Laboratory Technician  (Blood Bank) at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Purpose

• The Laboratory Technician  (Blood Bank) will play a vital role in ensuring the safe handling, testing, processing, and storage of blood and blood products. The role holder will be responsible for performing blood typing, crossmatching, donor screening, and supporting transfusion services across the hospital.
• This position requires high technical precision, attention to detail, and adherence to international standards to guarantee patient safety and effective transfusion outcomes.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Blood Donation Processing and Screening

• Perform donor collection procedures, ensuring proper identification and labelling.
• Screen donors for eligibility through medical history checks and physical assessment.
• Conduct tests for transfusion-transmissible infections (HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, etc.).
• Process donated blood into components such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

Blood Typing and Crossmatching

• Perform ABO and Rh typing on donor and patient samples.
• Conduct antibody screening and identify unexpected antibodies.
• Carry out compatibility testing (crossmatching) between donors and recipients.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in typing or compatibility results.

Transfusion Support and Management

• Verify, label, and prepare blood products for patient transfusion.
• Manage blood product inventory, ensuring adequate stock and proper rotation.
• Safely distribute blood components according to physician orders.
• Maintain detailed transfusion records, including product lot numbers and patient outcomes.

Laboratory Testing and Analysis

• Perform advanced blood bank procedures, including direct antiglobulin tests (DAT) and antibody identification.
• Document and review quality control procedures for reagents and instruments.
• Support the investigation of transfusion reactions and discrepancies.

Documentation and Compliance

• Accurately document laboratory results and patient information in compliance with institutional, national, and international regulations.
• Ensure all procedures meet FDA, AABB, CAP, and other accreditation standards.
• Generate reports on blood bank operations, including inventories and transfusion statistics.

Safety and Quality Assurance

• Adhere to SOPs for laboratory safety and the handling of biohazardous materials.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.
• Regularly inspect, clean, and calibrate laboratory instruments to maintain compliance.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support patient transfusion needs.
• Communicate critical results promptly to clinical teams.
• Contribute to the training of interns and new laboratory staff in blood bank practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science or a related field.
• Additional training or certification in transfusion science or microbiology is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of histopathology principles, tissue processing, and staining.
• High level of manual dexterity and fine motor skills.

Experience

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a blood bank setting.
• Proven ability to conduct blood typing, antibody screening, and compatibility testing under supervision.
• In-depth understanding of blood collection, processing, storage, and transfusion principles.
• Knowledge of blood group systems, red cell antigens, antibodies, and compatibility testing.
• Familiarity with transfusion therapy indications, complications, and adverse reactions.