Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To process biological samples including blood, urine, faeces cerebral spinal fluid and other tissues, taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.
• The post holder will demonstrate the high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable, meeting turnaround times with prompt reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.
• As a state registered Scientist with the Health Professions Council understand the pathology of disease in relationship to the results produced whilst being aware of their significance in the authorisation of patients’ results with reference to the normal ranges.
• Will be aware of the clinical significance of results produced and using this knowledge to perform appropriate supplementary tests/investigations relevant to providing a complete report to requesting clinicians.
• To prioritise work and perform urgent analyses, reporting results to requesting clinicians as appropriate.
• Identify abnormal or unexpected results and ensure prompt reporting, follow up and referral to medical staff as required.
• Following protocols, request additional tests or samples to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of disease.
• To understand the principles underlying the analytical processes used in your area of work so as to maintain their operation and quality of results.
• To receive requests forms and accompanying samples, to book those into the Path Computer system, to prepare the samples (including centrifugation) for analysis, to load and unload samples from analysers, to sort into racks and transfer for storage on completion.
• Answer telephone enquiries regarding results and other general laboratory issues e.g. giving advice on the correct conditions and sample type for a particular test request.
• To operate analytical equipment within your section, within your discipline and within the department, some of which will be highly complex and require specialist training.
• To perform front line troubleshooting and repairs of analysers of highly complex, expensive automated equipment e.g. multichannel analysers, used in the day-to-day function of the laboratory. 
• To participate in and understand the quality assurance programs of the department, both internal and external i.e. NEQAS (National External Quality Assurance Schemes).
• To observe all departmental, Trust, national and European Health & Safety regulations relevant to the service, ensuring attendance at the annual departmental H&S update. In addition all staff must sign the departmental H&S policy to acknowledge understanding and compliance.
• To continually update their knowledge and skills whilst documenting this in their Continual Professional Development folder.
• To ensure contemporaneous completion of your induction and training records.
• To communicate with other health care professionals in transmission and in response to telephone enquiries relating to results and the service.
• To assist in the preparation of specimens for analysis.
• To assist senior colleagues in the maintenance of adequate stocks of reagents and consumables to ensure continuous service provision.
• To follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times and as directed by senior staff and contribute to their formulation. Propose any changes to these SOPs in order to maintain the quality of the service and maximise efficiency.
• To attend meetings and training courses as necessary.
• To attend Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.
• To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.
• To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.
• To assist in the process of continual quality improvement. This will include audit, corrective action, preventative action and improvement processes.
• To participate in an annual IPR and achieve any targets set at this time.
• To participate in the training of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and new staff.
• To assist senior staff in the supervision of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Assistant Technical Officers.
• To assist in audit carried out by internal and external agencies.
• To rotate through sections of the Combined Laboratory as required.
• Participate in the 24/7 on call rota for H&I to support the renal transplant programme.
• Participate in clinical trials or any research & development undertaken by the department, including sample preparation, analysis and collating data as necessary.
• At the direction of senior departmental staff undertake work from any source commensurate with the knowledge and skills of a state registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Ensure issues and problems are resolved satisfactorily and referred through your line management structure as appropriate.
• Cover for senior staff and be prepared to work on your own when necessary.
• To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.
• To work in other specialties within Pathology, where appropriate and as directed. 

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Accountable to the Laboratory Manager through the Lead Scientist and Section Leaders.
• The post holder may be asked to be a mentor during the induction of new staff.
•  Will attend or read the minutes of departmental briefings. 
• Key working relationships will exist between the post holder, Senior Biomedical Scientists and Section Leaders.
•  Work closely with other Biomedical Scientists and support staff.
•  NHS colleagues both in the hospital and primary care.
•   Occasionally with Pathology equipment suppliers. 

OTHER

• The post holder will be required to participate in the 24/7 rotas if line 32, in Primary Duties and Responsibilities applies.
• Dress and act in a professional manner at all times.