Transfusion Medicine Technologist, Blood Bank Department - Day Shift

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Transfusion Medicine Technologist in the Blood Bank department. Here, you will perform routine and esoteric tests, operate state-of-the-art instruments, and manufacture and issue blood components such as washed red cells, leuko-reduced red cells, etc.  You'll be responsible for quality control, instrument maintenance, and method development to support a broad menu of routine and esoteric tests, including antibody identification. This department provides reference laboratory testing to various related and unrelated health care entities, managed care organizations and non-affiliated hospitals, outpatient clinics and private physicians' offices. We offer a full range of diagnostic services in both clinical and anatomical pathology and have various areas of expertise. This department is in the blood bank department. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Eligible for a Sign-On Bonus up to $10,000

In this position, you will routinely perform a wide range of clinical analyses in all sections of the laboratory by properly utilizing a variety of methodologies and instrumentation according to laboratory policies and procedures and in accordance with all regulatory agency requirements in order to provide results of the highest level of quality to physicians and their patients.

Essential Job Functions

• Receives specimens submitted to blood bank. Utilizes policies and procedures for requisition and specimen requirements to determine whether the submitted specimen can be processed for analysis. Two blood type verification process of patient identification is strictly adhered to for patient safety
• Performs blood typing and antibody screening with 100% accuracy to determine safe selection of blood products for transfusion
• Performs blood type verification of blood products and performs donor unit processing and labeling of blood products according to regulatory agency requirements
• Performs complex antibody identification when indicated with additional testing and selection of matched blood products for transfusion
• Prepares and dispense blood product coolers for massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in a timely manner (first cooler must be ready in less than 5 minutes) and continue to prepare addition coolers for continuous MTP
• Performs final check on blood products and patient testing before dispense to patient for transfusion. Final review of correct blood type, antigen negative if indicated by antibodies identified, correct labeling of blood product and transfusion record tags to ensure patient safety
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, safety and quality control policies and procedures. Prepares and maintains adequate stock of reagents and control materials for the performance of testing at assigned workstation and notifies supervisor of any shortages or problems
• Continuously monitors blood product inventory to ensure adequate availability for patient transfusion
• Analyzes all test and quality control results for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results or issuing blood products for transfusion
• Initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem solving to resolve issues, reports all test results, blood product testing, patient allocation and disposition in the laboratory information system according to all laboratory policies and procedures and regulatory agency requirements, within stated turn-around times
• Communicates any pertinent information or problems with laboratory staff and supervisors in a respectful and proactive manner. Assists in training new employees, students, pathology residents, others. Assists in new testing, procedures and equipment validation and implementation
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Certification or eligibility as medical technologist, (MT) or specialist in chemistry (SC) or hematology (SH) through American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent
• Must satisfy CLIA 88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing high complexity testing 
• Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or related field from an accredited college or University 
• Be able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospitals information systems
• Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of pertinent laboratory experience in blood bank

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time (1.0 FTE)
• Shift:  Day Shift + Rotating Weekends and Holidays
• Work Location: Hyde Park 
• Unit/Department:  Blood Bank Department
• CBA Code: Non-Union

Why Join Us

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities.

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

Must comply with UChicago Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits.  The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.