Medical Laboratory Assistant

Key Accountabilities

Sample Handling and Reception:

• Receive all specimens from inpatient, outpatient, and external facilities.

• Verify patient demographics, test orders, and labelling accuracy before accepting samples.

• Record, acknowledge, and log all received specimens into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).

• Follow established procedures for sample rejection, re-collection, and documentation.

• Maintain records of temperature logs for external samples and dispatch lists for referred tests.

Operational Support:

• Sort and distribute samples promptly to appropriate laboratory sections.

• Ensure cleanliness and organization of the sample receiving area at all times.

• Assist laboratory technologists, phlebotomists, and front office staff in non-clinical support functions.

• Transport patient specimens within the department as per NMC Laboratory Policy.

• Monitor supply inventory (labels, sample bags, racks, consumables) and alert for replenishment.

• Participate in laboratory quality improvement and accreditation activities when required.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC):

• IPC is everyone’s responsibility. All staff are required to read and implement the NMC IPC Policy and Strategy to always maintain the highest possible standards of cleanliness, thus reducing the risk of infection in patients, staff and visitors.

• The strictest hand hygiene compliance encompassing, 5 moments of hand hygiene, bare below the elbows and environmental care, will be expected of all staff, including the post holder, always.

Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OSHMS)

• Comply with OSHMS instructions, policies and safe working procedures

• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safety systems.

• Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures

• Assist with the preparation of risk assessments

• Report OSH Hazards, incidents, Near misses and issues

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycling of waste as much as possible

• Attend all OSH Trainings, awareness programs and mock drills.

• Participates in the OSHMS audits, inspections, ensuring standards are maintained

Minimum Qualification & Experiences

Education and Certification

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Certificate in healthcare or laboratory assistance preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Maintains professional and respectful interaction with physicians, nurses, phlebotomists, and patients’ families.

• Demonstrates strong communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare staff.

• Provides courteous and timely responses to sample-related queries and assists in resolving issues effectively.

• Escalates discrepancies or concerns to the Laboratory Manager/Supervisor without delay.

• Possesses excellent organizational skills for accurate record management and workflow coordination.

• Proficient in medical software applications, Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), and MS Office (Word, Excel).

• Pay close attention to detail and performs efficiently under pressure in a high-volume laboratory environment.

• Always upholds patient confidentiality and data protection standards.

• Good command of English; Arabic desirable but not essential.

Experience

• Minimum 6 months in a healthcare or laboratory setting; experience in sample receiving or specimen handling preferred.