Description

The Histocompatibility Technologist provide accurate and timely clinical diagnostic information to healthcare professionals to ensure high quality patient care and customer service. Performs testing for both living and deceased donor transplantation including human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing, antibody screening, and flow cytometric crossmatches. Rotates into call schedules as determined by department. 

Performs immunological work-ups within the required time of current organ preservation methods.

Performs crossmatches between recipients and donors (live or deceased) identified by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the Iowa Donor Network. Responsible for extent of crossmatching and selection of appropriate sera.

Performs complex laboratory procedures utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of disease as appropriate for patient age to include neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric adults; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.

Screens potential recipients for anti-HLA antibody determination.

Requirements

Previous Histocompatibility Laboratory experience required. 

Bachelor’s degree in science must be obtained which is sufficient to allow certification under one of the Medical Technologist (MT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT)/Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) Certifying Agencies’ examination routes.  Must meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements to perform highly complex testing.  

Certifying Agencies include but are not limited to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Board of Certification (BOC), American Medical Technologist (AMT) Certification, American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Board of Registry (ABOR) and American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI). As long as these are met, any exam may be taken. Additionally, any regulatory agency personnel standards, which are applicable to the position, must be met.     

Experience in clinical laboratory disciplines sufficient to allow certification under one of the Medical Technologist (MT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or a Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT)/Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS).  Certifying Agencies’ examination routes is required.  One year of experience with PRA and DSA testing.  

Technician Certification Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT)/Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) Technologist/Scientist (MT/MLS)