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 

• 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.
• Be accessible at all times when rostered to be ‘on call’ for shift work or medical emergencies.
• 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.
• Carry out sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing of results according to MBCC standard operating procedures.
• Technically sound in performing microbiological testing and culture media preparation.
• 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.
• Construct, maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, for example centrifuges, titrators, pipetting machines and pH metres.
• 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.
• Calibrate equipment by applying approved testing procedures.
• Must serve as a technical resource by participating in staff training and answering questions from other health professionals.
• Identify and communicate abnormal patient results by alerting the requesting doctor in a timely manner.
• 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.

 Customer Service

• Foster a culture of customer service satisfaction amongst MBHS staff and patients through quality improvement.
• Demonstrate good customer service by listening to patient’s concerns and providing proper support and care. Be polite and respectful in all patient or staff interactions.

 Administrative Functions and Reporting 

• Supporting the laboratory in document creation and control
• Support the laboratories with any ‘Plan of Action’ as a follow-up to an internal or external audit related to the laboratory department.
• Attend regular laboratory meetings to discuss issues relating to improvements to the department.
• Participate in in internal audit activities

 Continued Professional Development (CPD)

• Ensure that MBHS clinic orientation and in-house/ on-the-job training is completed, documented and managed on a monthly basis.
• Ensure that CPD and general/specific training is planned and conducted as mandated by national licensing bodies and company policy.