Hi Lori,
My name is Mark Lucas, I am a Perfusionist and an independent consultant for Blood Management. Perfusionists are the most didactically and clinically trained specialists for the operation of cell salvage devices in the operating room. I set up the quality program at my institution and as a member of the Transfusion Committee, help to oversee and educate the process for all users. The American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT - American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology, Inc.) is offering a knowledge base and certification exam for autotransfusionists, called the PBMT, Perioperative Blood Management Technician. This is truely a certification process, soon to be recognized by the AABB. Most operators of autotransfusion devices call themselves certified if they've had a sales representative give them a four hour inservice on the operation of the device. This is not a certification and only an inservice. If you are interested, and this is not a commercial, my fee is extremely reasonable. I can get you up and running in one day with a complete package to implement a quality program for your intraoperative autotransfusion devices. I can also start your operators on the path toward clinical competency in this area, to take and pass the AmSECT PBMT exam and truely become certified autotransfusionists.
Mark Lucas, MPS, CCP
Blood Management Consultant
303-550-7885