Cytotechnologist

Job description / Role

- Performs, revises, and develops highly specialized cytological and immunohistochemical laboratory tests for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Performs screening and reporting of gynecological specimens
- Performs rapid on-site assessment for non-gynecological specimens and subsequent triage for specimen adequacy.
- Preparation and staining of cytopathological specimens
- Prepares and maintains equipment for all types of tissue and body fluid processing and labeling;
- Records and verifies that the quality of slides delivered to pathologist for microscopic evaluation meet specified quality standards
- Set-ups equipment, instruments and apparatus for specific laboratory procedures.
- Writes, reviews, and recommends changes in laboratory procedures and policies.
- Performs routine and special staining techniques that include cytochemical and immunocytochemical stains.
- Obtains and logs specimens from the operating rooms as required.
- Assists assigned employees in fine needle aspiration biopsy and evaluates for specimen adequacy.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the theory and scientific principles of laboratory testing as well as the technical, procedural, and problem solving aspects
- Correlates abnormal laboratory data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results and the need for additional tests
- Communicates test results, reference ranges, specimen requirements, and other pertinent information to authorized sources
- Performs and reports tests on patients specimens in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures
- Performs laboratory testing in an efficient manner
- Produces accurate results with minimal clerical/data entry errors
- Follows protocols for running controls and accepting and verifying results
- Participates in internal and external performance improvement activities as appropriate
- Adheres to laboratory quality control policies and documents all quality control activities
- Regularly assesses inventory and supplies to ensure sufficient quantities are available for anticipated laboratory workload; order supplies as and when necessary.
- Collects, assembles and ships specimens/slides following the regulations covering shipment of biological and/or hazardous materials; maintains records of distributed specimens/slides.
- Regularly inspects, cleans, and performs equipment preventive maintenance as scheduled. Regularly checks temperature sensitive equipment and takes corrective action accordingly with correct documentation.
- Maintains regulatory requirements as stipulated in the Clinical Laboratory Standards of Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and complies with international standards of laboratory testing and processes, such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), International Standards Organization ISO15189:2007, Joint Commission International (JCI) and other relevant accrediting bodies.
- Actively assists the Manager in performance / quality improvement, efficiency and productivity, employee engagement, and patient experience.
- Assists the Manager with educational and training programs for employees regarding equipment usage, new protocols, patient safety, and career development.
- Assists the Manager with the maintenance of all section records and the provision of any statistical data that might be required in support of management activities.
- Complies with all organisational policies, procedures and guidelines.

Requirements

- Related to speciality - extensive knowledge of Cytopathology laboratory practices, procedures, and terminology, safe practices for working with hazardous biological or chemical materials; Infection control procedures
- High ability to screen and report cytology samples as authorized
- Understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
- Maintain instrumentation according to manufacturers guidelines;
- Exercise independent judgment with minimal supervision;
- Work with hazardous materials including biological specimens using the requisite safety measures and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Experience and able to:
- Supervise and Manage Technologists and Technicians
- Establish SOPs and Safety standards
- CAP / JCI accreditation experience.
- Work autonomously.
- Minimal Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Medical Technology / Laboratory Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, IAC or equivalent qualification (minimum three (3) years training course) is required
- Current national license is required
- Masters in Biomedical Science or a relevant clinical masters degree in a related field is preferred
- For HAAD license for Abu Dhabi, a minimum of four (4) years experience in a clinical laboratory is required (Note: with a masters degree, minimum of three (3) years experience in a clinical laboratory is required).
- Language: Ability to speak and write in English, a second language an advantage
- Advantage: Experience in an accredited laboratory, working under the supervision of a pathologist certified by the American Board of Pathology.

About the Company

National Reference Laboratory (NRL) is a Mubadala Healthcare initiative, created in partnership with and operated by Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp), one of the world's largest and most experienced clinical laboratory operators. NRL aims to increase the spectrum, coverage and overall efficiency of laboratory testing, and implement international best practice reference laboratory testing processes. NRL is committed to driving improvement in the quality standards of medical diagnostic testing in the region by investing in the latest technologies and acting as a trusted resource for healthcare providers.

NRL has laboratories based in Abu Dhabi located in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the Nucleotide Complex of Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (Dubiotech). Together, they comprise 32,000 square feet of laboratory space with both standard and advanced testing capabilities, offering healthcare providers in the region a one-stop shop for all of their medical diagnostic testing needs. the same. NRL's Abu Dhabi facility is CAP (College of American Pathologists) Accredited whilst our Dubai facility boasts both the CAP and ISO 15189 Accreditations.