Medical Laboratory Assistant - Central Specimen Reception
Join to apply for the Medical Laboratory Assistant - Central Specimen Reception role at Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust. Two posts available, 37.5 hours per week.
We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Assistant to support our UKAS accredited department by carrying out a range of routine pre‑ and post‑analytical tasks in areas including the urgent bench, referrals, miscellaneous, histology, and routine blood sciences. Full training will be provided, so no degree is required.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in a customer‑service environment, be computer‑literate with good keyboard skills, and have strong attention to detail. Flexibility to work shifts in a 24/7 service is essential.
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have a valid right‑to‑work document to work in the UK at the time of application. Please note, this post may close earlier than the listed closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will perform a range of routine and non‑routine tasks within Pathology, including:
* Numbering up clinical samples
* Liaising with external laboratories to obtain outstanding referral results
* Entering patient results into the laboratory system
* Advising patients and service users on appropriate tests
* Dealing with private patient invoicing and the sensitive disposal of foetal remains
Additional tasks include:
* Handling and preparing miscellaneous, immunology and referred samples and sending them onto relevant departments or external testing laboratories
* Storing and dispatching samples following UNS3373 requirements
* Handling and preparing histology specimens, checking patient/sample information, ensuring compliance with requirements, entering data into LIMS, packaging, and referring to laboratories
* Dealing with problem samples, unsuitable samples, and related requests
* General tasks associated with microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, haematology and blood transfusion: separating specimens, receiving supplies, monitoring equipment, checking stock levels, informing senior staff when stocks are low, issuing sample containers, and processing waste
* Working according to departmental SOPs
* Monitoring and managing stock levels, advising the CSR supervisor, and preparing pathology stock orders for wards, departments and GP surgeries
* Greeting visitors and patients, handling general pathology enquiries where possible, and redirecting queries appropriately
* Obtaining outstanding results from external laboratories and reporting onto LIMS for authorisation
* Organising and distributing all pathology paper reports and required documentation
Person Specification
Education and Training – Essential
* GCSEs including English Language, Mathematics and a science subject
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level plus theoretical or applied training to diploma equivalent level of experience
* Evidence of CPD
Desirable
* IBMS support staff Certificate of Achievement Part I
Knowledge and Skills – Essential
* Computer literate with good keyboard skills
* Ability to multitask
* Good attention to detail
* Well‑developed concentration skills
* Ability to work accurately under pressure, e.g., work to tight deadlines
* Basic knowledge of biomedical procedures
* Processing biological specimens
* Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of CSR functions including send‑away testing services, histology, clinical trials, referral reporting and private patients
Desirable
* Familiar with other IT databases and laboratory IT systems
* Initiative to identify non‑conformity in the workplace and apply appropriate immediate actions
Experience – Essential
* Previous experience in healthcare provision or customer service
* Achieving targets within a specified timeframe
Desirable
* Practical knowledge of departmental equipment and methods within pathology services and CSR
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer Details
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
DA2 8DA
Website: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us
Contract & Working Pattern
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Band 3) – £26,240 to £27,928 per year
Reference Number
252-7579471
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