Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Automated Chemistry

Job overview

The post holder will work together with senior staff and support staff in all sections of the laboratory to produce a timely, high quality, accurate and cost effective services.

The post holder will support the timely processing of patient samples serving all those patients attending PHNT, PCTs representing 100 General Practices and specialist assays referred to us from other Trusts within the Peninsula.

Going forward as UHP Pathology department works to deliver its vision then there will be an expectation of interdepartmental working across various Pathology departments.

If you are shortlisted for interview, a laboratory tour is recommended. Please contact [email protected] to organise.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

• To assist with the operation of the Automated Track and HbA1c analysers in the Biochemistry section. Including maintenance, troubleshooting and patient sample analysis.
• To partake in Automated Chemistry stock checks and reagent management.
• To replenish consumables in the Automated Chemistry Section
• To follow Standard Operating Procedures relating to each section/area.
• To be available for the 24/7 rota and EWD/Weekend rota in Reception/Automation.
• To prepare biological material collected from patients, including blood samples for analysis and analyse these following a Standard Operating Procedures.
• To assist Reception as and when required with the receipt of samples, sample preparation, request data entry and to make and receive telephone calls from other healthcare staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

- To carry out all morning maintenance on analysers/track.  - Process samples according to the most recent SOP in each section. - Ensure all areas are tidy and clean. - Keep all documents associated with each section up to date (Checklists and Q-Pulse). - Working together with colleagues, ensure the reception area delivers a timely processing of samples and test requests by assisting when necessary. - To perform Work File Enquiries in each section and collecting any outstanding samples for analysis. - Ensure senior staff, are made aware when stock levels are low.  - To use office equipment including computers, printers, fax machines and photocopiers. - To use the laboratory IT system to input results of tests and to deal with enquiries for results, and to use the Trust PIMS system in order to look up patient details. - To operate complex laboratory analysers in order to carry out investigations - Will assist senior staff in the training of new staff.  - Assist in the receipt, processing and storage of all samples derived from clinical trials including those for which the department derives income. - Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form. - To bring to the attention of senior staff all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested, or to contact the necessary persons, in accordance with the SOP for the area, to resolve any non-compliance with policy.