Medical Technologist Reference Laboratory at South African National Blood Service (SANBS)

Introduction

• To performs the overall operations in the Reference Laboratory in relation to routine and specialized technical functions, quality and administration.

Job description

Operational duties

• Ensure that routine and non-routine processes are performed according to SOP.
• Ensures the appropriate maintenance of records (manual and electronic).
• Check and receive incoming samples from patients, donors, donations, chemicals or any other samples referred to the Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory from local, national or  international sources.
• Perform first line antibody and antigen investigations and processes.
• Prepare specialised reference red cell reagents by enzyme or chemical treatment routinely according to schedule.
• Store bulk and small sample rare red cells required for Reference Laboratory according to schedule.
• Thaw standard panel of rare cells from frozen storage and prepare for laboratory use according to schedule.
• Process and store rare reagent plasma from donors and patients.
• Perform initial standardisation of rare reagents required for laboratory use.
• Dispense rare reagents and red cells as scheduled.
• Screen for rare donations and crossmatch blood as required.
• Confirm the phenotypes of donations placed in long-term storage for transfusion, immunisation or laboratory use.
• Test and confirm the phenotypes of donations thawed from long-term storage for transfusion or immunisation.
• Monitor stock usage and wastage of test kits, reagents and laboratory consumables and take appropriate action if necessary in order to minimize costs.
• Prepare various buffers and reagents as and when required.
• Generate laboratory reports as designated

SHEQ duties

• Ensure operational compliance by the management of non-conformances through review of root cause analysis and implementation of required corrective action within agreed timeframes.
• Contribute to SOP compilation by reviewing new and revised versions within the required timeframe  by validating procedures and maintaining competency for the stipulated SOP.
• Compliance to safety policies and procedures.
• Compliance to policies and procedures to ensure that accreditation requirements are  implemented and maintained.
• Identify systems non-conformances and elevate problems and/or solutions to the Head of  Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory.
• Compliance for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
• Monitor maintenance and calibration programmes for the laboratory.
• Assist with resolving errors, deviations from SOP’s and customer complaints according to the measures within the balanced scorecard.
• Perform EQA / IQA testing as per laboratory schedule.

Admin functions

• Assist the Head of Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory and various stakeholders with regards to problem solving and troubleshooting as and when required. 
• Monitor stock usage and wastage of test kits, reagents and laboratory consumables.
• Capture data both manually and electronic.
• Deal with telephonic work related enquiries.
• Assist with the generation of laboratory statistics according to schedule.
• Provide input into the operational scorecard.
• Attend and/or present lectures or educational seminars and attend congresses to update knowledge and accrue CPD points. 
• Prepare laboratory reports for timeous dispatch as and when required.
• Fax, post and file documentation and reports.

Specialised technical functions

• Perform initial and complex red cell phenotyping on patient and donor samples, rare donations,  Anti-D Programme, contract tests and other samples.
• Perform complex antibody investigations using a variety of red cells and specialised techniques including absorption / elution and inhibition. 
• Analyse and interpret laboratory test results using applied knowledge.
• Check results for accuracy and record conclusions.
• Decide on appropriate follow up tests using the routine tests and reagents available and refer complex results to the Head of Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory.
• Thaw and prepare extremely rare reference red cells from frozen storage as required.
• Participate in testing and analysis of international workshop samples.

Competencies

Cognitive

• Analytical Thinking and Attention to Detail
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Planning, Organising and Monitoring

Personal

• Ethical Behaviour

Interpersonal

• Customer Service Orientation
• Conflict Management
• Teamwork

Communication

• Prof. technical
• Best Practice Thinking
• Technical and Professional Competence

Leadership

• Motivating People
• Practical Execution 
  Management

Minimum requirements

Education

• HPCSA Registered Medical Technologist in Blood Transfusion.

Experience and knowledge requirements

• 2 years experience in general Blood Banking.
• Employee relations.
• Understanding of Blood Transfusion Standards.
• Understanding of HPCSA regulations.
• Understanding of SANAS regulations and audit process.
• SAP and Blood Establishment Computer System (BECS).

Apply by: 27 October 2026