SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The Medical Technologist is responsible for performing critical functions in the collection, processing, testing, and preparation of blood and blood products for transfusion and diagnostic purposes. The role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, maintains the safety and quality of blood products, and supports clinical and operational needs. The Medical Technologist adheres to all federal, state, and organizational protocols, including strict Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific field from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years in a clinical laboratory setting with hands-on experience in blood banking.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in manual and automated blood banking techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work in high-pressure situations and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interactions with healthcare professionals and team members.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Active Florida Clinical Laboratory Technologist License in the appropriate specialty area(s).
• Valid Florida Driver’s License with a clean driving record and reliable transportation.
• A proper Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) may be required if travel is included with the position.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

• Ensure adherence to Florida’s labor laws, including wage and hour regulations, anti-discrimination laws, and workplace safety standards.
• Compliance with HIPAA and Florida privacy laws, ensuring all sensitive donor information is handled securely.
• Successful completion of background check and drug testing as per the Florida Drug-Free Workplace Act.
• Compliance with all SunCoast Blood Centers policies, procedures, and strict cGMP guidelines.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 60 lbs frequently.
• Perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as pipetting, keyboarding, and assembling testing kits.
• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, and perform laboratory tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to travel to off-site locations as needed.
• May need to come in for an on-call assignment during off hours.

Environmental Requirements:

• Exposure to varying environmental conditions, including blood-borne pathogens and hazardous chemicals.
• Adherence to PPE requirements, including gloves, lab coats, and eye protection, is mandatory.
• Laboratory environment with strict temperature and humidity controls.
• Frequent interaction with donors, healthcare professionals, and external vendors.
• Rotating shifts and on-call availability required.

JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct pretransfusion testing (e.g., blood typing, cross-matching, antibody screening) to ensure compatibility.
• Perform diagnostic testing, including infectious disease marker testing, using manual and automated methodologies.
• Evaluate and interpret test results to ensure accuracy and report discrepancies promptly.
• Prepare and label blood products for transfusion, including red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate, ensuring proper storage and transport conditions.
• Perform irradiation of blood products as needed.
• Process and test donor blood to produce safe and effective blood components.
• Perform sampling, inoculation and incubation of platelet samples for bacterial cultures
• Manage inventory levels of blood and blood products to meet operational needs and avoid shortages.
• Coordinate shipments of blood products to and from healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and consignment locations.
• Communicate with hospital staff to resolve urgent transfusion-related requests or product discrepancies.
• Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and automated systems to ensure optimal performance.
• Maintain detailed logs for all equipment, maintenance and performance checks.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory activities, test results, and product distribution in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Utilize laboratory information systems (LIS) to input, retrieve, and analyze data efficiently.
• Ensure proper chain-of-custody documentation for all blood products.
• Provide timely and professional communication with donors, healthcare providers, and team members regarding blood product availability and testing results.
• Assist in training and mentoring new staff, interns, and laboratory students.
• Participate in departmental meetings and cross-functional collaborations to improve laboratory workflows and processes.
• Respond promptly to emergency situations, including massive transfusion protocols or urgent cross-matching requests.
• Remain available for on-call rotations and flexible scheduling, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by operational needs.
• Adhere to strict cGMP procedures to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other related duties as necessary to support Suncoast Blood Centers' mission, vision, and values.

About Suncoast Blood Centers

For over 75 years, Suncoast Blood Centers has been at the heart of the Southwest Florida community, providing safe, high-quality blood products to local hospitals and healthcare facilities. Every donation helps save lives and supports patients in need – because when our community thrives, we all thrive. Be part of something bigger. Be part of a mission that changes lives every day. Whether you're donating blood, joining our dedicated team, or helping spread awareness, you're making a real difference. Join the legacy. Save lives. Serve your community.

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