The Polysomnographic Technologist involves performing sleep studies in order to help patients who suffer from sleep disorders. This includes preparing the patient for the sleep study, monitoring the patient during the study and recording the results of the subsequent results. Sleep studies are typically performed in the evening and this job will frequently require a night work schedule. These studies are performed in sleep disorder centers and hospitals. The Sleep Technologist works are general supervision of the medical director of the facility or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders including in-center and out of center sleep testing, therapeutic interventions, diagnostics, comprehensive patient care and direct patient education. The Polysomnographic Tech is able to perform the duties defined and able to provide oversight of other staff members. The Sleep Tech is credentialed in sleep technology.

Sleep Study Preparation and Set-up may consist of:

• Collect, analyze and integrate patient information to identify and meet the specific needs of the patient. Considerations may include mental/physical limitations, current physiological/emotional status about the procedure and medical/social history.
• Determine the final testing procedures/parameters in collaboration with the physician or clinical director and facility protocols.
• Review the patient’s medical history and verify the order for the study.
• Follow facility protocols relating to the sleep study.
• Verify identification and collect documents when the patient arrives. Obtain proper consents from the patient.
• Educate the patient about the procedure and what to expect as well as showing them the facility.
• Select the appropriate equipment and calibrate for testing to determine proper functioning and make necessary adjustments.
• Apply sensors and electrodes to the patient according to published standards.
• Perform routine PAP positive airway pressure interface fitting and desentization.
• Sleep Study Procedures normally consist of the following:
• Follow procedural protocols, parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen titration, etc. to ensure collection of appropriate data
• Follow “lights out” procedures to document and established baseline values of the patient
• Perform physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make necessary adjustments
• Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure the signals are artifact-free. Identify, correct and document any artifact