Associate Practitioner

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Axess sexual health laboratory service for an Associate Practitioner/Laboratory Support Technician to join, and provide support with the ongoing quality assurance, training and service provision, across the Axess region.

The successful candidate will be responsible for working to ensure the Axess service wide laboratory standards are maintained, as well as supporting each of the Axess sites with their training and day to day lab support.

It is an exciting time to join the BMS team within Axess, as the service continues to innovate through use of new technologies, and provide support to other NHS organisations.

Main duties of the job

The Biomedical Scientist Associate Practitioner (Band 4) will support the delivery of high-quality diagnostic laboratory services within the Clinical Microbiology/Pathology department. The post holder will work under the supervision of Senior and Specialist Biomedical Scientists to perform routine and semi-complex laboratory procedures, operate and maintain automated analysers, and contribute to accurate and timely diagnosis of infectious diseases, including common STI pathogens. The role is essential in ensuring efficient turnaround times, maintaining quality standards, and supporting patient care within the NHS laboratory service.

To participate in the activities of the department. Primarily providing the technical support of the diagnostic service to the wider team and other users, in accordance with departmental protocols and under appropriate supervision. The Laboratory Support Technician may be required to supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in their own area.

The Laboratory support technician will participate in shifts, including Saturday work, with some travel around the Cheshire and Mersey area as part of the axess footprint.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To gain specialist technical and analytical knowledge by participating in ongoing specialist training and continuous professional development.

To Perform routine and semi-complex laboratory tests in Clinical Microbiology, with emphasis on detection and identification of common STI pathogens and other infectious organisms.

To Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex automated laboratory analysers to ensure efficient and accurate diagnostic output.

To Prepare and process patient samples in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).  Ensure timely processing of specimens to support rapid turnaround times for clinical decision-making.

To ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practice e.g. UKAS , NEQAS scheme and IQA/IQC procedures.

To Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes to maintain diagnostic accuracy.  Perform daily quality control checks on reagents, equipment, and test systems. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Ensure adherence to UKAS accreditation standards and laboratory governance frameworks.

To maintain knowledge necessary to participate in the highly specialised laboratory sections associated with a teaching hospital, under supervision from experienced Biomedical Scientists. To have gained the necessary specialist knowledge and skills sufficient to work independently, seeking advice only when deemed necessary.

To participate in Personal Development Plans and Appraisals, as an appraisee.

To attend laboratory methods meetings and be aware of any changes to methodology.

To maintain knowledge of operational policies and procedures through use of the document management system.

To actively participate in the in-service training programme.

To attend relevant training courses as identified and agreed with senior staff and managers during staff appraisal sessions.

Record, validate, and enter laboratory results accurately into Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Support data collection for clinical audits and service improvement projects. Assist Biomedical Scientists and senior staff in research activities where applicable. Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing laboratory efficiency and patient outcomes.

Sorting and distribution of all clinical and environmental samples.

To assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples submitted to the laboratory and to take remedial action when required.

To process specimens that are used for screening, diagnostic and clinical management of patients using correct techniques as well as complex, specialised equipment

To apply the level of manual dexterity needed for the processing of pathological specimens using aseptic technique.

To interpret clinical request forms to plan and prioritise workload according to clinical urgency and to liaise with medical staff if required.

To record the investigations indicated on the clinical request forms into the laboratory computer system.

To analyse clinical samples using appropriate kits and procedures and entering the results of the investigations into the computer system for Biomedical Scientist to release reports for medical staff authorisation.

To ensure the satisfactory completion and validation of automated assays and record the results of control values and the results of the investigations into the computer system.

Participate in structured training programmes for continuous professional development and Engage in competency assessments and maintain up-to-date technical skills.

Preparing and storing of specimens in low temperature storage systems.

Assisting Biomedical Scientists in the setting up of Yeast sensitivities and bacterial identification systems including visual or automatic interpretation.

Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team. Communicate clearly with Biomedical Scientists, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals. Escalate abnormal or critical results appropriately according to laboratory protocols.  Participate in team meetings and contribute to service development discussions.

To troubleshoot, and carry out routine maintenance on specialist equipment and perform calibration and implement alternative methods in event of failure.

Use of complex, expensive and highly specialised equipment such as the continuous monitoring, automated detection systems to analyse clinical samples

May be required to supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own area.

Participate in training of new staff in MLA procedures and protocols within the laboratory.

Maintains clinical records in relation to activities carried out. May input/interrogate test results for others.

To participate in MLA duties as and when required.

Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control policies. Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of clinical specimens and hazardous materials.

Comply with COSHH regulations and laboratory biosafety standards.  Maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times.