Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) role will be based in the department of Microbiology. We are looking for applicants with clinical laboratory experience to participate in the activities of the department. The MLA will be expected to receive and collate patient sample when they first arrive in the laboratory. Also to prepare samples received by the laboratory for analysis. The MLA will work with alongside a team of Associate practitioners, BMS and Senior BMS. The Medical Laboratory Assistant will participate primarily in night and late shifts and Saturday and Sunday work where appropriate., Accurate computer entry of data onto specialized laboratory computer system. Primary processing of swabs, sputa, faeces, urines and other body fluids. Loading and unloading of specialist automated detection system e.g. blood culture system, as well as the processing of potentially infectious positive blood cultures. Preparation of antibiotic susceptibility tests. Examination of clinical samples for the purpose of selecting appropriate culture media. Processing of hazardous category 3 (high Risk) samples, e.g. processing of tissue samples, pleural fluids, sputum and bronchial lavages. Carrying out staining procedures both manually and with the use of specialist staining machinery for detection of micro- organisms (e.g. Gram Stains).,

• Build upon the post holders' technical knowledge, training and experience. Identifying
training and development needs at annual appraisal
• To ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practice e.g., UKAS.
• To maintain the knowledge necessary to assist with performing procedures during
rotation through the laboratory sections as directed.
• To have gained the necessary knowledge and skills sufficient to work independently, with
the minimum of supervision (within SOPs).
• To maintain personal and professional development by attending training, lectures, study
days and workshops as and when relevant or as directed.
• Read all relevant literature provided.
• Maintain knowledge of operational policies and procedures through use of the
departmental electronic notice board and document management system. Communication & Relationship Skills
• To deal sympathetically during liaison with colleagues, other healthcare professionals and
staff from external organisations.
• To use empathy and understanding to ensure that technical, clinical, and linguistic
barriers to understanding are overcome.
• To report results to clinicians and other service users in a professional manner
• To provide advice to clinicians and other service users regarding specimen types as
appropriate and directed
• Communicates any internal or external department difficulties, problems, accidents, or
incidents from affecting the department to a section leader/manager promptly. Scientific & Technical Skills
• To prepare specimens for diagnostic testing. This involves assessing the suitability and
appropriateness of specimens submitted to the laboratory: Sort, label, prioritise and distribute specimens, data entry for patient data and test request, reject unsuitable specimens and requests onto LIMS / computer system, as per departmental procedures.
• To refer problematic specimens to the appropriate line -manager or supervisor for further
action if deemed necessary.
• Develop knowledge of medical terms and acronyms to ensure that clinical details are
correctly entered to computer system, when appropriate.
• Use of LIMS computer system to gather set lists and extract information from LIMS
database for general telephone enquiries by staff from other departments, surgeries or hospitals as directed
• Scanning of request forms into computer database for storage as directed.
• Has highly developed physical skills sufficient to operate a pipette with the required
accuracy. Will have sufficient hand eye co-ordination to move trays and racks around as required on large pieces of automated equipment.
• To analyse, under supervision from qualified staff, specimens for screening, diagnostic
and clinical management of patients. March 2024
• To perform method and instrument quality procedures, in accordance with Standard
Operating procedures (SOPs), as directed and seeking guidance and referral to appropriate line -manager or supervisor for further action when necessary. Tasks will be departmental specific/dependent.
• To perform basic troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance on specialist equipment.
• To refer complex problems relating to breakdown/unavailability of analytical systems to
the appropriate line -manager or supervisor.
• Archive and store and retrieve specimens.
• Use LIMS and specimen tracking databases to locate archived specimens that have work
outstanding or retrospectively added.
• Participate in record keeping, to include fridge/freezer monitoring, reagent inventory and
stock consumables control.
• Identify and safely prepare clinical waste ready for disposal, and transfer to disposal area
• Preparation of calibrators, quality control materials and reagents as directed.
• To perform basic maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of Point of Care Testing
(POCT) ward based analytical systems as appropriate and directed. Managerial & Supervisory
• To participate in the review and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.
• To participate in the review and implementation of Departmental Policies.
• To assist with the training, supervision, and co-ordination of support staff.
Resource Responsibility
• To monitor and store consumables and reagents, use of laboratory stock control software
and notifying supervisory staff where stocks are low.
• To provide specialised items or supplies from the department, which have been
requested by clients, to perform specific investigations as appropriate.
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the laboratory IT systems and take corrective
action in the event of failure. Quality
• To participate in audit as and when required.
• To read and acknowledge all documents as required on document management system., The Trust is committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance and achieve fair, equitable and consistent practice. We welcome flexible working requests and will consider a variety of flexible working arrangements from day one of your employment. Not all roles are suitable for every flexible working opportunity all of the time. Flexible working options may include reduced hours, compressed hours, fixed shifts, time back in lieu and home working.
The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity; we value the contribution of individual talent, skills, knowledge and experience and aim for a workforce demography representative of the local community. We encourage applicants from the following groups that are currently under-represented in our workforce black, Asian and minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+), disabled, male and age 16-24. Trust policy requires that the cost of submitting & processing the successful applicant/s DBS application be recovered via salary deduction following start in post. The amount of £23 (standard disclosure) or £43 (enhanced disclosure) will be deducted from salary, in manageable monthly instalments for up to 3 months following commencement of employment. Bank posts require upfront payment. DBS applications submitted from 2nd December will be subject to the new DBS fee of £26.50 (standard) and £54.50 (Enhanced). From April 2017, Skilled visa applicants and their adult dependant(s) will be required to provide a criminal record certificate from each country they have lived in consecutively for 12 months or more in the past ten years. Applicants requiring sponsorship may wish to determine the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship for this position by assessing themselves against the criteria on the gov.uk website - https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa. This organisation has a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff must ensure they adhere to the organisations safeguarding children and adults' policy and comply with the Local Safeguarding Children and Adult Board procedures. Staff should be mindful of their responsibility to safeguard children and adults in any activity performed on behalf of the organisation in line with the requirements of statutory guidance and legislation. All employees (and volunteers)are expected maintain their safeguarding knowledge and skills by completing mandatory safeguarding training which includes understanding and recognising the signs of abuse and neglect and taking appropriate action. As an organisation, we have adopted the Merseyside Domestic abuse workplace scheme which supports our staff who are experiencing Domestic Abuse /any forms of sexual violence.

Essential criteria
• Numerate and Literate to GCSE level (To include English and Mathematics)
Desirable criteria
• Knowledge of Biomedical tests
• Knowledge of medical terminologies
• Must maintain a continuous development portfolio., Experience of working in a clinical laboratory or equivalent, Demonstrably Computer literate, with demonstrable data entry experience
• Knowledge/understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues
• Knowledge and interest in biomedical science.
• Understands the role of medical laboratories and quality systems.
• Awareness of Health and Safety issues, Ability to communicate courteously verbally and in writing. Work as part of a team or on own initiative. Work in an organised, time efficient and methodical manner.
• Familiar with use of basic laboratory equipment e.g., pipette, pH meter, centrifuge etc. Scientifically numerate
• Attention to detail, Willingness to learn and conform to departmental policies, procedures and take defined instruction from others.
• Ability to adapt to requirements of departmental needs with respect to working time.
• Commitment to Dignity and Respect
• Working relationships - maintain and develop
  
  Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients. UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond. For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West. Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women's Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.