Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job Purpose:
To provide quality medical laboratory services by performing routine analytical procedures, maintaining equipment, controlling quality assurance within the sphere of responsibility, administering pre and post-analytical functions in accordance with service goals. Effective communication including feedback with all role players, internally and externally, while handling, managing, and completing tasks within specific targeted times.

Qualification/Knowledge:
Relevant Science Degree or Diploma
HPCSA Registration will be an advantage.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Meet Tests Around Times Within Targeted Timeframes and Standards:
   Receive, distribute, and process samples within TATs and according to standard operating procedures. Execute systems to meet 95% of TAT performance.
2. Actively Manage Stock Levels Within Agreed Parameters and Safety Stock Levels:
   Ensure that all instrumentation has adequate stock levels for optimal performance. Ensure stock control is monitored and maintained on a continuous basis.
3. Accurate Processing of Patient Samples:
   Perform the processing of routine and urgent samples according to standard operating procedures, ensuring consistent workflow and meeting expectations. Account for inconsistencies that may arise if outstanding checks are not reported and actioned. Actively engage with external clients/suppliers regarding analyzer breakdowns and failures.
4. Quality Assurance by Implementing Good Lab Practices Referencing SANAS/ISO 15189 Standards:
   Ensure the correct application for quality assurance processes by ensuring the completion of all tasks. Run internal and external quality control samples as per relevant standard operating procedures. Ensure that equipment is maintained and calibrated in line with defined processes and procedures.
5. Health, Safety and Environment:
   Ensure that all staff comply with all Health and Safety rules and regulations to prevent incidents and minimize exposure to risks to personnel and the environment. Willing and able to represent as an officer when required. Ensure proper housekeeping and bench decontamination.
6. Pre and Post Analytical:
   Administer sorting and distribution of samples according to set standard operating procedures to ensure the correct and prioritized channeling of specimens to various laboratories/sites. Process sample registration (logging) and queries according to set standard operating procedures. Ensure dispatching of specimens for processing in accordance with prescribed standard operating procedures and monitor progress and filing of reports, including handling queries and report delivery, in line with prescribed turnaround time. Investigate bottlenecks in pre-analytical laboratory processes and ensure timely resolution of challenges. Receive cash from patients and ensure the banking of monies in accordance with relevant standard operating procedures. Prepare and scan patient forms onto the scanning system and resolve scanning incompletes according to set standard operating procedures. Maintain client communication and documentation to record feedback to department heads, including reviews and client feedback. Follow the process for the client feedback loop, identifying relevant issues, complaints, comments, improvements, and opportunities. Translate client queries in the company's system and engage across departments to resolve queries within tight deadlines. Actively participate in departmental meetings, training interventions, and periodic evaluations. Other ad-hoc functions may be required.