Laboratory Technician - Hubs job at Makerere University Walter Reed Program

Position Summary

The incumbent will serve as a Laboratory Technician in Luwero Hospital/ HIV laboratory hub. The primary responsibility of this position is to fully participate in the running of patient samples referred to the laboratory from within and outside the hospital. It is the incumbent’s responsibility to ensure that samples are run, and results processed accurately and released in a timely manner. The incumbent is also responsible for maintaining proficiency in general laboratory QA/QC and the current laboratory procedures especially those that are HIV related such as, Serum Chemistry, CD4, Serum Crag, TB LAM, EID & VL POC testing, Multiplexing using the GeneXpert system and HIV rapid testing. In addition, he/she is expected to perform laboratory safety duties and learn new laboratory techniques as they come into the laboratory.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in the collection of blood samples from patients for diagnostic purposes (Phlebotomy) and issuing of accurate instructions to patients for the self-collected samples such as sputum, urine, stool e.tc
• Correctly and promptly document all collected and received samples in the designated laboratory registers and electronic information systems.
• Perform daily QA/QC for laboratory procedures and periodic maintenance of laboratory equipment as established by SOPs and QA/QC guidelines
• Maintain all laboratory equipment validation, calibration, quality control documentation and necessary routine/ periodic preventive maintenance
• Implement Laboratory Quality Management Systems to ensure accurate and reliable results
• Proficiently conduct: Different assays in the laboratory as per the established laboratory test Menu including but not limited to:
• -General Microscopy for Malaria and other hemoparasites parasites, urine, stool and ZN smear microscopy as per established SOPs.
• -Operating automated lab equipment for blood chemistries, hematology, CD4 counts etc., as per the established SOPs
• Conduct Multiplexed testing on the GeneXpert system for defined tests such as TB, HPV, and EID and Viral load point testing and other HIV related tests like Serum Crag, TB LAM and HIV rapid testing as per the established SOPs
• Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes
• Identify and communicate urgent/critical results immediately by alerting supervisory personnel and requesting clinicians
• Process all test results generated from sample runs by accurately filling in the respective laboratory report forms, documenting in the laboratory registers and electronic information systems and ensuring that results are released in a timely manner.
• Perform external quality assurance activities by promptly running all EQA panels from identified EQA providers and act on the EQA results for continued quality improvement of laboratory testing.
• Monitor and track logistical requirements so that all laboratory supplies are on hand at all times. Liaise with the Laboratory manager in order to establish reliable and consistent reagent supply lines.
• Ensure that all safety guidelines are followed strictly at all times and maintain a clean and orderly environment and keep work surfaces clean and orderly
• Maintain the confidence of all laboratory users by keeping all laboratory information confidential
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• -A Diploma in Medical Laboratory technology from a recognized institution
• -Should be licensed by the Allied health professional’s council
• -At least 2 years working experience in a busy Diagnostic laboratory environment.
• -Evidence of prior training and experience in relevant techniques will be an added advantage

• Participate in the collection of blood samples from patients for diagnostic purposes (Phlebotomy) and issuing of accurate instructions to patients for the self-collected samples such as sputum, urine, stool e.tc
• Correctly and promptly document all collected and received samples in the designated laboratory registers and electronic information systems.
• Perform daily QA/QC for laboratory procedures and periodic maintenance of laboratory equipment as established by SOPs and QA/QC guidelines
• Maintain all laboratory equipment validation, calibration, quality control documentation and necessary routine/ periodic preventive maintenance
• Implement Laboratory Quality Management Systems to ensure accurate and reliable results
• Proficiently conduct: Different assays in the laboratory as per the established laboratory test Menu including but not limited to:
• -General Microscopy for Malaria and other hemoparasites parasites, urine, stool and ZN smear microscopy as per established SOPs.
• -Operating automated lab equipment for blood chemistries, hematology, CD4 counts etc., as per the established SOPs
• Conduct Multiplexed testing on the GeneXpert system for defined tests such as TB, HPV, and EID and Viral load point testing and other HIV related tests like Serum Crag, TB LAM and HIV rapid testing as per the established SOPs
• Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes
• Identify and communicate urgent/critical results immediately by alerting supervisory personnel and requesting clinicians
• Process all test results generated from sample runs by accurately filling in the respective laboratory report forms, documenting in the laboratory registers and electronic information systems and ensuring that results are released in a timely manner.
• Perform external quality assurance activities by promptly running all EQA panels from identified EQA providers and act on the EQA results for continued quality improvement of laboratory testing.
• Monitor and track logistical requirements so that all laboratory supplies are on hand at all times. Liaise with the Laboratory manager in order to establish reliable and consistent reagent supply lines.
• Ensure that all safety guidelines are followed strictly at all times and maintain a clean and orderly environment and keep work surfaces clean and orderly
• Maintain the confidence of all laboratory users by keeping all laboratory information confidential
• Other duties as assigned.

• -A Diploma in Medical Laboratory technology from a recognized institution
• -Should be licensed by the Allied health professional’s council
• -At least 2 years working experience in a busy Diagnostic laboratory environment.
• -Evidence of prior training and experience in relevant techniques will be an added advantage