Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Haematology & Blood Bank

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To process biological samples, taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.
• To possess highly developed specialist scientific skills.
• 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 plan and prioritise workload of Band 5 Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMS and support staff.
• To 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 reconstitute and prepare calibration and quality control material used on the analysers to ensure results are accurate and precise.
• To participate in and understand the quality assurance programs of the department, both internal and external i.e. NEQAS (National External Quality Assurance Schemes) and ensure appropriate corrective measures are taken whenever necessary.
• 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 Personal Professional Portfolio.
• To ensure contemporaneous completion of your induction and training records and those of Band 5 Biomedical Scientists and support staff in your section.
• To maintain ongoing specialist training and an awareness of current developments in your field.
• To communicate with other health care professionals in transmission and in response to telephone enquiries relating to results and the service.
• Within the department carry out pre-analytical 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 be proactive in updating and generation of SOP’s
• To work independently following SOP’s and policies; asks for technical and clinical advice when necessary
• 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.
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