Role Description

At MBHS, the laboratory technologist will assist in accurate patient diagnosis through the delivery of a high quality laboratory service that includes chemistry, haematology, serology, immunology, microbiology and parasitology.

The laboratory technologist will provide clinically competent, safe and proficient phlebotomy services and have a thorough knowledge of all aspects of cold chain regulation, quality control, infection control and Microbiological techniques.

Educational Requirements

• Must have a Diploma in Biomedical Sciences.
• Must have a current registration and practice license with the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ)

Key Role Accountabilities

• Assist patients/clients to the designated area for blood drawing.
• Gather all necessary phlebotomy equipment (i.e. syringes, gauze, needles, collection tubes etc.) for drawing blood prior to the procedure.  Ensure that all appropriate equipment for phlebotomy procedures are always ready for immediate use.
• Be responsible for collecting blood samples from patients, labeling them correctly (last name, first name, DOB, test collection date etc.), and sending them off for analysis and testing.
• Ensure that the laboratory, its equipment and all laboratory services provided are maintained to a standard of professional excellence.
• Ensure implementation of Quality Management System
• Conduct internal and external quality control systems in order to obtain quality patient results.
• Deliver clinically competent phlebotomy services using proper technique and sterile equipment.
• Ensure that the Infection Control Policy is followed at all times.
• Ensure that patient confidentiality is respected and kept at all times.
• Ensure that clinical knowledge is maintained and updated in order to perform all required duties effectively.
• Maintain quality control checks as designated by the Laboratory Quality Coordinator. .

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Services

• Demonstrating caring and compassion behaviour towards patients and understanding their anxieties surrounding laboratory tests.
• Communicate and educate patients on the duration of results.
• Maintain the register for the phlebotomy services or any other register appropriate to the service.  Ensure that all patient information is correctly recorded and up-to-date.
• Carry out sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing of results according to MBCC standard operating procedures.
• Draw quality blood samples from patients using correct technique and sterile equipment.
• Preparing specimens and samples following strict safety precautions.
• Properly dispose of used needles in the appropriate containers.
• Follow standard procedure with regards to needle stick injuries.
• Responsible for accurately labelling all patient blood and bodily samples (with patient name, date of birth, date of sample collection etc.) in line with standard operating procedure.
• Receive blood from the Regional Blood Bank, test, and record accurate and detailed information prior to blood transfusion in line with national and local procedures.
• Competent in handling and storing chemicals and reagents.
• Responsible for maintaining required cold chain regulations.
• Responsible for monitoring expiry dates on all reagents and chemicals.
• Responsible for accurately completing all patient billing sheets.
• Responsible for monitoring adequate stock levels and maintaining minimum/maximum levels.
• Must serve as a technical resource by participating in staff training and answering questions from other health professionals.
• Use and maintain correct personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, lab coats and gloves.
• Promptly report any potential hazards, breakages and faults to the Laboratory Unit Leader.
• Read the material safety data sheets for any hazardous products that you use and follow any recommended safety precautions.
• Contribute to a safe and secure environment for patients, healthcare professionals and coworkers by following established standards and procedures.
• Comply with all national legal regulations.
• Maintain patient confidence by keeping laboratory information confidential at all times.