Medical Technologist Reference Laboratory

South African National Blood Service SANBS · KwaZulu-Natal

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Introduction

To performs the overall operations in the Reference Laboratory in relation to routine and specialized technical functions, quality and administration.

Job description

Operational duties

Ensure that routine and non-routine processes are performed according to SOP.
Ensures the appropriate maintenance of records manual and electronic.
Check and receive incoming samples from patients, donors, donations, chemicals or any other samples referred to the Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory from local, national or international sources.
Perform first line antibody and antigen investigations and processes.
Prepare specialised reference red cell reagents by enzyme or chemical treatment routinely according to schedule.
Store bulk and small sample rare red cells required for Reference Laboratory according to schedule.
Thaw standard panel of rare cells from frozen storage and prepare for laboratory use according to schedule.
Process and store rare reagent plasma from donors and patients.
Perform initial standardisation of rare reagents required for laboratory use.
Dispense rare reagents and red cells as scheduled.
Screen for rare donations and crossmatch blood as required.
Confirm the phenotypes of donations placed in long-term storage for transfusion, immunisation or laboratory use.
Test and confirm the phenotypes of donations thawed from long-term storage for transfusion or immunisation.
Monitor stock usage and wastage of test kits, reagents and laboratory consumables and take appropriate action if necessary in order to minimize costs.
Prepare various buffers and reagents as and when required.
Generate laboratory reports as designated

SHEQ duties

Ensure operational compliance by the management of non-conformances through review of root cause analysis and implementation of required corrective action within agreed timeframes.
Contribute to SOP compilation by reviewing new and revised versions within the required timeframe by validating procedures and maintaining competency for the stipulated SOP.
Compliance to safety policies and procedures.
Compliance to policies and procedures to ensure that accreditation requirements are implemented and maintained.
Identify systems non-conformances and elevate problems and/or solutions to the Head of Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory.
Compliance for Continuous Professional Development CPD requirements.
Monitor maintenance and calibration programmes for the laboratory.
Assist with resolving errors, deviations from SOP's and customer complaints according to the measures within the balanced scorecard.
Perform EQA / IQA testing as per laboratory schedule.

Admin functions

Assist the Head of Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory and various stakeholders with regards to problem solving and troubleshooting as and when required.
Monitor stock usage and wastage of test kits, reagents and laboratory consumables.
Capture data both manually and electronic.
Deal with telephonic work related enquiries.
Assist with the generation of laboratory statistics according to schedule.
Provide input into the operational scorecard.
Attend and/or present lectures or educational seminars and attend congresses to update knowledge and accrue CPD points.
Prepare laboratory reports for timeous dispatch as and when required.
Fax, post and file documentation and reports.

Specialised technical functions

Perform initial and complex red cell phenotyping on patient and donor samples, rare donations, Anti-D Programme, contract tests and other samples.
Perform complex antibody investigations using a variety of red cells and specialised techniques including absorption / elution and inhibition.
Analyse and interpret laboratory test results using applied knowledge.
Check results for accuracy and record conclusions.
Decide on appropriate follow up tests using the routine tests and reagents available and refer complex results to the Head of Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory.
Thaw and prepare extremely rare reference red cells from frozen storage as required.
Participate in testing and analysis of international workshop samples.

Competencies

Cognitive

Personal

Interpersonal

Communication

Leadership

• Motivating People • Practical Execution Management

Minimum requirements

Education

Experience and knowledge requirements

Apply by: 27 October 2026