We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with good attention to detail and team working ability to join the friendly Microbiology team, to support the technical and clinical staff in processing samples from both hospital and GP patients to aid in the detection and treatment of infectious diseases. This is a busy role, rotating through seven laboratory areas, and includes booking in and initial processing of wound swabs, MRSA screens, urine samples, faecal samples and other specimen types. As part of the team, you will receive full health and safety training, be introduced to good laboratory practice, quality control, service improvement, clerical processes, and have the opportunity to work with automated laboratory analysers and equipment. Once the post holder is established, there is often the opportunity for advancement to more senior grades and the laboratory actively supports the development of its staff.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work together with senior staff, Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and other support staff in all sections of the Microbiology Laboratory.
For the Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) role, this includes booking in samples onto the laboratory computer, checking patient details are matched correctly, then processing the sample, either by loading onto an analyser (we do this for urine samples), or plating samples onto various agar plates to allow micro-organisms to grow, which are later identified by the BMS staff. The role needs an individual who is flexible, has good hand-eye coordination, works well in a busy team, is able to communicate clearly to other staff, and understands the need for high levels of attention to detail to ensure correct processes are followed.
Note that the role involves processing a wide range of patient samples, including urine, faeces, swabs and blood samples, but that full health and safety training, PPE and a framework of laboratory safety and equipment is provided.
The post holder may be called upon to work a duty shift up to 8pm on weekdays, this post also includes the requirement to work weekends on rotation and, if required to do so, to work a contracted week that may include working a full day on Saturdays and/or Sundays and/or Bank Holidays. The post holder may also be called upon, if required to do so, to participate in 24/7 working.
Job responsibilities
1. Book test requests swiftly and accurately into the computer system (iLAB). Scanning request forms and clearing errors as they occur.
2. Respond to telephone enquiries within the area of work from staff in both primary and secondary care, giving test results (subject to departmental telephone SOPs), advice on sample types required for a large range of tests, requests for add-on-tests and those for emergency requests. Clear and concise messages to be taken in the event of unavailability of staff.
3. To enter a range of test results into the Pathology computer system for authorisation by BMSs.
4. To collate the printing of results daily, sorting, enveloping and arranging issue in accordance with local SOP.
5. To report all complaints/anomalies/data entry errors to a senior member of staff for attention and logging.
6. To receive specimens/request forms in reception following the Specimen Reception SOP and checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form/electronic request.
7. To bring to the attention of senior BMS all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID/requester information or incorrect sample type for the test requested.
8. Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.
9. To be familiar with DSE regulations and organise workstation and working to reflect the requirements for breaks, etc.
10. To work with the quality team to ensure all necessary quality standards are met, including UKAS ISO15189.
11. To plan and prioritise own work under supervision and be fully aware of service requirements.
12. Participate in the rotas for ATO and support staff.
13. To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
14. Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests.
15. Perform basic maintenance checks as directed.
16. Ensure senior staff are made aware when stock levels are low.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
* Understanding of need for patient confidentiality.
* Proven knowledge of Health & Safety issues.
* Use of IT equipment including a keyboard.
* Demonstrable experience of high speed and accurate data entry.
* Proven knowledge of all assays performed and sent away by the department.
* Proven knowledge of all relevant Health & Safety legislation and its application to the Section.
* Proven technical skills in a Pathology laboratory.
Qualifications
* GCSE's 9-4 (A-C) in Maths & English or equivalent demonstrable experience.
* Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with staff and patients.
* Ability to prioritise work.
* Accuracy.
* Clear handwriting.
* Good telephone manner.
* Good interpersonal skills.
* Working proven knowledge of PIMS.
* Working proven knowledge of ISOFT iLab & iCM laboratory information management systems.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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