Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

About the role

Performs the full range of complex tests using specialized equipment that requires precise adjustments to respond to individual patient needs.

Tests consist of partial and full Polysomnography, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy devices setup and operation, and telemedicine equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Checks in and stages patients for CPAP clinic. Assists patients with proper fit for PAP equipment and masks.
• Sets up the exam rooms to assure sterile supplies and other required equipment are carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the test being performed.
• Sets up the PAP equipment, performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure.
• Establishes and monitors quality control, record keeping systems and measures to assure the accuracy and validity of results.
• Establishes and writes instructions for calibrating and standardizing instruments and equipment.
• Translates data into meaningful information.
• Evaluates and reviews market of HSAT equipment to determine if new equipment would provide additional clinical diagnostic abilities and recommends new equipment as needed.
• Applies electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes based on the International 10-20 electrode placement system.
• Applies electro-oculogram (EOG), electromyogram (EMG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) using AASM scoring manual.
• Applies pulse oximeter ear or finger probe; thoracic and abdominal effort belts; nasal/oral thermistor or thermocouple sensors and pressure sensors to produce flow signals, and other diagnostic electrodes and equipment.
• Maintains patient comfort and proper function of applied electrodes and transducers.
• Makes sure patient is comfortable and properly positioned for the study; obtains artifact-free data and tracings; record significant observations such as sleep stage, heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation level, body position; presence and/or absence of sleep apnea, snoring, myoclonus, bruxism, cardiac arrhythmias, sleep terrors.
• Annotates seizures, abnormal sleep behavior and significant respiratory events on the EEG records in real time.
• Maintains proper equipment function and data collection.
• Helps with instructing the remote, CBOC technicians to download the HSAT data to the Portland VA Sleep Center and score the HSAT study.
• Oversees staff working at remote CBOCs for the HSAT program to assure competency in HSAT and PAP setup.
• Independently explains the procedures to the patient and answers any questions regarding HSAT study.
• Adequately prepares patient for test using standardized aseptic technique.
• Examines and considers all aspects of a situation, including its context and complexity, in order to identify the best course of action and reach an informed decision.
• Maintains and monitors all necessary supplies are stocked and available in the event of an emergent procedure.
• Ensures proper cleaning and performs minor adjustments and maintenance.
• Maintains proper equipment function and data collection.

Requirements

Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Subject to background/security investigation.

Must pass pre-employment physical examination.

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship of the United States.
• No specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels.
• Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations."

Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.