A perfusionist is a skilled person, qualified by academic and clinical education, who operates extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient's circulatory or respiratory function. The perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions and is responsible, in consultation with the physician, for selecting the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used. Administrative responsibility for purchasing equipment and supplies, personnel, department management and quality improvement are within the scope of perfusion practice.

The perfusionist is educated to conduct extracorporeal circulation and to ensure the safe management of physiologic functions by monitoring and adjusting the necessary variables. Furthermore, the perfusionist is trained/educated in the administration, on prescription and/or according to approved protocol, of blood products, anesthetic agents and drugs through the extracorporeal circuit. The perfusionist is knowledgeable and competent in the use of a variety of techniques such as hypothermia and hemodilution. Perfusion (extracorporeal circulation) procedures involve specialized instrumentation and/or advanced life support techniques, and may include a variety of related functions.