Laboratory Operations

Role Clarity Laboratory TechnicianDepartment Customer Success Operations Reporting To Laboratory Manager Role Definition The Laboratory Technician is responsible for performing diagnostic test processes with precision ensuring timely and accurate results The role involves managing the complete lifecycle of patient samples from receipt to processing to reporting while adhering to SOPs quality control norms and compliance guidelines The technician is also expected to maintain equipment readiness support safety practices and contribute to a seamless patient-centric diagnostic experience Deliverables Accurate and timely sample processing Adherence to TAT AMR and critical result protocols Compliance with QC QA and audit standards Maintenance of equipment and inventory readiness Safe clean and compliant lab environment Real-time LIMS updates and internal coordination Task and Activities Sample Receipt and Pre-Processing Receives incoming samples from logistics or other staff and verifies labeling details patient name unique ID date time of collection and sample type Cross-checks requisition forms for completeness including clinician details test orders and relevant clinical notes Rejects samples if clotted hemolyzed leaked insufficient or improperly labeled records rejection reason in LIMS and informs the relevant collection center Applies and verifies barcodes using handheld scanners ensures mapping in LIMS matches physical sample Segregates samples based on department e g Biochemistry Hematology and urgency level routine STAT panic If required places centrifugation-required samples into the centrifuge as per standard protocol and timing Analyzer Setup and Daily Calibration Powers on each assigned analyzer e g Cobas Vitros Sysmex and completes boot-up diagnostic checks Loads calibrators and quality control QC materials at the beginning of each day Monitors calibration graphs and flags deviations to the Laboratory Manager Logs calibration parameters in the analyzer logbook and QC control register Cleans sample probes tubing and trays using approved disinfectants prior to sample loading Routine Testing and Result Generation Loads barcoded samples into assigned analyzers ensuring correct sample alignment and reagent use Monitors real-time analyzer dashboards for processing progress and error alerts Detects and handles flagged samples including hemolysis detection clots air bubbles or clot check errors Repeats tests for samples that breach AMR Analytical Measurement Range or CRR Clinical Re-check Range as per SOPs Performs critical value verification tests and ensures immediate reporting of such results to the Consultant Lab Manager Conducts manual semiautomated testing e g ESR blood grouping rapid tests as required by the workload Result Validation and Reporting Reviews raw test values in LIMS and correlates with patient clinical history where available Identifies and flags results that need recheck consultant review or manual correlation e g unexpected ESR or glucose trends Documents reasons for result delay in the LIMS escalates repeat test cases with expected completion time Ensures final result submission follows dual validation protocol Technician Consultant sign-off Coordinates with Helpdesk or Reporting team to close high-priority cases nearing TAT limits Quality Control and Audit Compliance Conducts daily internal QC runs plots results on LJ charts and reviews for trend shifts Immediately informs Manager of QC outliers and withholds affected results until root cause is resolved Assists Quality Executive in preparing for internal external audits by updating equipment logs maintenance records temperature logs and SOP versions Executes Corrective and Preventive Actions as assigned and tracks status in CAPA logs Supports EQAS sample handling and recordkeeping Equipment Cleaning Maintenance and Shutdown Performs mid-shift and end-of-day cleaning protocols for analyzers including surface wipe-down probe cleaning waste line flushing and decontamination Documents daily maintenance actions in the equipment usage logbook Checks for error codes reagent expiry warnings and mechanical wear during operation raises tickets with Maintenance Service providers when needed Shuts down analyzers safely and ensures that reagent bottles are closed and waste bins are emptied Reagent and Consumable Inventory Management Checks reagent usage levels twice daily mid-shift and pre-closing Reconciles actual vs LIMS stock and raises restock requests if levels fall below minimum thresholds Receives new stock cross-verifies quantity and batch numbers with invoices and stores as per temperature stability requirements Uses FEFO First Expiry First Out method for reagent consumption and discards expired stock as per biomedical waste protocol Tracks usage rate per test type to predict reorder frequency in coordination with SCM team Laboratory Safety and Hygiene Management Adheres to full PPE usage including gloves masks laboratory coat where required Maintains hygiene protocols by disinfecting high-touch surfaces and sample handling areas at defined intervals e g every 3-4 hours Follows color-coded biomedical waste disposal guidelines for sharps blood chemicals and infectious material Participates in safety drills fire safety orientation and mock code protocols Immediately reports injuries spills or incidents through defined escalation channels LIMS Management and Cross-Functional Teams Coordination Updates LIMS in real time for sample status rejected cases test reruns and validated results Coordinates with Helpdesk for escalated customer queries rerun reports or critical result acknowledgments Works with SCM to confirm delivery timelines and with IT for resolving system-related issues Attends daily shift briefing and end-of-day huddle to align priorities and handover unresolved actions