General Laboratory Assistant (Blood Bank)

South African National Blood Service; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the health sector seeks a Laboratory Assistant to prepare BRB hampers, manage waste disposal, and maintain laboratory standards. Ideal candidates will hold a Grade 12 Certificate with Maths and Science, demonstrating strong computer literacy and attention to detail. This role provides essential support within a critical healthcare environment, emphasizing compliance with health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with Maths and one Science subject.
• Computer Literacy in MS Word, Excel and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and collect blood hampers according to SOP.
• Dispose of medical waste following procedures.
• Perform daily laboratory duties and maintain compliance.

Skills

Computer Literacy

Education

Grade 12 with Maths and one Science subject

Job description

Job Description

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• Collect and discard outdated samples daily.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.

Minimum Requirements

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.