Job responsibilities To assist qualified staff in the processing of biological samples including blood, urine, faeces, sputum, swabs, fluids, tissue etc. which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times. To carry out such bacteriological or molecular diagnostic procedures as deemed applicable, working in conjunction with, and supervised by, an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist. To process samples for the purpose of screening patients and others for the carriage of significant infectious organisms using laboratory procedures and protocols. To train and supervise SATO and ATO staff within the bacteriology Department of Microbiology. To develop an understanding of the pathology of disease in relation to the results obtained whilst being aware of their significance in patients, with reference to expected findings /normal values. Act as an Audit Officer under the direction of the laboratory Quality Manager and to assist in audit carried out by internal and external agencies. To have sufficient knowledge and competence to work, if required, on any appropriate rotating duty, in all bacteriology and serology sections of the laboratory. To be able to use the laboratory IT system to input results of tests and to deal with enquiries for results that may be sensitive in nature, and to use the Trust PIMS system in order to look up patient details. To ensure that important or unusual findings are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report anomalies as soon as possible. To assist in the basic competence assessment and subsequent NVQ training for ATO staff. To develop an understanding of and to be involved in, the quality assurance programmes of the Department, both internal,( IQA) and external (NEQAS) Support the Biomedical Scientists in the preparation, running and maintenance of equipment. To plan and prioritise own work under supervision and be fully aware of service requirements. To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures. Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the investigation To bring to the attention of senior BMS all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested. Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form and prepare these samples for analysis including attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and preparing of aliquots as required. To prepare samples and complete the necessary documentation for special tests dispatched to other reference laboratories, complying with all the relevant postal and packaging regulations. Respond to telephone enquiries within the laboratory, from staff in both primary and secondary care, giving test results (subject to departmental telephone SOPs) and advice on sample types required for a large range of tests, requests for add-on-tests and those for emergency requests. To observe all departmental, Trust, national and European Health & Safety regulations relevant to the service, ensuring attendance at the annual departmental H&S update. In addition all staff must sign the departmental H&S policy to acknowledge understanding and compliance. To assist Biomedical Scientists and other staff in the maintenance of adequate stocks of reagents and consumables to ensure continuous service provision. Updating and documenting their knowledge and skills as part of Continual Professional Development is encouraged. To follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times and as directed by senior staff and contribute to their formulation. Propose any changes to these SOPs in order to maintain the quality of the service and maximise efficiency. To attend meetings as laboratory representative and to attend training courses as necessary. To attend Statutory and Essential Update Training annually. To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards. To participate in an annual IPR and achieve any targets set at this time. Following SOPs ensure that equipment checks are regularly carried out and recorded. To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics and data. To assist in the process of continual quality improvement. This will include audit, corrective action, preventative action and improvement process. Ensure issues and problems are resolved satisfactorily and referred through your line management structure as appropriate. To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.