Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology
Job Description
Job summary
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.
Main duties of the job
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).
Usage of anaerobic cabinets.
Refer to job description and person specification
About us
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 Hospitalis 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 Hospitalis home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation.Liverpool Women's Hospitalspecialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. TheRoyal Liverpool University Hospitalis the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.
For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit theircareers page.
Job responsibilities
Knowledge,Training & Experience Build upon the post holders technical knowledge, training and experience. Identifyingtraining 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 duringrotation through the laboratory sections as directed. To have gained the necessary knowledge and skills sufficient to work independently, withthe minimum of supervision (within SOPs). To maintain personal and professional development by attending training, lectures, studydays and workshops as and when relevant or as directed. Read all relevant literature provided. Maintain knowledge of operational policies and procedures through use of thedepartmental electronic notice board and document management system.Communication & Relationship Skills To deal sympathetically during liaison with colleagues, other healthcare professionals andstaff from external organisations. To use empathy and understanding to ensure that technical, clinical, and linguisticbarriers 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 asappropriate and directed Communicates any internal or external department difficulties, problems, accidents, orincidents from affecting the department to a section leader/manager promptly.Scientific & Technical Skills To prepare specimens for diagnostic testing. This involves assessing the suitability andappropriateness of specimens submitted to the laboratory: Sort, label, prioritise anddistribute specimens, data entry for patient data and test request, reject unsuitablespecimens and requests onto LIMS / computer system, as per departmental procedures. To refer problematic specimens to the appropriate line -manager or supervisor for furtheraction if deemed necessary. Develop knowledge of medical terms and acronyms to ensure that clinical details arecorrectly entered to computer system, when appropriate. Use of LIMS computer system to gather set lists and extract information from LIMSdatabase for general telephone enquiries by staff from other departments, surgeries orhospitals 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 requiredaccuracy. Will have sufficient hand eye co-ordination to move trays and racks around asrequired on large pieces of automated equipment. To analyse, under supervision from qualified staff, specimens for screening, diagnosticand clinical management of patients.March 2024 To perform method and instrument quality procedures, in accordance with StandardOperating procedures (SOPs), as directed and seeking guidance and referral toappropriate line -manager or supervisor for further action when necessary. Tasks will bedepartmental specific/dependent. To perform basic troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance on specialist equipment. To refer complex problems relating to breakdown/unavailability of analytical systems tothe appropriate line -manager or supervisor. Archive and store and retrieve specimens. Use LIMS and specimen tracking databases to locate archived specimens that have workoutstanding or retrospectively added. Participate in record keeping, to include fridge/freezer monitoring, reagent inventory andstock 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 softwareand notifying supervisory staff where stocks are low. To provide specialised items or supplies from the department, which have beenrequested by clients, to perform specific investigations as appropriate. To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the laboratory IT systems and take correctiveaction 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.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for more information
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Numerate and Literate to GCSE level (To include English and Mathematics)
Desirable
- Knowledge of Biomedical tests
- Knowledge of medical terminologies
- Must maintain a continuous development portfolio.
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of working in a clinical laboratory or equivalent
Knowledge
Essential
- 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
Skills
Essential
- 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
Other
Essential
- 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
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of ...
