Phlebotomist

Job Description Summary

Responsible for the efficient and effective collection of plasma from donors by performing venipuncture, monitoring the pheresis process and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Job Description

• In compliance with SOPs, performs all aspects of the pheresis procedure and plasma collection, including donor set-up, donor monitoring and donor disconnect.
• In compliance with SOPs and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, performs venipuncture on donors to begin pheresis process.
• Evaluates vein performance of the donor to identify possible problems; makes necessary corrections in order to expedite donation time and ensure product quality and donor safety.
• May educate new donors on the use of therapeutic products made from donated plasma; explains the screening process, health screening tests, appointment system, donation fees, center policies, proper nutrition and other pertinent information.
• Maintains alertness to any reaction by donors and assists with reactions or notifies appropriate staff.
• Uses Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) to record incidents that occur during the pheresis process, such as machine alerts and alarms, volume variances and donor adverse events.
• Performs calibrations and verifies that maintenance has been performed as outlined in the SOPs; responds to and resolves complex equipment alarms or donor issues.
• Troubleshoots equipment failures; creates incident documentation, removes and/or replaces equipment from service.
• Monitors donor flow on the donor floor to assure continuous turnover; alerts Group Leader or Supervisor of donor flow issues.
• Collects arm samples or whole blood samples from donors for testing.
• Ensures the accurate recording of donor data in the electronic donor information management system as outlined in the SOPs.
• Understands the policies and procedures associated with hyper immune programs at the center if applicable.
• Maintains clean efficient work environment and ensures sufficient operating supplies and forms are available; follows all Health Safety & Environmental (HSE) and OSHA policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of all personnel, donor and center information.
• May be cross-trained in other areas to meet the needs of the business.
• Bilingual skills may be required, at the discretion of the organization, to meet the needs of the business.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Internal CSL Employees Applicants must have successfully completed the CSL Plasma DST training.
• External candidates must have a minimum of 6 months' experience as a phlebotomist; one year of experience is preferable.
• Minimum twelve (12) months of experience in a medical or health care environment preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working Conditions (physical & mental requirements)

• Ability to complete routine forms or conduct routine oral communications
• Ability to understand, remember and apply oral and/or written instructions
• Must be able to see and speak with customers and observe equipment operation
• Occasionally perform tasks while standing and walking up to 100% of time
• Reach, bend, kneel and have high level of manual dexterity
• Occasionally be required to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Fast paced environment with frequent interruptions
• Frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals, extreme temperatures and to blood borne pathogens
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment while performing specific tasks or in certain areas
• Required to work overtime and extended hours to support center operational needs