| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Allied Health |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Cardiac Surgeon |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 2 to 6 years in cardiac perfusion |
Perfusionist job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Perfusionist
Department: Allied Health
Reports to: Cardiac Surgeon
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Perfusionist runs the heart lung machine during cardiac surgery, taking over the work of the heart and lungs while the surgeon operates. They set up and operate the bypass circuit, manage blood flow, oxygenation and temperature, and respond instantly to changes in the patient's condition. The role reports to the Cardiac Surgeon or chief perfusionist. A good perfusionist keeps the patient safe on bypass with precise control, prepares the circuit flawlessly, and stays calm and exact during the most critical minutes of surgery.
Key responsibilities
- Assemble, prime and test the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit before each case.
- Operate the heart lung machine to maintain blood flow and oxygenation during bypass.
- Manage anticoagulation, blood gases, electrolytes and temperature through the procedure.
- Deliver cardioplegia to protect the heart as directed by the surgeon.
- Monitor the patient continuously and respond instantly to changes on bypass.
- Coordinate closely with the surgeon and anaesthetist at every stage of surgery.
- Operate cell salvage and other blood conservation techniques where used.
- Record the perfusion chart accurately at every stage through the case.
- Maintain and check perfusion equipment and manage disposables and stock.
- Follow safety checklists and infection control for every procedure.
Requirements
- BSc or MSc in Perfusion Technology
- Perfusion certification and registration
- Hands-on cardiac theatre training
- 2 to 6 years in cardiac perfusion
KRAs and KPIs for a Perfusionist
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Patient safety | Bypass conducted without a preventable perfusion incident on every case |
| Circuit readiness | Bypass circuit primed, checked and ready before every scheduled case |
| Parameter control | Flow, gases and temperature kept within target ranges throughout bypass |
| Checklist compliance | Perfusion safety checklists completed for every procedure |
| Documentation | Perfusion charts complete and accurate for every case |
| Equipment | Perfusion equipment maintained and quality checked with no lapse |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Heart lung machine, Oxygenator and circuit, Blood gas analyser, Cell salvage machine, Activated clotting time monitor.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior Perfusionist, Chief Perfusionist, Perfusion Educator
Interview questions for a Perfusionist
- Walk me through priming and checking a bypass circuit before a case.
- How do you manage blood gases and anticoagulation during bypass?
- What do you do if you see air entering the circuit?
- How do you deliver cardioplegia and why is it important?
- How do you coordinate with the surgeon during the critical minutes of bypass?
- Tell me about an emergency on bypass and how you responded.
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What does a perfusionist do?
A perfusionist runs the heart lung machine during cardiac surgery, taking over the work of the heart and lungs while the surgeon operates. They set up and operate the bypass circuit, manage blood flow, oxygenation, temperature and anticoagulation, deliver cardioplegia, and respond instantly to changes. They keep the patient safe during the most critical part of heart surgery.
Is a perfusionist a doctor?
No, a perfusionist is a specialised allied health professional, not a doctor. They are highly trained to operate the heart lung machine and manage the patient's circulation during cardiac surgery, working alongside the cardiac surgeon and anaesthetist. The role needs specific perfusion qualifications, certification and hands on theatre experience.
What qualifications do you need to be a perfusionist?
Most perfusionists hold a BSc or MSc in perfusion technology with perfusion certification and registration, plus hands on cardiac theatre training. Employers look for precise operation of the heart lung machine, strong management of blood gases and anticoagulation, flawless circuit preparation, and the calm and exactness needed during critical surgery.