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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job responsibilities

The following apply to all Trust sites and other Trusts and organisations that have a contract or service level agreement (SLA) with the POCT team.

Technical and scientific:

• Carry out routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on POCT devices, both in clinical locations and in the laboratory by physical means or via computer link, using the appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs), as directed by the POCT Coordinator.
• Analyse samples and issue results obtained on POCT devices under direction from the POCT Coordinator and in accordance with SOPs.
• Carry out decontamination of POCT devices, in line with Trust policy, when necessary.
• Conduct regular stock checks, order, distribute and maintain adequate stock of all consumables both on the wards and within the POCT department.
• Distribute and process internal quality controls (IQCs) for POCT devices, as appropriate.
• Maintain POCT databases of POCT users, training records, test and device information and quality data.
• Prepare distribution letters for external quality assurance (EQA) samples, if required.
• Receive and distribute EQA specimens to end users across all areas, including those off the main hospital site, ensuring timely receipt of samples.
• Assist in monitoring compliance of users in returning EQA results before the given deadline, reporting non-compliance to the POCT Coordinator, if and when necessary.
• Transcribe or input results from EQA samples for checking by a registered biomedical scientist (BMS), if required.
• Prepare, print and distribute reports and summary graphs across all relevant sites.
• To answer telephone queries regarding POCT matters.
• Issue certificates of competency upon satisfactory completion of training and administer user ID for access to POCT devices.
• Assist with result verification for newly implemented POCT devices.
• Complete batch validation for new reagent lots, as directed by the POCT Coordinator.
• Assist with health and safety, risk assessment and control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) requirements, in relation to POCT.
• When obtaining samples for POCT analysis e.g. finger prick testing:
  • To collect all samples in accordance with the current SOP.
  • Ensure correct patient and sample identification using the approved system of labelling.
  • Communicate effectively with patients before and during bleeding to ensure that they are fully informed about the process and possible consequences.
  • Adhere to all Trust policies on the collection, storage and transport of samples, especially 'high risk' specimens.
  • Inform the POCT Coordinator if unable to take appropriate specimens or to follow the accepted procedure.
  • Prepare containers for special sample transport as appropriate.
• To ensure that all duties are carried out to the highest possible standard, and in accordance with current quality initiatives within the area of work.
• To undertake additional duties in line with scope of practice.
• To work flexibly in reflection of service needs.

Communication:

• Communicates with colleagues and clinicians about test results and provides instruction to groups of health service staff, as appropriate.
• Communicates with service users, including patients as appropriate.

Information Resources:

• Record test results and maintain integrity, accuracy of data, including data entered by self.
• Be able to record test results on the computer and manual systems in accordance with agreed standard operating procedures.
• To ensure patient confidentiality and conformance to Data Protection Act and Caldicott Guidelines.
• Use the Trust information systems as appropriate with due regard to patient and password confidentiality.

Quality/Governance/Risk Management:

• Follow policies and procedures ensuring compliance with the Pathology quality management system.
• Comment on proposals for change to policies and standard operating procedures within own area.
• Participate in audit activities that benefit clinical and scientific practice in accordance with WSFT guidelines.
• When incidents occur, take immediate appropriate action, inform senior staff and ensure incidents are reported. Contribute to investigations as directed.

Education, Training and Development:

• Assist in arranging training sessions for the team.
• To take an active role in basic practical and theoretical POCT training for Trust staff.
• Attend training, including external seminars/conferences, to achieve and maintain competence and expand knowledge.
• Participate in continual professional development.
• Participate in appraisal process in line with current policies.

Health and Safety:

• Work in a safe manner, in accordance with Trust and laboratory safety policies, using protective equipment and other control measures required.
• Work safely with corrosive, flammable and other hazardous chemicals and gases.
• Use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• Report accidents/incidents and near misses according to the laboratory/Trust protocol.

Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with the Trust on any matters of health and safety.

Other responsibilities:

The post-holder will be expected to participate in the delivery of specific duties and/or specialised responsibilities in line with the banding of the post.  These responsibilities will be agreed with the post holder, will be subject to regular review and may be amended at any time with the post holder’s agreement.

Please note: This role will bring staff into contact with human bodily fluids and tissues, mainly blood and urine, and hazardous chemicals.