Job summary
The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) role will be based in the department of Microbiology. We are looking for applicants with clinical laboratory experience to participate in the activities of the department. The MLA will be expected to receive and collate patient samples when they first arrive in the laboratory and to prepare samples received by the laboratory for analysis. The MLA will work with alongside a team of Associate practitioners, BMS and Senior BMS. The Medical Laboratory Assistant will participate primarily in night and late shifts and Saturday and Sunday work where appropriate.
Main duties of the job
* Accurate computer entry of data onto specialized laboratory computer system.
* Primary processing of swabs, sputa, faeces, urines and other body fluids.
* Loading and unloading of specialist automated detection systems (e.g. blood culture system) and processing of potentially infectious positive blood cultures.
* Preparation of antibiotic susceptibility tests.
* Examination of clinical samples for the purpose of selecting appropriate culture media.
* Processing of hazardous category 3 (high Risk) samples, e.g. tissue samples, pleural fluids, sputum and bronchial lavages.
* Carrying out staining procedures both manually and with specialist staining machinery for detection of micro-organisms (e.g. Gram stains).
* Usage of anaerobic cabinets.
* Please refer to job description and person specification for more information.
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital. The group was formed to improve patient care and is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues.
Job description and responsibilities
* Accurate computer entry of data onto specialized laboratory computer system.
* Use of QPulse document management system to access SOPs, record NCs and submit quality improvements.
* Primary processing of swabs, sputa, faeces, urines and other body fluids utilizing aseptic techniques.
* Loading and unloading of specialist automated detection system (e.g. BD Bactec blood culture analyser) and processing of potentially infectious positive blood cultures.
* Preparation of antibiotic susceptibility tests.
* Specialist bacterial culture media production, requiring accurate weighing of powders and supplements. Use of autoclaves, pressure cookers and water baths to sterilize and prepare media.
* Preparation of potentially hazardous biological fluids requiring accurate balancing for centrifugation to achieve correct concentration for bacterial culture.
* Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for more information.
Person Specification
Skills
* Good verbal and communication skills
* A high degree of manual dexterity
* Good organisational and time management skills
* Basic IT skills
Other
* Ability to work individually/as part of a team
* Ability to work unsupervised following set procedures and protocols meticulously
* A flexible approach to working hours and duties
Desirable
* Ability to contribute in the training of new and less experienced staff
Knowledge
* Demonstrate understanding of patient confidentiality
Desirable
* Awareness of health and safety requirements
* Knowledge of basic medical terminology
Experience
Desirable
* General laboratory experience
* Experience of working in a health care environment
Qualifications
Essential
* GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
* NVQ3 in Health Sciences or equivalent experience
Desirable
* Successful completion of MLA competency training programme
* Basic science qualifications at GCSE level
* European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) or equivalent
Disclosure and Sponsorship
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a disclosure check may be required. Applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the relevant government site.
Employer details
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool, L7 8YE
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