Laboratory Technician

About This Role

Performs clinical tests in anyone of or a combination of areas of specialization depending on the size and scope of the laboratory activity. Maybe assigned to or receiving supervision from laboratory in charge

Key Accountabilities

Specific Responsibilities for this Role

• Plan and direct research and development, when appropriate.
• Performing the work, which is assigned, ensuring that it meets all standards as required by ISO 15189:2022/EIAC Standards/JCI/regulatory bodies (DOH/DHA/MOH where applicable)
• Performs biological, haematological, chemical, or physical analysis and determinations at the direction of professional staff.
• Performs physical, bacteriological, chemical, or serological tests on a variety of samples including blood, sputum, urine, water and tissues at the direction of professional staff.
• Operates and maintains sophisticated instruments and equipment used in the division, is able to properly maintain, operate and shut down such instruments. Maintains competence in Laboratory Information System that is crucial to the quality operations of the laboratory and patient care.
• Operates and maintains scientific instruments, including, but not limited to pH meters, spectrophotometers, electrophoresis apparatuses, chromatography apparatuses, immunoassay analysers, cell counters, analytical balances, and autoclaves.
• Prepares chemical reagents and biological media according to formulae; assumes responsibility for accuracy in the preparation and standardization of solutions. Follows required aseptic techniques in dispensing base media.
• Prepares slides and makes microscopic observations.
• Collects blood specimens and analyses them for sugar, sedimentation rate, type, bacteria cultures, and bacteria identification.
• Performs such blood counts as red cell, haemoglobin, differential, platelet, retics, and sickle cell.
• Makes complete urinalyses, including qualitative and quantitative sugar, specific gravity and albumin.
• Carries out biochemical analyses and determinations such as liver function, thyroid function, blood sugars, renal function, and cardiac function at the direction of professional staff.
• Performs biochemical tests and analyses using electrophoresis or chromatography.
• Prepare tissue for microscopic examination by pathologists.
• Should participate in QC/QI for area of specialty and Lab indicators. Should not report patient results unless quality control data are within accepted parameters. Should be able to recognize out of control values, takes corrective action, and notify others of changes.
• Should maintain a positive working relationship with the medical staff and hospital personnel and use positive interpersonal skills to support the lab’s customers. Should use clear and concise verbal and written communication with staff and the public.
• Acts independently on supervisor’s direction and accepts responsibility of the adopted policy and procedures of the hospital and the laboratory.
• Responsible for accurately completing records and reports. Should follow laboratory policy for data retrieval, record keeping, and specimen identification procedures.
• Shares call duty and works different shifts as required.

General Responsibilities

• Work in all shifts as scheduled by the Laboratory Director.
• Strictly adheres to organization’s regulations and policies especially those related to infection control, patient safety, OSHAD, DOH, JCI and ISO.
• Supports Continuous Quality Improvement and participates and contributes to all the quality assurance activities of the service.
• Participates and contributes to scheduled in-service training programs.
• Exercises effective interpersonal skills in dealings with department staff, associates and Management
• Maintains confidentiality as per the agreement signed.
• Demonstrates the ability to listen to others in promoting effective communication.
• Develops thorough understanding of policies and procedures of the hospital and demonstrates respect for them.
• Carries out other duties when requested by the Laboratory Director

Occupational Safety and health and infection control Roles & Responsibilities:

• Familiarize themselves and comply with all OSH and Infection Control policies, standards and procedures that are relevant for their workplace.
• Work in accordance with the documented occupational, safety and health procedures and instructions, specific responsibilities defined in individual procedures and instructions.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safety systems and follow safe working procedures.
• Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Not wilfully or recklessly endanger anyone's health and safety. Take reasonable care for the health and safety of persons that may be affected by the employee’s acts or omissions at the workplace.
• Assist with the preparation of risk assessments.
• Attend applicable departmental safety training and follow OSHMS policies and procedures.
• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety.
• Cooperate with their employer with respect to any action taken by the employer to comply with OSHMS requirements.
• Identify, label and maintain hazardous materials, MSDS and its current inventory.
• Proper collection, Storage and disposal of needle, sharps and hazardous materials as per NMCSH Waste management policy
• Ensure the safe use of all laboratory equipment such as BSC, Microtome, Stainer, autoclave, centrifuge as per manufacturer instruction.
• Must be familiar with the concept of hazard and biohazardous materials, safe handling of biohazardous materials present in the working section.
• Must be familiar with ergonomic, sharps and biological hazards in work area and how to handle them.
• Should be familiar with MSDS to determine health hazards, and routes of exposures for chemicals.
• Know the CODE Brown policy and other applicable laboratory policies and procedures.

Prevention and Control of Infection (PCI):

• PCI is everyone’s responsibility. All staff are required to read and implement the NMC PCI Policy and Strategy in an effort to maintain the highest possible standards of cleanliness at all times, thus reducing the risk of infection in patients, staff and visitors.
• The strictest hand hygiene, 5 moments of hand hygiene, bare below the elbows and environmental care, will be expected of all staff, including the post holder, at all times

Qualification, Licensure, Education, Experiences & Special Skills

• Graduate of an accredited course in diploma or certificate as a Laboratory Technician from an accredited program or equivalent of not less than 2 years duration

  • Not less than two (2) years of Medical Laboratory experience.
  • Currently licensed in country of origin and with DOH/DHA/MOH license to practice in UAE
  • Fluent in spoken & written English, Arabic language is desirable, but not essential
  • Ability to learn and handle automation & IT programs is desirable but not essential