Apheresis Technician

Versiti•Austin, TX

About The Position

Under the direction of the Apheresis Site Manager, the Apheresis Technician collects white blood cells and other blood products through apheresis or straight phlebotomy. The role includes preparing donors and equipment, operating apheresis equipment, and monitoring donors throughout collection procedures. As part of the biomaterials collection staff working under an IRB-approved protocol, the technician also performs administrative and research-study tasks. These may include recruiting, consenting, and qualifying donors; processing specimens and products; entering data; maintaining files; and completing other delegated work with guidance from the Apheresis Site Manager, Director of Cell Therapy Program, and Principal Investigator.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Training in blood banking, phlebotomy, EMT, LPN, apheresis technician, dialysis technician, or an RN student who has completed a clinical in phlebotomy.
One to three years of experience in blood banking, phlebotomy, EMT, or a health care field.
Ability to read and interpret standard operating procedures, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and department manuals.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and calculate rates, ratios, and percentages, and to draw or interpret bar graphs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook; typing skills sufficient to prepare business correspondence and reports accurately and efficiently.
Ability to apply judgment to detailed, structured instructions and address problems involving concrete variables in standardized work procedures.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Availability to work a flexible schedule as required by collection volume and timing.
Good customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with study subjects, sponsors, investigators, health care workers, and collaborating professionals.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Effective organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to meet stringent deadlines.
Attention to detail to ensure accurate laboratory results, subject health histories, data collection, and reporting.
Proficiency with data entry.
Commitment to high-quality care and cooperative, supportive teamwork.
Ability to learn job skills, company policies, and procedures to complete routine tasks; ability to ask questions when needed in repetitive work situations.
CPR certification within 180 days.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or bachelor's degree in a health sciences field (LPN or MT).
Previous apheresis, cellular product processing, and whole blood collection experience.
Related health care or medical office experience.
Familiarity with regulations associated with human subject research.

Responsibilities

Perform peripheral venipuncture, apheresis, and other donor-related tasks to collect products for research or further manufacture.
Screen, consent, and assess donors; complete collection paperwork; monitor donors during procedures; and perform data entry as needed.
Observe donors for reactions, provide reaction care, and assist other staff in managing reactions.
Prepare donor paperwork, draw workup blood samples, assess veins, and package and send laboratory samples off site.
Assess donors before filgrastim injections, administer the injections, and conduct follow-up calls as necessary.
Assist management with donor scheduling, including arranging collection appointments, managing the Microsoft Outlook appointment calendar, and prioritizing appointments.
Coordinate with customers to schedule donors for apheresis and contact new donors to explain procedures and arrange appointments.
Perform daily data-entry tasks, including entering laboratory data and information into the BECS system and tracking departmental metrics.
Maintain collection supplies, complete monthly SOP paperwork and apheresis-machine cleaning records, and conduct daily quality control of essential equipment.
Obtain and track Certificates of Analysis for collection supplies and check in received supplies according to policy.
Maintain product integrity and ensure proper donor identification.
Organize departmental records as needed.
Participate in validation of new processes or equipment as needed.
Review daily work for accuracy, investigate potential discrepancies and unexpected results, resolve issues when appropriate, and escalate quality concerns.
Seek opportunities to support management and the executive team and take initiative to find additional tasks during downtime.
Contribute to a team environment to provide a safe and positive donor experience.
Demonstrate customer service to internal and external customers and support Versiti's mission, vision, values, and departmental goals.
Perform other duties within the scope of the job classification, as assigned or required.
Understand and comply with applicable regulatory and compliance requirements and standard operating policies and procedures.