Associate Practitioner - Haematology and Blood Transfusion | North Bristol NHS Trust

North Bristol NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an Associate Practitioner in Haematology and Blood Transfusion to join its Blood Sciences team. This role involves operating complex lab equipment, performing biological tests, and training support staff. The ideal candidate should have relevant skills in sample preparation and a commitment to providing excellent patient care. The position offers the chance to work in a modern, accredited laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate, maintain and calibrate complex laboratory equipment.
• Pre-analytical checking and loading skills for samples.
• Experience in biological testing on blood and other body fluids.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and calibrate complex laboratory equipment.
• Prepare samples for analysis, including pre-analytical checking.
• Perform biological testing on blood and body fluids.
• Train and advise laboratory support staff.

Job description

Associate Practitioner - Haematology and Blood Transfusion – AFC Band 4

Are you ready for a new challenge in your career?

As an Associate Practitioner, you will be trained in all areas of Haematology (Automation, Coagulation, Haemoglobinopathies) and Blood Transfusion.

The department is housed in a modern, purpose‑built laboratory and the successful candidate will be joining a busy but friendly team. We currently have Beckman Coulter DxH900‑2S with Digital Morphology, ACL Top 750 Coagulation analysers, Benson’s Viscometers for Plasma Viscosity, Sebia Capi3 for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c/Haemoglobinopathy). The Biorad Variant II analyser is used for Antenatal Haemoglobinopathy Screening and we also provide Newborn Screening services for Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia. The Blood Transfusion laboratory uses Werfen Neo Iris Blood Grouping analysers.

The Blood Sciences department has a fully tracked automated system DxA5000 connecting Haematology, Coagulation, Chemistry and Virology analysers. We have accreditation by UKAS under ISO:15189 and are assessed for compliance by MHRA. We are approved by the IBMS as a training laboratory for both the registration portfolio, leading to HCPC registration and specialist portfolios.

To understand more about what it is like to work in Pathology – watch our video: https://youtu.be/cJiNgR‑TwUY?si=H6kkwCD5FvSv6UpW

Severn Pathology's Aim

Severn Pathology's aim is to provide a best in class, high quality, innovative, value for money pathology service that serves the needs of the healthcare market in the South West region. The laboratory facilities accommodate all pathology disciplines including the Blood Sciences, Bristol Genetics Laboratory, a single Bristol Cellular Pathology Service and a combined Microbiology and Health Protection Agency service within one facility.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will be working as part of the Blood Sciences team rotating between Haematology and Blood Transfusion. Under the direction of senior staff, you will be expected to:

1. Operate, maintain and calibrate complex and specialist laboratory equipment.
2. Prepare samples for analysis, including pre‑analytical checking and loading.
3. Perform biological testing on blood and other body fluids.
4. Participate in post‑analytical sample handling, including unloading, sorting, storing and retrieving samples.
5. Train, instruct and advise laboratory support staff.
6. Plan and organise maintenance activities for complex and specialist laboratory equipment.
7. Communicate results to appropriate healthcare professionals.
8. Work in all sections of the department.
9. Participate fully in the department’s 24/7 rota system.

This is a non-HCPC registered position therefore the post holder will not authorise results.

North Bristol NHS Trust

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award‑winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered. We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first‑class experience for everyone who uses our services. North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti‑discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all under‑represented groups.

Key Responsibilities

1. Receive and sort samples.
2. Operate automated and semi‑automated analyser systems – to include routine use, calibration, quality assurance and record keeping.
3. Maintain automated analyser systems for use by self and other laboratory staff – to include planning and adjusting of schedules to meet changing circumstances.
4. Troubleshoot and perform first‑line repair to automated analyser systems.
5. Prepare samples for analysis, including pre‑analytical checking and loading.
6. Participate in post‑analytical sample handling, including unloading, sorting, storing and retrieving samples.
7. Perform automated and manual techniques on diagnostic test samples and understand their application and relevance to the production of accurate test results.
8. Maintain adequate stocks of reagents and consumables and advise senior staff of any issues with these – to include planning and adjusting order schedules to meet changing circumstances.
9. Enter patient request data onto the laboratory computer system.
10. Participate in external and internal quality assurance processes and understand their relevance to the quality of the work of the laboratory.
11. Participate in department quality programmes, including audit.
12. Distribute specimens to appropriate departments.
13. Record and inform service users and senior staff of requests received that do not comply with the NBT Policy for Request Form and Specimen labelling.
14. Prepare samples for referral to other laboratories in accordance with Trust, Departmental, Postal and Courier protocols and standards.
15. Respond to telephone enquiries, give advice where appropriate and exercise judgement in referring to senior technical or clinical staff when necessary.
16. Participate in staff rotation across multiple sections of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, as required.
17. Prepare specimen collection containers with appropriate preservatives.
18. Input and extraction of data from department and other IT systems.
19. Dispose of clinical and non‑clinical waste in accordance with Trust and Departmental policies.
20. Clean and decontaminate working areas and equipment in accordance with laboratory protocols.
21. Notify senior staff of any adverse incident.
22. Follow codes of practice in maintaining safe and efficient standards of work.
23. Participate in training and induction of staff as required; to include use of equipment, health & safety, manual handling, etc.
24. Participate in staff appraisal in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
25. Participate in Continuing Professional Development.

Employment details: This advert closes on Thursday 13 Nov 2025.