Transfusion Medicine (TM) Technologist, Blood Bank - Part-Time, Night Shift

UChicago Medicine•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Transfusion Medicine Technologist in the Blood Bank department. In this role, you will perform routine and esoteric tests, operate state-of-the-art instruments, and manufacture and issue blood components such as washed red cells and leuko-reduced red cells. Responsibilities include quality control, instrument maintenance, and method development to support a broad menu of routine and esoteric tests, including antibody identification. The department provides reference laboratory testing to various related and unrelated health care entities, managed care organizations, non-affiliated hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private physicians' offices, offering a full range of diagnostic services in both clinical and anatomical pathology. This is a 100% onsite opportunity located in the greater Chicagoland area. You will routinely perform a wide range of clinical analyses in all sections of the laboratory by properly utilizing a variety of methodologies and instrumentation according to laboratory policies and procedures and in accordance with all regulatory agency requirements to provide high-quality results to physicians and their patients.

Requirements

Certification or eligibility as medical technologist, (MT) or specialist in chemistry (SC) or hematology (SH) through American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent
Must satisfy CLIA 88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing high complexity testing
Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or related field from an accredited college or University
Be able to lift up to 50 lbs
Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospitals information systems
Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment
Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels

Nice To Haves

At least one year of pertinent laboratory experience in Blood Bank

Responsibilities

Receives specimens submitted to blood bank. Utilizes policies and procedures for requisition and specimen requirements to determine whether the submitted specimen can be processed for analysis. Two blood type verification process of patient identification is strictly adhered to for patient safety
Performs blood typing and antibody screening with 100% accuracy to determine safe selection of blood products for transfusion
Performs blood type verification of blood products and performs donor unit processing and labeling of blood products according to regulatory agency requirements
Performs complex antibody identification when indicated with additional testing and selection of matched blood products for transfusion
Prepares and dispense blood product coolers for massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in a timely manner (first cooler must be ready in less than 5 minutes) and continue to prepare addition coolers for continuous MTP
Performs final check on blood products and patient testing before dispense to patient for transfusion. Final review of correct blood type, antigen negative if indicated by antibodies identified, correct labeling of blood product and transfusion record tags to ensure patient safety
Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, safety and quality control policies and procedures. Prepares and maintains adequate stock of reagents and control materials for the performance of testing at assigned workstation and notifies supervisor of any shortages or problems
Continuously monitors blood product inventory to ensure adequate availability for patient transfusion
Analyzes all test and quality control results for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results or issuing blood products for transfusion
Initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem solving to resolve issues, reports all test results, blood product testing, patient allocation and disposition in the laboratory information system according to all laboratory policies and procedures and regulatory agency requirements, within stated turn-around times
Communicates any pertinent information or problems with laboratory staff and supervisors in a respectful and proactive manner. Assists in training new employees, students, pathology residents, others. Assists in new testing, procedures and equipment validation and implementation
Performs other duties as assigned