The individual employed in this position provides support to the Transfusion Service’ to transfuse patients safely. This position assists other department staff with processes within the transfusion services. The Laboratory Assistant maintains and monitors the blood product inventory, orders and receives blood products from the American Red Cross and enters blood product information into the OHSU LIS Transfusion Service system (WellSky), prepares and modifies blood components for distribution, distributes products to patients, monitors and maintains testing and blood product storage equipment, and receives and checks in reagents. The person in this position is authorized to perform some testing in Transfusion services. This position fulfills responsibility to the organization by adhering to all OHSU policies, and by performance that promotes teamwork, excellent communication and the service excellence philosophy.

Laboratory Technical Assistant Bench Duties

• Upon receipt, unpack, evaluate and then enter blood products into the OHSU LIS Transfusion Service inventory system (WelLSky). Recognizes appropriate and inappropriate shipping conditions and take prescribed action. Remove and label segments from red cell products accurately for confirmation testing. Store products in correct temperature environment once entered into the computer. Reconcile products on hand to the needed inventory as assigned.
• Prepare blood components according to SOP. Thaw plasma and cryoprecipitate; irradiate blood products, divide blood products into aliquots using correct technique; pool blood products. Always obtain guidance from technologists if protocol is unclear. 
• Properly issue blood products and document issue/inspection manually and in WellSky. Receive and document returned blood products to inventory; quarantine as appropriate. 
• Order blood products from the American Red Cross as appropriate. 
• Receive testing and blood orders; check in blood samples, checking for appropriate labeling and orders, place calls if labeling is not acceptable.
• Receive electronic blood product orders. Receive and document verbal blood product orders. Notify technologists of the receipt of priority orders.
• Follow established policies and procedures

Quality Control/Assessment Activities

• Document proper temperature and appearance of blood products during storage and while in transit.
• Monitor inventory in remote storage units and return blood products to Transfusion Service if appropriate. Note unusual circumstances in these remote locations such as inappropriately stored products or deviations relating to Transfusion Service. 
• Performs equipment cleaning and routine maintenance and calibration as assigned.
• Participate in departmental Quality Assurance activities, Proficiency Testing Quality Monitoring/Improvement processes as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned

• A Certificate or Associate Degree from an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician training program; OR 
• Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant training program which includes 45 credit hours in chemistry or biological science, plus one year experience in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT)or equivalent); OR 
• Forty-five credit hours of college level chemical or biological courses and two years of  experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT) or equivalent);

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, material, techniques, regulations, and safety.
• Skills in handling laboratory specimens, record keeping, and laboratory equipment
• Skill in using several different computer systems, including work processing, dedicated LIS/HIS etc.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently, within established guidelines to adjust to rapidly changing priorities and apply problem solving skills.
• Ability to work in a multitasking environment and display technical skills at various stations throughout transfusion services

• Recent experience in a clinical laboratory.
• Medical Laboratory Assistant (ASCP)

Positions in the laboratory and environment may require working flexible schedules including nights, weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control fluctuations in building.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.