Key Responsibilities

1. Laboratory Operations

• Receive and log patient samples including blood, urine, stool, sputum, swabs, and other bodily fluids.

• Label, centrifuge, and prepare specimens for testing and analysis.

• Perform diagnostic tests as per standard protocols (e.g., CBC, ESR, blood glucose, lipid profile, urinalysis).

• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, microscopes, analyzers, incubators, and spectrophotometers.

• Record, analyze, and interpret test results with precision.

• Ensure accurate data entry in laboratory information systems (LIS).

• Prepare and release test reports for doctor or pathologist approval.

2. Sample Collection (Home Visits)

• Travel to patients' homes to collect blood, swab, or other samples as required.

• Use proper techniques to ensure sample quality (e.g., venipuncture, capillary blood collection).

• Follow hygiene, safety, and infection control protocols during home visits.

• Ensure correct labeling, documentation, and timely transportation of collected samples to the laboratory.

• Provide reassurance and care to patients, especially elderly, pediatric, or anxious individuals.

3. Quality Control and Assurance

• Conduct daily quality control (QC) checks on instruments and reagents.

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain accreditation compliance (e.g., NABL, CAP).

• Ensure accurate calibration of equipment and report any malfunctions to the supervisor.

• Maintain detailed logs of QC results and participate in internal/external audits.

• Discard expired reagents and samples according to biohazard waste protocols.

4. Safety and Hygiene

• Adhere strictly to lab safety and biohazard handling guidelines.

• Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, lab coat, mask, face shield) while handling samples.

• Disinfect workstations regularly and ensure clean, organized work environments.

• Dispose of biomedical waste as per government regulations (e.g., yellow/red/black bag segregation).

• Maintain an emergency response plan for needle-stick injuries or hazardous exposures.

5. Inventory and Stock Management

• Monitor inventory levels of consumables such as test tubes, syringes, vacutainers, reagents, and disinfectants.

• Inform supervisors in advance to reorder low-stock items.

• Store reagents and samples correctly according to temperature and shelf-life requirements.

6. Documentation and Reporting

• Accurately complete patient forms, consent documentation (for home collection), and test logs.

• Ensure compliance with patient confidentiality and medical ethics.

• Report abnormal or critical test results immediately to the concerned medical personnel.

• Maintain daily logs of home visits and coordinate schedules with lab managers.

7. Communication and Teamwork

• Work closely with doctors, nurses, receptionists, and fellow lab technicians.

• Educate patients and family members during sample collection, especially regarding fasting or medication instructions.

• Coordinate with logistics staff for timely transport of home-collected samples.

• Support junior staff and assist in training new technicians when needed.