Plasma Processing Technician

Responsibilities

• Evaluate donor suitability for automated pheresis procedures.
• Administer and supervise approved immunizations (excluding red blood cell immunizations).
• Provide limited emergency medical care to donors and staff, including medication or treatments in accordance with licensure or certification.
• Promote positive customer relations with all donors.
• Conduct confidential and effective interviews with donors to assess suitability for plasma donation.
• Respond to medically related questions from staff regarding donor suitability and provide information on medical issues in conjunction with the Center Medical Director and/or Center Physician.
• Perform medical history reviews and health assessments on donors.
• Assess results of donor screening and laboratory tests to determine initial and continuing donor suitability.
• Notify and counsel donors regarding reactive test results; refer donors to community facilities for follow-up and counseling.
• Explain informed consent to donors, including procedures, hazards, potential adverse events, immunization schedules, dose, and antibody response; obtain signed consent.
• Handle medical emergencies at the Center by providing routine care as outlined in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); escalate to Center Physician or local medical providers as needed.
• Periodically check emergency kits to ensure supplies are present and in-date.
• Review test results and determine continued donor suitability, following SOPs for acceptable ranges of four-month required tests (PE/STS).
• Maintain knowledge of rules regarding four-month approvals and grace periods.
• Assess signs and symptoms that may prevent a donor from continuing the donation process.
• Manage employee hepatitis B and influenza immunization programs, including administration of immunizations.
• Understand policies and procedures associated with hyperimmune programs and oversee donor immunization programs where applicable.
• Review antibody titer results as required and maintain awareness of appropriate immunization schedules for each antigen.
• Ensure accurate recording of donor data in the electronic donor information management system as outlined in SOPs.
• Maintain a clean and efficient work environment, ensuring sufficient operating supplies and forms are available.
• Follow all Health Safety & Environmental (HSE) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) policies and procedures; promote safety in all actions.
• Conduct routine audits of internal procedures and documentation as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of all personnel, donor, and center information.
• May be cross-trained in other areas to meet business needs.
• Bilingual skills may be required to meet business needs.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Active state licensure from a paramedic, nursing, physician assistant, chiropractic, naturopathic training program, or medical school OR completion of a foreign allopathic or osteopathic medical school with current licensure as a physician or certification as an EMT in the state.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a healthcare environment or one year of clinical experience from a vocational or nursing institution.
• Experience in a plasma or whole blood collection center or other regulated environment preferred.
• Ability to make and analyze physical assessments (e.g., heart and lung sounds, signs of drug use).
• Ability to instruct donors, staff, and the community regarding the benefits of plasma donation programs.
• Different qualifications or responsibilities may apply based on local legal and/or educational requirements.