Medical Laboratory Assistant

To support qualified staff in the processing of samples. To carry out preliminary inspection and preparation of samples under supervision. To follow at all times the instructions set out in Standard Operating Procedures. To undertake routine laboratory cleaning duties as required. To support laboratory staff in a range of analytical and post analytical processes within and outside the laboratory To undertake training necessary to fulfil the requirements of the Medical Laboratory Assistant training log book. To carry out preparatory work on samples as required by the Chief Biomedical Scientist or his/her representative. To sort samples and distribute to relevant departments. To receive pathology specimens from hospital staff and from patients in a courteous and helpful manner. To deal with minor problems that arise, following standard operating procedures. To check for leaking specimens and deal with them according to standard procedures. To remove specimens from plastic transport bags as
required. Where samples are labelled as Danger of Infection, to carry out the preliminary inspection of the samples and to remove from the bag if there is no spillage. To give identifying number as appropriate and to carry out initial preparation as set out in procedures for high risk samples. To ensure that the specimens and appropriate request forms are correctly labelled and that specimens are in the correct container. If not, to take appropriate actions as set out in written procedures. To interpret clinical information on request forms to ensure appropriate tests are carried out. To label request forms and specimens with appropriate numbers as required. To ensure that laboratory staff receive specimens in a timely manner and to notify the appropriate sections of any urgent specimens. To ensure that specimens are in appropriate racks as required before despatch into the laboratory. To liaise with laboratory biomedical and clerical staff, and portering staff as appropriate and
to pass on information and to solve problems. To carry out routine cleaning of laboratory areas and equipment as required to maintain good standards and to ensure that work areas are clean and tidy. To dispose of specimens following the instructions set out in Standing Operating Procedures. To check and maintain stocks of reagents, solutions and consumables, some of which may be located outside pathology.