Technologist I

Formerly Puget Sound Blood Center and Lane Blood Center, Bloodworks is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska - partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.

We have an opening for an Immunogenetics Lab Technologist I to join the HLA/Immunogenetics Laboratory team at Bloodworks Northwest, in training for the Immunogenetics Technologist II position. Perform specimen processing and gain a sufficient level of competence to perform molecular biology routine testing for Solid Organ Transplantation and Diagnostic Services-report test results after consultation with the Director or the Supervisor, Qualified Technologist. Begin to train for emergency testing for Deceased Donor Initial Workups and Post-transplant Monitoring (bead assays).

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to: As a Technologist, I:

Perform procedures required for laboratory function promptly and according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

• Comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements regarding patient and donor confidentiality.
• Review and demonstrate knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)-correctly document errors.
• Perform procedures with emphasis on safety for self and others.-reports safety issues to the Supervisor or designee.
• Communicate specimen and test issues with team members to maintain quality and expedite turnaround time (TAT). Assist team members in completing tasks when needed, and document instances where time expectations are not met.
• Follow instructions in SOPs, reference guides, charts, and job aids when performing laboratory processes.
• Perform Quality Control (QC) procedures for the environment and laboratory equipment, including cleaning and monitoring systems as needed. Observe all regulations, including post-PCR containment.
• Perform manual temperature monitoring and complete documentation on an appropriate log.
• Perform routine maintenance and QC on assay instruments, if applicable.
• Provide patient reports to customers (transplant programs, doctors, billing institutions, and others as appropriate), ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations. Ensure proper documentation for the distribution of reports.
• Receive orders for routine and emergency testing and respond to inquiries from physicians, nurses, transplant coordinators, and other healthcare professionals. Evaluate specimen acceptability, following laboratory policies. Troubleshoot unacceptable specimens, generate reports, and route them for sign-off review.
• Answer phones and take messages. Create, file, and retrieve patient charts.

Use laboratory management software and internet databases to maintain data and produce reports.

• Retrieve specimens and orders for laboratory testing. Enter the specimen receipt into the databases and document it in the logs for audit-trail tracking. Prepare and deliver outgoing packages for FedEx and nearby institutions.
• Accurately perform data entry for patients, donors, samples, tests, and inventory into appropriate databases.
• Use the appropriate screen, query, or report to generate the requested information from the database.
• Verify the accuracy of the database for each individual, specimen, and test in the completed workup. Make appropriate data corrections.
• Create, modify, maintain, and transmit electronic records in a controlled and approved manner in conformance with regulatory agencies.

Prepare specimens for testing and storage.

• Perform procedures for recording consults and receiving and sending out specimens.
• Assure specimens meet labeling requirements and document any problems.
• Review requisitions, database-generated labels, and/or Coordination forms for specimen preparation, processing, and preservation requirements.
• Initiate appropriate processing logs and complete documentation accurately.
• Organize specimens and workflow to prevent sample switches.
• Prepare and process specimens (cell, DNA, serum, and plasma), meeting goals for quality and quantity of preparation.
• Prepare complex mixtures of reagents. Understand the properties of cell isolation procedures using immunomagnetic selection.
• Troubleshoot and document problem specimens. Consult with the Coordinator or Specialist as appropriate.
• Route specimens for testing and/or storage according to the requirements of each patient/donor and workup type. Route charts/paperwork, and processing logs appropriately.
• Review processing logs for accuracy and route to the coordinator to resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare reagents for processing, including proper labeling; maintain adequate inventories of reagents and supplies. Restock and clean the workbench as needed and at the end of the shift.

In training to perform HLA molecular biology testing according to SOP.

• Set up instruments and document instrument maintenance. Follow basic PCR theory, instrument function, and multiple software programs, including amplification and dissociation.
• Identify tests to be performed per instructions. Generate a pending test list using the computer database report.
• Prepare specimens to meet the standards of the American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI). Select appropriate trays, strips, and reagents for testing.
• Organize and perform requested testing.
• Verify the validity of tests according to the specific requirements of the assay performed.
• Save data result files. Follow standards for data analysis. Assign alleles using correct resolution and WHO nomenclature. Note typical linkage disequilibrium associations on the worksheet.
• Identify failed, flagged, and ambiguous reactions. Verify forced reactions and unusual haplotypes in the analysis software before final assignment.
• Enter the analyzed data into the database and submit for review.
• Complete tracking documentation for test performance.
• Report invalid and/or unusual results to the Technical Specialist, Technical Manager, and/or Directors per policy.

In training to perform bead assays according to SOP.

• Set up the flow cytometer to meet Quality Control specifications, and document instrument performance and maintenance. Follow basic flow cytometry theory, instrument function, and multiple software programs, including fluidics, optics, compensation, electronics, and software.
• Generate a pending test list using the computer database report.
• Select patient and/or donor samples for antibody identification and donor-specific monitoring based on patient/donor category and testing protocol.
• Identify tests to be performed per instructions. Generate lists for exporting and importing patient data and test results.
• Prepare serum samples, including serum treatment procedures, while understanding and following limitations on preparation methods.
• Prepare complex mixtures of reagents. Understand the properties of fluorescent molecules used as tags in each assay.
• Ensure accuracy of reagent additions and manual washes.
• Analyze data with a flow cytometer, with an emphasis on recognizing instrument or assay problems. Recognize when beads fall outside the set gates.
• Save data result files. Interpret data using specified control values for each type of assay. Consult with the Director for final interpretations as appropriate. Discuss assay validity with the Director when acceptance guidelines are not met. Submit preliminary interpretation of results for Director Review and order follow-up tests as required.
• Discuss unusual results with the Technical Specialist, Technical Manager, and/or Directors.
• Enter test results into the database and complete the tracking documentation for test performance.

In training to perform Deceased Donor Initial Workup, On-call testing accurately and within time expectations for emergency testing with a Supervisor Qualified Technologist and Lead Technical Coordinator.

• Carry an appropriate electronic communication device (cell phone, etc.) at all times, and respond within 10 minutes. Verify functionality of devices during On-call hours.
• Lab report, alert, and able to work as required, within 45 minutes of notification.
• Communicate On-call issues promptly, clearly, and effectively, including scheduling, specimen, patient, donor problems, etc., with appropriate contact(s) based on the situation. This may include contacting the Directors, Managers, Supervisors, and Technologists, other Bloodworks departments, hospital coordinators and surgeons, and other organ transplant institutions.
• Perform assays accurately within time expectations for emergency testing while assuring assay quality. Document when time expectations and/or test quality expectations are not met.
• Technologists with less than 3 years' experience in an ASHI-approved laboratory must consult with the Director on call, Supervisor, Qualified Technologist, or Lead Technical Coordinator to review results and reports before release.
• Create and review reports. Sign-off of reports will occur with a Supervisor Qualified Technologist or Lead Technical Coordinator.
• Report and confirm results to the appropriate institutions/coordinators. Send reports to the proper persons and/or institutions.

Additional Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings. Follow up on information when unable to attend.
• Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEC) as mandated by the ASHI. Attend Bloodworks Journal Club, Bloodworks-sponsored teleconferences, and other ASHI-approved educational seminars, as appropriate.
• Complete all required testing for Competency Evaluations in an accurate and timely manner.
• Complete all required Read-Only Training promptly.
• Once On-Call training has begun, submit preferences for On-Call scheduling promptly.
• Perform Laboratory Support tasks.
• Fully participate as a member of the HLA department and Bloodworks teams by ensuring interactions with colleagues promote collaboration and effective communication.
• Comply with all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as written.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Must qualify as Testing Personnel, High Complexity Testing, under CLIA personnel requirements found in Subpart M of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• Bachelor of Science degree in clinical laboratory science (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Education must be comparable to a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours of science courses that include a minimum of 6 semester hours of Chemistry, 6 semester hours of Biology, and 12 semester hours of Chemistry, Biology, or Medical Laboratory Technology in any combination. Medical Technologist education and/or certification (ASCP) fulfills the educational qualification requirement. A bachelor's degree is required for CHT eligibility.
• Current certification as an ACHI-Certified Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) or immediate eligibility for the CHT certification exam is preferred.
• For Technologists who have not yet earned certification, 12 contact hours of continuing education credits (CEC) are required every year. For Technologists with CHT certification, 6.0 CEC (60 contact hours) is required per 3-year period. Once certified, Technologists are responsible for maintaining active certification and submitting CECs to ACHI every three years.
• Six months of HLA laboratory experience; otherwise, one year of technical laboratory experience is required.

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS include, but are not limited to:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.), internet use, and familiarity with database operations.
• Strong keyboarding/data entry ability is required.
• Experience in handling confidential, sensitive, and/or patient-related materials.
• Create, modify, maintain, and transmit electronic records in a controlled and approved manner in conformance with regulatory requirements.

• Requires the ability to comprehend the criticality of the testing being performed, as it relates to the blood components being prepared for transfusion or organs being transplanted. Includes a fundamental understanding of the financial value of the testing reagents and results, and the necessity to follow all regulatory rules and regulations (ASHI, UNOS, CFR, EU, CLIA, HIPAA, and State), including the FDA's "Good Manufacturing Practices".

• Required mental activities involve the continuous use of discretion and the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English. Required mental activities also include interpersonal skills and teamwork (all used frequently); basic math skills and decision making (all used occasionally); creativity, customer service, problem analysis, and performance of advanced math (all used rarely).
• Required physical activities include continuous handling of items, as well as seeing and hearing. Required physical activities also involve standing, walking, stooping, sitting, talking, reaching, and repetitive motions of hands/wrists (all used frequently); bending, feeling, and repetitive motions of feet (all used occasionally); and kneeling (used rarely).
• The ability to push up to 30 pounds is required, as is the ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• The ability to lift a 20-pound freezer rack from a liquid nitrogen freezer, using protective gloves, from a height of 3 feet to 6 feet is required.
• Must be capable of performing independent work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills; demonstrated ability to effectively multitask and prioritize workload to meet deadlines and produce results.
• The position requires training for On-call work. Must begin to participate in the 24-hour Deceased Donor Initial Workup On-call training schedule once training in HLA molecular biology testing is complete. This includes the ability to arrive in the lab within 45 minutes when on call during inclement weather and other emergencies.
• Ability to work under stress and demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to monitor fitness for duty when on-call and report immediately to the Supervisor or Lead Technical Coordinator if unable to fulfill On-call responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Lead Technical Coordinator, including when relief or rest is needed.
• Promotion to Technologist II occurs after the incumbent completes Deceased Donor Initial Workup On-call training, demonstrates independence while working On-call, and typically represents a minimum of 8 months to 2 years of HLA experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a highly regulated position and is subject to meeting various regulatory agency and accrediting body rules and regulations, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) via CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments), American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI), and United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
• Telecommuting is not offered in this role.
• Job conditions to be expected include On-call status (frequent); heavy lifting, constant standing, extensive computer and close work, and sleep deprivation (occasional); and substantial overtime and evening meetings (rare).
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Ability to work scheduled On-call as assigned.
• On-call Technologists are considered essential positions with direct responsibility to donors and patients. The incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• Position requires extensive close work and extensive computer work; the ability to remain on task amid multiple audio and visual distractions is needed. In the incumbents are expected to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment and anticipate intermittent overtime when required to deliver reports to customers.
• Bloodworks is a community-supported non-profit organization. As such, (from time to time) the incumbent can expect to work with volunteers.
• The work area utilizes powerful magnets. Pacemakers and other objects that respond to strong magnetic fields may be affected.
• This position has direct exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Benefits and Perks:

Employees regularly scheduled for 24+ hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 401b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 - 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized transit program, and educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus*

Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

---