Job Summary
Under the direction of the department leadership, the Laboratory Technician is responsible for manufacturing blood products according to cGMP compliant policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) implemented by the San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB). The Component Production Lab (CPL) is a highly regulated laboratory where employees must successfully complete/pass an initial training program and complete competency assessments in intervals defined by SDBB policies.

Responsibilities

• Performs all assigned duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations and maintains competency and proficiency in areas in which they are trained.
• Actively discusses with management any ideas which may promote the development and wellbeing of the organization.
• Prepares blood components and in-vitro products according to approved procedures and techniques such as: Red Blood Cells (RBC), Fresh Frozen and Recovered Plasma, Cryoprecipitate.
• Directly communicates with hospital and internal customers to fulfill specialty products such as: RBC/Platelet-Washed, Neonatal orders, Irradiation.
• Assures appropriate storage of all blood products throughout the manufacturing process.
• Operates and maintains critical laboratory equipment.
• Reports and assists in investigating deviation reports via the Quality Management System.
• Participates in departmental/organizational meetings and educational programs.
• Records and maintains accurate manual and electronic records of blood components during critical manufacturing steps.
• Monitors and maintains supply inventory levels.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.
• Understands and adheres to the policies and standards as developed as part of the San Diego Blood Bank Compliance Program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Working Environment

• Subject to risk of exposure to biohazardous materials blood borne pathogens in a laboratory environment.
• Exposure to cold temperatures when working with dry ice or in walk-in refrigerators and freezers.
• Dependent on assigned shift, early morning or evening hours with weekend and various holiday assignments.

Physical Requirements

• Hand-eye coordination with significant manual dexterity and repetitive hand/arm motions.
• Visual acuity to perform essential visual checks of products.
• Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods of time.
• May be required to lift up to 40 pounds.

Equipment Used

• General office equipment (computer, printer, fax, copy machine).
• Various software systems (Blood Establishment Computer System, Quality Management System)
• General Laboratory equipment, including, but not limited to:
  • Centrifuges.
  • Heat sealers.
  • Scales.
  • Refrigerators/Freezers.
  • Sterile Connection Devices.
  • Cell Processors.

Qualification
Education:

• High school diploma required.

Experience:

• New Hires: Educational requirements required.
• Previous lab or related experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as Standard Operating Procedures, safety rules, and equipment operating and maintenance instructions.
• Flexibility to work independently and with a team.
• Organized and able to efficiently prioritize and handle multiple tasks at one time to provide a productive workflow.
• Ability to work independently with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to apply judgement to written or oral instructions.
• Above average attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with donor and patient information.