Band 3 Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Cellular Pathology/Histology team at Wycombe Hospital in Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. You will support Biomedical Scientists in delivering an efficient, effective, and comprehensive Cellular Pathology service and be involved in all aspects of laboratory work. You will complete required training and competency documentation to demonstrate laboratory competence and take part in the laboratory rota, including cut-up support, monitoring the main laboratory, throw-out duties, and Digital Pathology activities.

Main duties of the job

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you will manage specimen processing in the Cellular Pathology department. You will receive fresh and formalin-fixed specimens, ensure their safe handling, including High Risk specimens, and refer them to Microbiology when required. You will use the Cellular Pathology and CRS computer systems to enter data, order tests, print reports, and make enquiries regarding patient details. You will verify the accuracy of information on request forms and specimens, assign Histopathology surgical numbers, and follow the pathology minimum labelling policy to resolve any discrepancies, contacting theatres, wards, consultants, or GPs when necessary. Complex issues will be escalated to senior staff.

About us

Here at NHS Professionals, we run England's largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.

Career Progression access to Learning & Development opportunities, so that you can take on new roles and challenges

Work-life Balance flexible shifts, committed shifts, wellbeing resources and build paid annual leave

Opportunity & Access over 50 partner NHS Trusts to give you the flexibility of choice to work how and where you want

Job Roles & Responsibilities

• To accurately book surgical specimens into the Winpath System and enter all necessary specimen information using the correct codes, ensuring proper tracking and documentation.
• To assist with day-to-day laboratory workflow, ensuring that all consumables and equipment are available and organized to support efficient specimen processing.
• To prepare specimens for cutting and staining, including trimming wax blocks, setting up work areas with slides, water baths, and ice trays, and ensuring readiness of microtomes for routine and large block sectioning.
• To manage laboratory stock, including monitoring solvent and reagent levels, preparing special stain solutions, labelling chemicals correctly, and recording deliveries and lot information for compliance purposes.
• To support audit and quality assurance activities, including retrieving archived specimens, re-cutting and re-staining blocks, and ensuring accurate case documentation for reporting.
• To participate in professional development activities, in-house training, laboratory meetings, and competency reviews to maintain technical knowledge and contribute to continuous service improvement.

Person Specifications & Qualifications

• GCSEs in English, Maths, and one science (Grade C or above).
• Level 3 science qualification or equivalent experience.
• Laboratory work experience.
• Knowledge of Cellular Pathology systems.
• Experience in cut-up, lab monitoring, throw-out, and Digital Pathology.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

NHS Professionals Limited

Location

Wycombe General Hospital, Queen Alexandra Road,
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 2TT