Job Description: Laboratory Technician

Job Title:                      Laboratory Technician

Duty Station:                Lifelink Medical Centre & Hospital

Reports To:                  Head of Laboratory

Interfaces With:            Clinical Coordinator and General Manager

JOB PURPOSE

To perform a variety of laboratory tests by following the correct procedures to assist in diagnosing, monitoring, treating and preventing disease.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Diploma/Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or a higher qualification from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 2 years’ work experience in a busy laboratory.
• Must be registered with the Allied Health Professionals Council.
• Must have a valid Annual Practicing License.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, equipment and techniques of medical laboratory technology.
• Good medical knowledge.
• Able to use specialized medical equipment.
• Organization of lab workflows, and interpretation and reporting of lab observations.
• Basic computer knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong team orientation.
• Ability to perform well under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills using the teamwork concept.
• Careful and analytical approach to work.
• Attention to detail.
• Empathetic, supportive and professional approach to patients.
• Energetic, resilient and able to prioritize.
• Ability to learn and work independently, with minimum handholding and supervision.
• Professional, mature and confident.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional

• Perform tests according to the standard operating procedures for each test.
• Perform all lab tests as required by the doctor/clinician.
• Always keep patients’ results confidential.
• Recommend any other tests that may improve the patient’s management.
• Interact with the doctor/clinician in case of a significant finding in a patient’s results.
• Record all results in the lab record books.
• Perform phlebotomies.
• Explain lab results to OPD clients, or refer them where you cannot give an appropriate explanation.
• Ensure proper storage of reagents, samples and equipment.
• Prepare reagents for daily use.
• Ensure that patients’ rights and safety are not violated.
• Ensure proper interpretation of test results to patients.
• Ensure proper transportation of samples to other labs (in case of outside/off-premises lab tests).
• Wear personal protective equipment while in the laboratory (closed shoes, gloves, lab coats, etc.).
• Always attend CMEs and Laboratory department meetings.

Customer Care

• Ensure good reception of all clients.
• Always greet the patient.
• Direct clients where the need arises.
• Ensure a good staff–client relationship.
• Give relevant explanations to clients about their test samples and results.
• Ensure timely delivery of results to clinicians and doctors.
• Handle client complaints diligently.
• Always follow up on patients’ results and call them to pick up their results.

Premises, Equipment and Supplies

• Ensure proper arrangement of the lab.
• Ensure proper disposal of waste.
• Ensure that lab reagents and equipment are in good working condition and are not expired.
• Ensure that machines are switched off after work.
• Ensure that the lab is adequately supplied with reagents and any other equipment at all times.
• Keep updated on the available and unavailable tests.
• Ensure that the lab is clean and organized, including the benches, floors and drawers.
• Carry out stock taking and avoid stock-outs.
• Fill in daily maintenance logs.

Quality Control

• Regularly assess the quality of results produced by the lab.
• Regularly assess the functionality of lab equipment and the quality of recycled containers and instruments.
• Filter and prepare reagents.
• Keep colleagues updated on proper lab test procedures and reporting methods.
• Compare lab results with doctors’ clinical notes to ensure that they tally.

Communication and Technology

• Report any lab queries to the Manager/Head of Laboratory.
• Report to the Manager/Head of Laboratory in case of failure to attend/absence from duty.
• Report any challenges faced in the Laboratory department.
• Identify and inform management of any other laboratory needs/requirements.
• Give the Manager/Head of Laboratory prior notice of any reagents in short supply.

Finance

• Ensure that all tests are properly and correctly billed.
• Ensure that patients’ laboratory tests have been paid for before they are done.
• Return receipts to the cashiers for proper accountability of any petty cash given.

Personal Development

• Assess and identify own education and training needs and explore all opportunities for maintaining and updating own professional knowledge and skills.

Other Duties

• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by your supervisor.

KEY RESULT INDICATORS

• Accurate and reliable results.
• Minimum knowledge assessment score of 65%.
• Work within acceptable Turn Around Time (TAT) of results.
• 100% result entry in the HMIS (AMS).
• Excellent customer satisfaction score.

Submit your cover letter, CV and academic documents in one pdf to jobs@lifelinkug.com

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