Pulmonary Function Technician

Under general supervision and according to established procedures, performs the duties of the pulmonary function technician testing both pediatric and adult patients.

• Reads, understands, and annually reviews all laboratory, unit, and institutional policies and procedures relating to the performance of the duties and responsibilities of the Pulmonary Function Technician.
• Maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots all laboratory equipment.
• Appropriately summons the Laboratory Supervisor, Medical Director, or equipment manufacturer as needed or when difficulties arise.
• Screens prospective patients for suitability for testing according to age, diagnostic, and mobility criteria as established by the Medical Director.
• Assesses patients’ age and developmental status, and tailors teaching, modeling, and reinforcement techniques in accordance with individual developmental needs, abilities, and limitations.
• Accurately weighs, measures, and interviews patients regarding medications and related health data, and completes program demographics prior to testing.
• Effectively engages patient in the testing process with clear explanations and reassurances of success and reward.
• Selects age and size appropriate equipment for accurate and comfortable testing.
• Performs pulmonary function testing in accordance with American Thoracic Society standards including, but not limited to, oximetry, spirometry, helium dilution lung volumes, diffusion studies. Total body Plethysmography, airway resistance, simple and complex cardiopulmonary exercise testing, etC02, FENO.
• Assesses need for post bronchodilator testing, and administers inhaled beta agonist on the order of a physician and under the supervision of the Unit Medical Staff or Licensed Respiratory Therapist.
• Makes appropriate patient observations and makes technical notes regarding patient performance during testing.
• Demonstrates knowledge of criteria for termination of testing, and tests only when clinically appropriate.
• Accesses clinical and other databases to supply data essential for pulmonologist interpretation of pulmonary function studies.
• Schedules sweat iontophoresis studies, coordinating with the Genetics department when performing newborn screens.
• Maintains effective communication with the parents of the patient and informs the parents of testing requirements to successfully produce an adequate sweat sample for analysis.
• Arranges for interpreter services when necessary.
• Performs and records all quality control levels in departmental log. Dates and records reagent changes.
• Uses gloves, eye protection, and gown when performing QC and analysis to ensure personal safety.
• Records and forwards all sweat iontophoresis results to ordering physicians and Genetics department when necessary.
• Approves preliminary testing results and initiates data transfer from Morgan Scientific pulmonary function systems for initial physician interpretation approval.
• Maintains effective and professional communication with physicians, nurses, and other support staff in other clinics here at MGH and other Partners affiliated and Non-Partners affiliated practices.
• Prioritize scheduling and testing of inpatient and outpatient according to lab policy as established by the Medical Director.
• Performs housekeeping and clerical functions for the upkeep of the Laboratory; including answering the telephone, scheduling appointments, filing records, stocking supplies, making deliveries and pickups to and from other departments within the hospital, etc.
• Maintains inventory and orders supplies as requested.
• Assists physicians, nurses with procedures as requested.
• Demonstrates initiative in self-improvement, and in promoting the smooth operation and efficient functioning of the Lab.

Bachelor’s degree in Science required

At least six (6) months of related experience required, preferably in a pediatric setting