The main responsibilities of the Laboratory Technician in Microbiology are sample and QC set up, running instrumentation for organism identification and sensitivity testing. Also responsible for laboratory house-keeping, stock and assisting Medical Scientists performing a variety of tasks.
- Use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to process and record data.
- Follow departmental SOPs, maintain training records, and complete daily tasks to ensure timely delivery of patient results.
- Perform routine specimen preparation (“put-up”) and assist with validation of new methods, kits, and equipment.
- Manage reagents and consumable stock levels, perform internal quality control, and maintain logbooks.
- Store samples pre- and post-analysis and ensure waste is disposed of according to SOPs.
- Maintain and monitor laboratory instruments, report equipment issues, and respond to Kelsius alarms as required.
- Clean and disinfect work areas daily and follow Good Laboratory Practice.
- Prepare and set up isolates for identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and quality control; load/unload blood cultures; prepare samples for germ tube and confirmatory disk testing; record QC results.
- Report results that do not require clinical interpretation and refer isolates to external laboratories when necessary.
- Assist with reporting surveillance results to public health bodies and maintain long-term storage of patient isolates.
Working Hours: 39 hours per week