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

Job Purpose

• The Medical Laboratory Scientist – Blood Bank will perform specialized testing and procedures related to blood transfusion services, ensuring the safe collection, processing, testing, storage, and distribution of blood and blood products. This role involves maintaining strict compliance with regulatory standards, implementing quality control measures, and supporting clinical teams in providing safe and effective transfusion therapy at the African Medical Centre of Excellence.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Blood Collection & Donor Management

• Perform phlebotomy for blood donation, ensuring donor safety and comfort.
• Screen blood donors according to established eligibility criteria and regulatory requirements.
• Manage donor deferral records and maintain accurate donor databases.
• Conduct pre-donation counseling and post-donation care.

Blood Processing & Component Preparation

• Process whole blood into components (red blood cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate) using appropriate methods and equipment.
• Label, store, and inventory blood products according to temperature and handling requirements.
• Perform leukoreduction, irradiation, and other special processing as required.
• Maintain accurate records of all processed blood components.

Blood Testing & Serology

• Perform blood grouping (ABO, Rh) and antibody screening/identification using automated and manual methods.
• Conduct cross-matching (electronic, immediate spin, full crossmatch) and issue compatible blood products.
• Perform infectious disease testing (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, etc.) in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Investigate transfusion reactions and antibody work-ups as needed.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Perform daily quality control on equipment, reagents, and testing processes.
• Maintain compliance with national standards (MLSCN, NAFDAC) and international standards (AABB, WHO).
• Participate in internal and external proficiency testing programs.
• Document all quality control activities and maintain audit-ready records.

Inventory & Supply Management

• Monitor blood product inventory levels and ensure adequate stock for clinical needs.
• Implement a first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory system and manage product expiration.
• Coordinate with clinical departments for blood product requests and emergency releases.
• Maintain supplies and reagents, ordering as needed to prevent shortages.

Transfusion Support & Consultation

• Provide technical support to clinical staff regarding blood product selection, administration, and compatibility.
• Participate in hospital transfusion committee activities and contribute to transfusion policy development.
• Investigate and report transfusion-related adverse events and incidents.
• Provide emergency blood release support during trauma and surgical cases.

Equipment & Facility Maintenance

• Operate and maintain blood bank equipment including refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, and automated analyzers.
• Monitor storage temperatures and maintain temperature logs with appropriate corrective actions.
• Ensure clean and organized work environment compliant with safety standards.
• Perform validation and calibration of equipment as required.

Documentation & Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate and complete records of all testing, processing, and distribution activities.
• Ensure proper documentation for traceability from donor to recipient.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports and documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of donor and patient information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Current licensure/registration with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
• Certification in transfusion medicine, blood banking, or related specialty is highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a blood bank or transfusion service laboratory.
• Proficiency in blood bank techniques including blood grouping, antibody screening, cross-matching, and component preparation.
• Experience with automated blood bank systems and laboratory information systems (LIS).
• Knowledge of transfusion medicine principles, hemovigilance, and blood safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Excellent documentation, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in transfusion services.