Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology

Job overview

The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) provides essential support services within the Department of Cellular Pathology, working under the supervision of qualified Biomedical Scientists to support the delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service. As part of a specialist team, the post holder undertakes routine laboratory and specimen reception functions, including the receipt, registration and processing of pathological specimens prior to scientific and clinical interpretation. The role includes extended responsibilities for the embedding of tissue samples into paraffin wax and microtomy (sectioning) of tissue specimens, together with associated laboratory support activities. The post holder works collaboratively with colleagues to maintain efficient laboratory operations, high quality standards and excellent patient care.

Main duties of the job

Technical:

• To learn and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of routine laboratory procedures and maintain competency levels through appropriate training and assessment processes.
• To ensure that work is carried out efficiently and accurately in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and to bring any issues arising during the course of duties to the attention of a Biomedical Scientist or senior member of staff.
• To work closely with other Pathology staff in the receipt, checking, recording, tracking and preparation of specimens, ensuring accurate specimen identification and processing.
• To handle pathological specimens, including human tissue preserved in formalin and specimens that may pose a potential risk of infection, in accordance with departmental procedures and Health and Safety requirements.
• To prepare the dissection room for specimen examination by Consultant Pathologists and Biomedical Scientists, ensuring the availability of clean equipment and consumables, and to assist with specimen dissection and macro photography as required.
• To perform embedding of tissue specimens into paraffin wax and microtomy of paraffin wax tissue blocks in accordance with departmental procedures and competency requirements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Technical:

• To undertake filing and archiving of laboratory records, paraffin wax tissue blocks and microscope slides in accordance with departmental policies and retention schedules.
• To organise, package and arrange the transfer of departmental archives, including paraffin wax blocks, to external storage facilities in accordance with departmental procedures.
• To operate designated laboratory equipment and undertake routine maintenance, quality checks and replenishment of reagents and consumables in accordance with laboratory protocols, ensuring equipment remains safe and fit for use.
• To monitor laboratory stocks, reagents and consumables and replenish supplies as required to support service delivery.
• To liaise with mortuary staff regarding the respectful disposal of specified tissues in accordance with departmental procedures and Royal College of Pathologists guidance.
• To monitor specimen retention periods and undertake the safe disposal of specimens and laboratory waste in accordance with local protocols, departmental procedures and relevant legislation.
• To contribute to the maintenance of a safe, clean and efficient laboratory environment through housekeeping duties, cleaning and decontamination of equipment, instruments and work surfaces in accordance with departmental protocols.

Management Responsibilities:

• Assist in the training of new MLAs in laboratory procedures appropriate to MLA duties

Quality:

• To participate in maintaining the laboratory’s quality systems to meet UKAS requirements (ISO 15189).
• To contribute to the programme of continued quality improvements to meet further needs and requirements of patients and service users.
• To report and record incidents and anomalies/non-conformances in conjunction with senior staff as soon as possible.
• To participate in the review and update of Standard Operating Procedures and health and safety documentation including COSHH and workplace risk assessments by commenting or proposing changes where appropriate.
• To accurately enter and retrieve patient and specimen information using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and other departmental computer systems, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of patient data.

Training & Development:

• To assist in the training and induction of new Medical Laboratory Assistants and other staff in designated areas of Cellular Pathology, including specimen reception and laboratory support functions.
• To provide day-to-day guidance and support to less experienced staff within own area of competence.
• To participate in annual appraisal and review processes, working towards agreed personal and professional development objectives.
• To maintain and develop knowledge and skills through continuous professional development, mandatory training and competency assessment programmes.
• To contribute to the training and competency assessment of staff undertaking specimen reception, specimen handling, embedding, microtomy and other pre-analytical Cellular Pathology procedures, as appropriate to the role.

Other Responsibilities:

• Maintain stocks of reagents, laboratory ware and other consumable items in the appropriate areas of the laboratory.
• Help to manage stock by performing weekly stock checks and stock rotation.
• Prepare and pack samples to be sent by parcel post and transport daily to the post room. To undertake other duties, which are, considered to be necessary for the effective management of the department.

Health & Safety

• To work in a safe manner, in accordance with Trust and Laboratory safety policies, using protective equipment and other control measures required.
• To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory.
• To report accidents and near misses according to the laboratory/Trust protocol.

Communication:

• To communicate and work effectively with all members of the Cellular Pathology team at all times, ensuring clear understanding and addressing any barriers to communication.
• Dealing with telephone enquiries appropriately
• To respond to requests for information, in a polite, helpful, and concise manner, ensuring that information is conveyed clearly and tactfully, considering potential barriers to understand and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• To demonstrate a positive and responsive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team and service users.
• To attend regular laboratory briefing meetings and tutorials

Other duties:

• To provide cover when pathology staff are on holiday/sick.
• To carry out clerical duties including data entry and retrieval using the Apex computer system where appropriate.
• To work in a timely and efficient manner and be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
• To undertake any other duties required by more senior staff appropriate to the grade and relevant to the post.