Medical Laboratory Assistant - Clinical Biochemistry
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: 3
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year pa
Contract: Permanent
pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 388-7505531-PC&S
Job locations: Clinical Biochemistry, level 3 Torbay Hospital, Torquay, TQ27AA
Job Summary
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust provides healthcare services for a population of approximately 300,000. The Clinical Biochemistry Department handles over 4 million tests annually and supports the Trust’s Research and Development Department. The role of Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) is to support Biomedical Scientists and the department’s services by preparing samples, managing data entry, maintaining pre‑analytical equipment and assisting with research samples.
Responsibilities
* Prepare blood, urine, faeces and CSF samples for analysis.
* Data entry and management of samples and results using Epic Beaker and Electronic Order Comms.
* Answer telephone enquiries from GPs medical, nursing and other healthcare professionals; refer complex queries to senior staff.
* Assist with courier arrangements for reference laboratories and check outstanding work lists for missing results.
* Perform pre‑analytical procedures, centrifuge, aliquot and package samples for dispatch in accordance with SOPs and postal regulations.
* Operate Cobas 8100 pre‑analytical equipment and monitor temperature of refrigerators and freezers.
* Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment; carry out routine maintenance of pre‑analytical instruments.
* Support evening shifts (12:00–20:00) and weekend rotas as required.
* Assist new or less experienced MLAs and trainee Biomedical Scientists with training and supervision.
* Maintain personal competence and participate in annual Individual Performance Reviews.
Qualifications
* Essential: Good general education/A levels/NVQ level.
* Desirable: Biomedical Science or Biological Science degree.
* Essential knowledge and experience: Computers/IT, Health and Safety, teamwork, communication, telephone manner, ability to work under pressure.
* Desirable: Competence with laboratory automation, knowledge of Epic Beaker, IHCS, ICE, electronic order communications.
* Essential specific skills: Teamworking, good communication, telephone manner, work under pressure.
Work Conditions
* Daily handling of biological samples requiring PPE.
* Exposure to bodily fluids, faeces, urine and CSF.
* Handling hazardous chemicals and reagents.
* Manual dexterity for analyzer maintenance and hand‑held pipetting.
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