Apheresis Technician

Versiti, Inc.•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 supports research studies by recruiting, consenting, and qualifying donors; processing specimens and products; entering data; maintaining files; and completing other assigned tasks with guidance from the Apheresis Site Manager, Director of Cell Therapy Program, and Principal Investigator. The role supports safe, accurate donor collections and research operations through donor screening and care, appointment coordination, equipment and supply checks, quality review, recordkeeping, data entry, and compliance with applicable policies and regulations. The position works collaboratively with Versiti physicians, management, nurses, support staff, quality specialists, research stakeholders, and customers to provide a positive donor experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Training in blood banking, phlebotomy, EMT, LPN, apheresis technician, dialysis technician, RN student with completed clinical work in phlebotomy, or MLT.
1–3 years of experience in blood banking, phlebotomy, EMT, or a healthcare field.
Ability to read and interpret standard operating procedures, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and department manuals.
Ability to perform arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; compute rates, ratios, and percentages; and 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 promptly.
Ability to apply judgment to detailed, structured written or oral instructions and address problems within standardized work procedures.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Availability and ability to work a flexible schedule based on the volume and timing of blood collections.
Good customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with study subjects, sponsors, investigators, healthcare 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 and accuracy with laboratory results, subject health histories, data collection, and reporting.
Proficiency with data entry.
Commitment to delivering high-quality care.
Ability to work cooperatively and support the team.
Ability to acquire job skills and learn company policies and procedures to complete routine tasks.
Ability to handle repetitive situations using learned procedures and ask questions as needed.
CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation) certification within 180 days.
Ability to use a personal computer, general office equipment, Microsoft Suite, a smartphone, the Spectra Optia Apheresis System, the Sysmex Hematology Analyzer, and accessory equipment such as IV pumps and blood warmers.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in health sciences (LPN or MT).
Bachelor's degree in health sciences (LPN or MT).
Previous apheresis, cellular product processing, and whole blood collection experience.
Related healthcare 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.
Conduct donor workups, including preparing paperwork, drawing workup blood samples, assessing veins, and packaging and sending 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.
Contact new donors to explain procedures and arrange appointments.
Complete daily data-entry tasks, including entering laboratory data and information into the BECS system and tracking departmental metrics.
Maintain collection supplies.
Complete monthly Standard Operating Policy paperwork and cleaning records for each apheresis machine.
Perform daily quality control of essential equipment used for procedures.
Obtain and track Certificates of Analysis for collection supplies.
Complete the required check-in process for received supplies.
Maintain product integrity and ensure proper identification of donors.
Maintain departmental records as needed.
Participate in validation of new processes or equipment when required.
Review daily work for accuracy, investigate potential discrepancies and unexpected results, and resolve them where appropriate.
Review quality results and escalate issues and 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 by following Versiti customer service standards and processes.
Support and demonstrate Versiti's mission, vision, values, and departmental goals.
Perform other assigned duties reasonably within the scope of the job classification.
Perform work in accordance with applicable regulatory and compliance requirements and standard operating policies and procedures.