Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Medical Laboratory Assistant - Haematology and Transfusion (Whiston)
The closing date is 11 June 2026
The appointment is to the Pathology Directorate and the post holder will work out of hours on the Whiston site. The role involves handling blood and body fluids from receipt to safe storage, operating analyzers, performing non‑complex tests and supporting Biomedical Scientists across the Haematology/Transfusion discipline. Strict adherence to SOPs, patient confidentiality and accurate data entry into the Laboratory Information System is required.
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
Technical
* Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures and laboratory protocols
* Maintenance and basic troubleshooting of automated analyzers
* Demonstrate accuracy and precision in manual tasks, including cleaning of equipment such as centrifuges and pipettes
* Report and log analyzer downtime via IT or telephone systems to ensure support response
* Monitor accuracy and precision of laboratory analyzers using quality control procedures (IQC and IQA)
* Fault‑find and implement corrective action when quality control indicates loss of performance
* Analyze samples for External Quality Assurance
* Communicate abnormal complex results to service users daily
* Assist senior staff with method and instrumentation evaluation
* Train Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and other MLAs in equipment and processes
* Process all pre‑analytical and analytical aspects of diagnostic test sample processing
* Prioritize urgent work and ensure timely handling
* Prepare stock solutions and buffers
* Input patient results, including screening tests and transcription of results
* Ensure appropriate stock control across sites, including record maintenance and acceptance testing of reagents
* Enter Patient Identification Data (PID) and test details accurately into the laboratory computer system
* Assess suitability and appropriateness of received samples, liaising with scientific and medical staff as needed
* Document, file and prepare specimens for analysis
* Monitor fridge temperatures when required
* Return unused blood to stock and replace emergency O Negative stock in satellite fridges
* Thaw and issue FFP, Anti‑D, HAS, PLTs as instructed by BMS
* Oversee sending samples to other hospitals locally, nationally and internationally
* Update computer records as required
* Assist with traceability of blood components
* Input patient results into the computer as directed
* Dispose of authorised specimens legally and correctly
* Participate in audits and service improvement initiatives
* Organise workload of others for efficient handling of urgent work
* Deal with sample enquiries using the laboratory archive system
* Monitor and store consumables, oversee stock rotation procedures
* Maintain housekeeping within the section
* Retrieve samples from other sections for BMS staff
* Update logs and maintain instruments as directed by senior staff
* Assist in research and development work
* Provide advice and information to service users regarding sample requirements
* Prepare and freeze aliquots of plasma for further testing
* Handle disposal of infectious waste responsibly
* Prepare chemical solutions for analytical maintenance
* Respond to patient needs and treat patients with respect, especially on sensitive issues
* Maintain accuracy when checking specimens before analysis
* liaise with GP surgeries as required
* Work flexibly to meet service requirements
* Report adverse events to Datix, investigate, and implement corrective practice
* Communicate with Clinical and Pathology staff to resolve critical concerns regarding testing or equipment
* Propose changes to Standard Operating Procedures for continuous improvement
* Participate in Annual Joint Review (Appraisal) with line manager
* Act responsibly and professionally when dealing with patients, public and staff from other Directorates
LABORATORY INFORMATICS
* Enter specimen and patient details into the pathology computer following SOPs
* Check and correct information input by other laboratory staff
* Comply with local and national policies for safe, secure and confidential processing of data
* Use Pathology Computer Systems and Trust‑wide IT systems appropriately
* Enter results into Telepath and maintain database integrity
* Participate in sample receipt and checking of previous computer records
* Prepare outstanding lists from the Laboratory Information System and locate appropriate samples with correct labelling
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
* Ensure records are kept up to date and stored safely for UKAS ISO15189 compliance
* Adhere to good laboratory practices and Health and Safety standards
* Manage work files to ensure timely reporting of results
* Advise Senior Biomedical Scientists when stocks of reagents and consumables are low
COMMUNICATION
* Telephone patient results to clinical users following appropriate procedures
* Contact service users regarding sample problems
* Communicate relevant information to laboratory colleagues within the section
* Participate actively in team meetings and handovers
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Basic typing qualifications or NVQ2 in Health Sciences and / or equivalent experience
* Educated to GCSE level or equivalent qualification and / or equivalent experience
Experience
* Understanding of a working laboratory
Skills
* Basic computer skills
* Good interpersonal and communication skills
* Well organised
* Willing to work flexibly
* Willing and able to learn new skills
* Ability to use own initiative
* Good telephone manner
* Ability to work with minimum supervision
Other
* Personable, friendly demeanour
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and, as such, a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name: Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address: Whiston
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a yearper annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part‑time
Reference number: 409-7997343
Job locations: Whiston
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