Laboratory Technician - Blood Banks

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Laboratory Technician – Blood Bank is responsible for performing routine and specialized laboratory tests, processing, and ensuring the safe handling and storage of blood and blood products in the blood bank. The role holder will be involved with critical tasks related to blood typing, crossmatching, blood donation screening, and maintaining accurate records of all blood-related services.

Core Responsibilities

Blood Donation Processing and Screening:

• Perform blood donation collection procedures, ensuring the proper identification and labeling of donated blood.
• Screen blood donors for eligibility, including medical history and physical assessment.
• Conduct initial and confirmatory tests on donated blood for diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other transmissible infections.
• Utilize centrifugation and other laboratory techniques to separate blood into components (e.g., red blood cells, plasma, platelets).

Blood Typing and Crossmatching:

• Perform ABO and Rh typing on donor and patient samples to determine compatibility.
• Conduct antibody screening tests to identify any unexpected antibodies that may affect transfusions.
• Perform compatibility testing (crossmatch) between donor and recipient blood to ensure safe transfusions.
• Accurately interpret blood typing and crossmatch results, identifying any discrepancies or issues for further evaluation.

Transfusion Support and Management:

• Ensure proper labeling, verification, and preparation of blood products for patient transfusions.
• Maintain an inventory of blood products, ensuring adequate stock levels and proper rotation of blood products to prevent expiration.
• Safely distribute blood products to clinical departments based on physician orders and patient needs.
• Maintain meticulous records of all transfusion-related activities, including patient identification, product lot numbers, and transfusion outcomes.

Laboratory Testing and Analysis:

• Conduct specialized tests such as direct antiglobulin tests (DAT), antibody identification, and hemoglobin electrophoresis.
• Regularly perform and document quality control procedures for blood bank testing reagents and equipment.
• Assist in resolving complex transfusion reactions and investigate discrepancies between donor and patient blood.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Document all laboratory results, patient information, and blood products in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all blood bank activities are compliant with guidelines set by the FDA, AABB, CAP, and other accrediting bodies.
• Generate reports on blood bank activities, including inventory, testing results, and transfusion statistics.

Safety and Quality Assurance:

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory safety, including the proper handling and disposal of biohazardous materials.
• Engage in continuous quality improvement initiatives by identifying potential improvements in laboratory processes.
• Regularly inspect, clean, and calibrate blood bank equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulations.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safe and effective use of blood products.
• Communicate critical laboratory findings, such as incompatible blood crossmatches or abnormal test results, to the appropriate clinical staff promptly.
• Educate new staff or interns on blood bank procedures and laboratory best practices.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field

Professional Requirements:

• Training/Certification in the microbiology field is an added advantage

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 1 year experience in a blood bank setting, demonstrating progressive responsibility and expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic blood bank procedures such as blood typing, antibody screening, and compatibility testing under close supervision.

Knowledge Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of blood bank principles, including blood collection, processing, storage, and transfusion.
• Comprehensive understanding of blood group systems, red cell antigens, antibodies, and blood compatibility testing.
• Knowledge of transfusion therapy, including indications, complications, and adverse reactions.
• Proficiency in various laboratory techniques, including serological testing and blood component preparation.

Skill Requirements:

• Excellent manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Ability to perform laboratory procedures accurately and efficiently.
• Attention to detail and ability to identify discrepancies.

Personal Abilities:

• Professional attitude towards work.
• Shares the AMCE’s vision.
• Proactive and organized.
• Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues and peers. 
• Supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members.
• Ability to adapt accordingly.
• High levels of honesty and integrity.

Additional Information

African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.