Job Purpose:
The Medical Laboratory Scientist – Blood Banks is responsible for performing a wide range of laboratory procedures and testing focused on blood and blood products, ensuring safe transfusion practices and compliance with regulatory standards. The role holder will also be responsible for blood component preparation (e.g., red blood cell concentrates, platelets, plasma), blood typing and crossmatching, quality control testing, and maintaining accurate and comprehensive records.
Blood Bank Operations and Testing:
- Perform ABO and Rh typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching to ensure compatibility between donors and recipients.
- Investigate and resolve blood group discrepancies or unexpected antibody reactions.
- Analyse post-transfusion samples to identify adverse reactions.
- Report findings to the clinical team and provide recommendations for further management.
- Conduct advanced serological tests to identify and characterize alloantibodies or autoantibodies.
- Evaluate rare or complex serological cases using specialized techniques.
Blood Product Management:
- Maintain optimal levels of blood products, including whole blood, red cells, platelets, and plasma.
- Monitor expiration dates and ensure proper storage conditions according to regulatory standards.
- Ensure all blood products are correctly processed, labeled, and documented in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Perform quality control checks on processed units.
- Handle specialized preparations such as irradiation or washing of blood products.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with guidelines from regulatory bodies such as the FDA, AABB, CAP, or equivalent.
- Maintain accurate documentation and records for inspections and audits.
- Regularly calibrate, maintain, and validate laboratory equipment and reagents.
- Participate in proficiency testing and internal/external quality assessments.
- Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols.
Technical Problem-Solving:
- Identify and resolve technical problems with laboratory equipment, reagents, and procedures.
- Escalate complex issues to supervisors or manufacturers when necessary.
- Collaborate with clinicians to address unusual cases or transfusion challenges.
- Provide expert recommendations based on serological findings.
Staff Development:
- Train new staff, students, or residents in blood bank protocols and procedures.
- Conduct competency assessments and continuing education sessions for team members.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Ensure accurate and complete documentation of laboratory tests and procedures in the laboratory information system (LIS).
- Generate and analyze reports to monitor trends, usage, and incidents.
- Document and report adverse events, errors, and near-misses according to established protocols.