ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with standards for the personnel performing hemapheresis and examines practices including; minimal prerequisite training and experience, basics for job descriptions, organizational structure, orientation, continuing education, performance evaluation, and the role of a medical director. It examines performance standards as relates to documentation, policies and procedures, assessment, teaching, and quality control. The purpose and direction of a hemapheresis unit needs to be defined by the medical director and the management of the department in which the unit will be operating. All hemapheresis procedures should be performed under the direction of a qualified, licensed physician knowledgeable in the principles of hemapheresis, who is responsible for all medical, technical, and clerical services. Hemapheresis technical personnel have come from varied educational backgrounds, depending on where the unit was started and whether its purpose was research or service. The secret to a successful orientation program is weekly evaluable goals, to allow the orientee to assess his/her progress.
