Laboratory Professional

Job Summary

The Laboratory Professional is responsible for providing accurate, timely, and high-quality laboratory diagnostic services to support clinical decision-making at the Tihut Medium Clinic. The role ensures proper specimen collection, laboratory testing, quality assurance, biosafety, result reporting, and the integration of HIV, NCD, and other essential diagnostic services in compliance with national laboratory standards, regulatory requirements, and PSI guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Testing & Diagnostic Services

• Perform routine and specialized laboratory tests within the approved scope of a medium clinic.
• Conduct specimen collection, labeling, handling, processing, testing, storage, transportation, and disposal in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide diagnostic support for communicable and non-communicable diseases, including HIV, TB screening, malaria, hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, immuno-serology, microbiology, and other approved laboratory tests.
• Perform HIV Testing Services (HTS) in accordance with national algorithms, testing protocols, and quality standards.
• Ensure proper pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes for all laboratory investigations.
• Interpret laboratory results, assess their validity, and determine whether repeat testing or further investigation is required.
• Communicate laboratory findings and test limitations to clinicians when necessary.

Quality Assurance & Laboratory Compliance

• Develop, review, update, and implement laboratory SOPs, manuals, protocols, and operational guidelines.
• Implement Internal Quality Control (IQC) procedures and participate in External Quality Assessment (EQA/PT) programs.
• Identify, document, and implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) for laboratory non-conformities.
• Participate in validation and verification of laboratory testing methods.
• Support laboratory audits, accreditation activities, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Authorize and approve laboratory results produced by subordinate laboratory personnel where applicable.

Biosafety, Equipment & Laboratory Operations

• Ensure strict compliance with biosafety, infection prevention and control (IPC), and waste management standards.
• Implement strategies to enhance patient safety and minimize infection risks.
• Ensure safe acquisition, storage, transportation, and disposal of biological, toxic, and radioactive waste.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, equipment functionality, calibration, and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Troubleshoot laboratory instruments and support the implementation of new laboratory technologies.
• Operate automated laboratory analyzers and robotic sample preparation systems where applicable.

Laboratory Administration & Inventory Management

• Plan, coordinate, and monitor laboratory workflow to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Maintain laboratory records, registers, quality control documentation, inventory records, and electronic databases.
• Ensure secure storage, confidentiality, and proper disposal of laboratory records and reports.
• Forecast, requisition, and manage laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies.
• Monitor stock levels to prevent shortages, overstocking, expiries, and wastage.
• Ensure proper storage conditions for laboratory commodities and biological samples.
• Participate in vendor evaluation and procurement processes when required.

Collaboration, Supervision & Reporting

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to support integrated patient care.
• Support integration of HIV, NCD, SRH, and primary healthcare diagnostic services.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case discussions, and performance review sessions.
• Supervise laboratory personnel, interns, and trainees.
• Provide technical training, mentorship, and guidance on laboratory procedures, quality control, biosafety, and equipment operation.
• Prepare and submit timely laboratory reports to clinic management, PSI headquarters, and regulatory authorities.
• Support community outreach, screening campaigns, and other public health activities when assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional ethics, and compliance with national healthcare regulations.
• Participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities to maintain professional competence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (BSc) in Medical Laboratory Science from a recognized institution.
• Valid and renewed professional laboratory license issued by the appropriate regulatory authority.
• Minimum of three (3) years of post-qualification experience in clinical laboratory services; experience in medium clinics is an advantage.
• Strong competency in routine laboratory testing, quality assurance, and laboratory quality management systems.
• Experience in HIV Testing Services (HTS), External Quality Assessment (EQA/PT), and biosafety practices is an added advantage.
• Training in Viral Load and CD4 sample transportation and familiarity with automated hematology, chemistry analyzers, and hormonal analyzers.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and quality standards.
• High level of professionalism, ethical conduct, confidentiality, and commitment to patient safety.

Key Competencies

• Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics
• Specimen Collection and Processing
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control
• HIV Testing Services (HTS)
• Biosafety and Infection Prevention
• Laboratory Equipment Operation and Maintenance
• Inventory and Reagent Management
• Medical Documentation and Record Keeping
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication and Teamwork
• Professional Ethics and Confidentiality
• Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Skills Required:

• Health / Medical