or actions to be taken on the basis of analysis of data; executing determination of and/or reporting on events.

People: Supervising: Determining or interpreting work procedures for a group of workers, assigning specific duties to them, maintaining harmonious relations among them and promoting efficiency. A variety of responsibilities is involved in this function.

Things: Handling: Using body members, hand tools, and/or special devices to work.

Education

Bachelor of Science from an accredited medical technologist program preferred. Must be a Florida licensed Medical Technologist with a minimum of two year experience in Laboratory services.

Job Knowledge

Current knowledge of laws and regulations related to the areas of Laboratory Services and Healthcare Services.