Technical Specialist, Blood Bank

The Technical Specialist reports to Senior Clinical Manager while working closely with the BTS Medical Director, Laboratory Supervisors, Compliance Officer, Transfusion Safety Officer, and the Blood Bank IT Team. The incumbent's primary functions are to provide technical expertise in blood banking and to assist in key projects to improve blood bank operations at MGH. The ability to perform bench testing, as necessary, is also required.

The Technical Specialist is responsible for assisting with the implementation of a new Blood Bank Laboratory Information System (LIS) and to lead implementation and provide oversight of several remote blood storage devices. The goal of these projects is to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of the products and services provided by the MGH Blood Transfusion Service and to comply with regulatory standards, including FDA regulations. Assistance with or responsibility for additional projects may be required at the discretion of the BTS Medical Director and Senior Clinical Manager.

Role:

All duties required of Sr. Technologist.

AND

Technical

* Acts as a technical resource in tailoring a new Blood Bank Laboratory Information System (LIS).

o Studies current processes and workflows related to sample receipt, patient testing, product modification and product distribution to patient care areas and, in collaboration with the LIS vendor, applies them to design and implementation of a new Blood Bank LIS.

o Works with physicians, supervisors, Compliance Officer and general staff both inside and outside of the Blood Transfusion Service to assist in building tables, writing SOPs, training, validating and any other tasks required for a successful implementation of the new Blood Bank LIS.

Project leadership in implementation of multiple remote blood storage devices.

o Leads evaluation and selection of remote blood storage devices and participates in deciding optimum placement within the hospital.

o Manages and contributes to SOP development, device validation, and training of laboratory and clinical staff as well as any other task required for successful implementation of these devices.

Management of multiple remote blood storage devices in various locations throughout the hospital.

o Manages blood inventory within devices, insuring the availability of blood components for care providers.

o Monitors regulatory compliance by end-users and report deficiencies to the Compliance Officer and Sr. Clinical Manager, as appropriate.

o Assists with quality/safety reviews and conducts specific assessments as requested.

* Triages, facilitates resolution, and documents instrument/equipment problems related to the remote storage devices.

o Maintains records, including quality control and maintenance.

o Maintains applicable Standard Operating Procedures.

o Works with the Transfusion Safety Officer to execute annual training, to maintain a list of authorized users of the remote storage devices and to document annual competencies for device use.

Maintains competency in technical areas.

Performs production bench work as necessary.

Leadership

* Determines priority of work.

* Keeps current in developments in technical instrumentation and analytical techniques in specialized area.

* Investigates and documents performance issues and safety reports, in conjunction with/directed by Laboratory Leadership.

* Works with Laboratory Leadership to identify new projects that would result in improvements in laboratory efficiency, quality or safety and to build a use-case for the implementation of these improvements.

* Participates in specific regulatory activities, such as participating in the laboratory's regulatory readiness team.

* Conducts audits and assists with follow-up of action items.

* Provides input for development of long-term departmental goals.

* Provides regular status reports for ongoing projects.

Education Requirements:

MT(ASCP) Required

BB Specialist certificate preferred

Bachelers degree in science or medical technology

Experience Required: Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a transfusion service or blood center setting OR minimum of 3 years as a Senior Medical Technologist in the blood bank at MGH AND active national general certification (MLS (ASCP)

OR

Specialist in Blood Bank (or equivalent) AND total of 3 consecutive years of performance which meets or exceeds expectations at the Senior Medical Technologist level AND thirty-six hours of documented continuing education in previous 3 years.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.