Laboratory Assistant - Rochester

To provide quality medical laboratory services by performing routine analytical procedures, maintaining equipment, and controlling quality assurance within the sphere of responsibility. Administers Preanalytical and Postanalytical functions in accordance with service goals. Effective communication, including feedback with all role players internally and externally, is essential. Handling, managing, and completion of tasks within the specific targeted times.

QUALIFICATION / KNOWLEDGE :

Relevant Science Degree or Diploma.

HPCSA Registration will be an advantage.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES :

1. Meet Tests Turn Around Times Within Targeted Timeframes and Standards:
   Receive, distribute, and process samples within TATs and according to standard operating procedures.
   Executing systems to meet 95% of TAT performance.
2. Actively Manages Stock Levels Within Agreed Parameters and Safety Stock Levels:
   Ensures that all instrumentation has adequate stock levels for optimal performance.
   Ensures stock control is monitored and maintained on a continuous basis.
3. Accurate Processing of Patient Samples:
   Performs the processing of routine and urgent samples according to standard operating procedures, thereby ensuring consistent workflow and meeting expectations.
   Accounting 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 of quality assurance processes by ensuring the completion of all tasks.
   Run internal and external quality control samples as per relevant standard operating procedures.
   Ensures that equipment is maintained and calibrated in line with defined processes and procedures.
5. Health Safety and Environment:
   Ensures that all staff are compliant 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:
   Administers sorting and distribution of samples according to set standard operating procedures to ensure the correct and prioritized channeling of specimens to various laboratories/sites.
   Processes sample registration (logging) and queries according to set standard operating procedures.
   Ensures dispatching of specimens for processing in accordance with prescribed standard operating procedures and monitors progress and filing of reports, including handling queries and report delivery in line with prescribed turnaround time.
   Investigates bottlenecks in preanalytical laboratory processes and ensures timely resolution of challenges.
   Receives cash from patients and ensures banking of monies in accordance with relevant standard operating procedures.
   Prepares and scans patient forms onto the scanning system and resolves the scanning incompletes according to set standard operating procedures.
   Maintains Client communication and documentation to record feedback to the department heads, including reviews and client feedback.
   Follows the process for the Client feedback loop, identifying relevant issues, complaints, comments, improvements, and opportunities.
   Translates Client queries in the company’s system and engages across departments to resolve queries within tight deadlines.
   Actively participates in departmental meetings, training interventions, and periodic evaluations.
   Other ad hoc functions may be required.

Key Skills