Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job summary

Main duties of the job

To undertake training necessary to fulfil the requirements of the Medical Laboratory Assistant training log book. To carry out preparatory work on samples as required by the Chief Biomedical Scientist or his/her representative. To sort samples and distribute to relevant departments. To receive pathology specimens from hospital staff and from patients in a courteous and helpful manner. To deal with minor problems that arise, following standard operating procedures. To check for leaking specimens and deal with them according to standard procedures. To remove specimens from plastic transport bags as required. Where samples are labelled as Danger of Infection, to carry out the preliminary inspection of the samples and to remove from the bag if there is no spillage. To give identifying number as appropriate and to carry out initial preparation as set out in procedures for high risk samples. To ensure that the specimens and appropriate request forms are correctly labelled and that specimens are in the correct container. If not, to take appropriate actions as set out in written procedures. To interpret clinical information on request forms to ensure appropriate tests are carried out. To label request forms and specimens with appropriate numbers as required. To ensure that laboratory staff receive specimens in a timely manner and to notify the appropriate sections of any urgent specimens.

Job responsibilities

We are an acute trust caring for over one million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff members work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). Committed to continuous improvement, we prioritise our people and values so we can deliver excellent patient experience. Our team is friendly, passionate and always seeking better ways to work through research and innovation. We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces for honest conversations and to share ideas, thoughts and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. As a member of the team, you will have access to the NHS pension plan, a generous holiday allowance, employee health and wellbeing services and extensive benefits and support. These include onsite nurseries, childcare vouchers, car lease and home electronics schemes, working carers support, carer-friendly policies, and more. If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.