General Laboratory Assistant (Blood Bank)

South African National Blood Service; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 280,000 - 310,000; Full time

Job summary

South African National Blood Service is hiring a General Laboratory Assistant (Blood Bank) for a fixed term contract in the Tembisa unit. The role involves preparing, delivering and collecting blood hampers, handling waste, and maintaining daily lab duties per SOPs.

The candidate should have Grade 12 with Maths and one Science subject, computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook) and basic data handling skills. Salary is benchmarked to the NBVS remuneration framework. Apply by 20 August 2026.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with Maths and one Science subject.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Computer literacy and basic data management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and collect BRB hampers according to SOP.
• Check hampers for unused products and report issues.
• Pack blood and blood products by expiry date and store properly.
• Dispose of waste per SOP and maintain traceability documents.
• Assist with general laboratory duties and SHE compliance.

Skills

Computer literacy

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Education

Grade 12 with Maths and one Science subject

Tools

CS Tracker

Job description

General Laboratory Assistant (Blood Bank)

Listing reference: sanbs_003414

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 20 August 2026

Position summary

Job category: Medical Research and Laboratory Sciences

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Business Unit: Tembisa

Remuneration: R 293,376.00

EE position: No

Introduction

The incumbent is responsible for the preparation, delivery and collection of the blood bank’s hampers, routine bio-hazardous waste disposal and cleaning duties according to relevant SOPs.

KPA 1 BRB/Blood Hamper Preparation, Collection, Packing Received Stock and Stock Count

1.1. Prepare and collect hampers according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and schedule.

• Prepare BRB hampers.
• Collect unused BRB hampers within the specified timeframes.
• Collect empty blood hampers from the wards and designated collection/drop-off points.

1.2. Check hampers for unused products:

• Hand over all sealed hampers to the Supervisor/Shift Supervisor.
• Check hamper for broken seals.
• Open hamper.
• Report any open hampers containing units to the Supervisor/Shift Supervisor.

1.3. Pack blood and blood product stocks received into fridge, freezer and/or platelet agitator according to expiry date.

1.4. Check, count and arrange (in expiry date order) blood stocks daily.

KPA 2 Waste Disposal

2.1. Dispose of waste according to SOP:

• Order and Receive all stock required from Waste Disposal Service Providers and Stores.
• Attach traceability labels and scan containers into stock using CS Tracker system.
• Place bin liners into correct colour coded medical waste containers.
• Collect and discard outdated samples daily.
• Seal and package plastic liners in medical waste containers daily.

2.2. Capture waste information on the computer system.

2.3. Prepare documentation for waste traceability:

• Record full containers on Waste tracking document.
• Prepare Dangerous Goods Transportation document.
• Receive the waste manifest and file for future linking and reference.
• Receive waste disposal document and link with original manifest.

2.4. Collect and place medical waste containers in the designated area daily for removal and disposal by the approved waste removal company.

2.5. Check weighing of waste by the Waste Disposal Company.

KPA 3 Daily Laboratory Duties

3.1. Prepare disinfectant solutions for laboratory use, when necessary.

3.2. Replenish test tubes in the laboratories daily, and examine for suitability for use.

3.3. Clean the laboratory and equipment according to SOP:

• Decontaminate, clean and dry items including BRB / blood hampers, miscellaneous racks, wash-out trays and recycle boxes.
• Assist with the clean-up of blood spills.
• Clean and decontaminate water-baths according to schedule.
• Clean and disinfect centrifuge buckets, when necessary.
• Clean and refill detergent containers, ensuring that freshly prepared disinfectant is available for decontamination purposes, at all times.
• Disinfect sinks, basins and sluice areas daily.

3.4. Defrost and clean refrigerators and freezers, according to schedule.

KPA 4 SHEQ Compliance

4.1. Assist with gathering information to resolve non-conformances, to resolve errors, deviations from SOPs and customer complaints when necessary e.g. retrieve destruction records for discarded materials.

4.2. Comply with SOPs.

4.3. Comply with Standards of Practice and Safety, Health & Environmental requirements and participate in continuous SHE Legislative compliance.

KPA 5 General Functions

5.1. Perform other job-related duties within the laboratory as and when required by the section supervisors and other senior staff.

5.2. Complete the Laboratory Assistants course with the specified time.

Education

Grade 12 with Maths and one Science subject

Experience and knowledge requirements

None

Other (knowledge and skills), e.g. understanding of relevant legislation; knowledge of relevant company procedures.

Computer Literacy in MS Word, Excel and outlook.