Laboratory Assistant

Job Details

AsOne Ministries is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to perform basic and routine diagnostic laboratory investigations to support clinical decision-making at the AsOne Ministries health facility in the Namutumba Community, Uganda (supporting the Serere community facility). This is a full-time position (8 work hours) working in line with Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) laboratory standards and guidelines. The role combines technical competence in specimen collection and basic testing with strict adherence to quality assurance, safety, and infection control practices, working closely with the Clinic Administrator, Clinical Officer/In-Charge, and fellow health workers within a Christ-centered model of service. Base salary not disclosed.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive patients and correctly identify and label specimens (blood, urine, stool, sputum, and other body fluids) in line with laboratory protocols
• Collect blood samples through venipuncture and capillary puncture using proper aseptic technique
• Ensure proper handling, transportation, and storage of specimens to maintain sample integrity prior to testing or referral
• Prepare and process specimens for referral to higher-level laboratories when tests are beyond facility capacity
• Reject and appropriately manage improperly collected, labeled, or compromised specimens in line with quality standards
• Perform routine laboratory investigations, including malaria microscopy/RDTs, HIV rapid testing, hemoglobin estimation, urinalysis, stool microscopy, and pregnancy tests in line with MoH SOPs
• Conduct basic hematology, parasitology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry tests within scope of facility equipment and capacity
• Support screening and diagnostic testing for TB, sexually transmitted infections, and other communicable diseases
• Perform blood grouping and cross-matching procedures where applicable and within scope of practice
• Accurately record, interpret at basic level, and promptly report test results to requesting clinician and ensure timely turnaround, prioritizing urgent requests
• Adhere to standard laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures and participate in External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes
• Observe strict infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, including proper use of PPE
• Ensure safe handling, decontamination, and disposal of laboratory waste and sharps in line with biosafety guidelines
• Report laboratory errors, discrepancies, or incidents promptly to Clinic Administrator or Clinical Officer/In-Charge
• Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment (microscopes, centrifuges, hemoglobinometers, refrigerators, etc.)
• Monitor reagent and consumable stock levels, coordinate timely reordering, ensure proper storage and cold chain maintenance
• Maintain inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies and report faults promptly
• Monitor expiry dates of reagents and test kits, ensuring proper stock rotation and disposal of expired items
• Maintain accurate laboratory registers, request forms, and results records in line with MoH HMIS requirements
• Compile and submit routine laboratory reports to Clinic Administrator and District Health Office channels
• Support disease surveillance by flagging and reporting notifiable diseases or unusual result patterns
• Maintain patient confidentiality and data protection standards
• Work collaboratively with Clinic Administrator, Clinical Officer/In-Charge, nurses, and midwives
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and continuous professional development and support outreach activities requiring diagnostic testing
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Clinic Administrator or leadership

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements

• Certificate or Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology/Science from a recognized and accredited institution
• Valid registration and practicing license with the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC) of Uganda, in good standing
• Minimum of 1-2 years laboratory experience in a health facility setting preferred; fresh graduates with strong practical training may be considered
• Sound knowledge of Uganda Ministry of Health laboratory guidelines, SOPs, and quality assurance practices
• Valid certification in infection prevention and control (IPC) and basic biosafety practices
• Demonstrated personal Christian faith and commitment to Christ-centered service
• Meticulous, accurate, and detail-oriented in specimen handling and testing
• Calm and composed under pressure, particularly with urgent or emergency requests
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
• Strong observational skills and commitment to safety and quality standards
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, clinicians, and fellow health workers
• Collaborative team player
• Competent in specimen collection techniques including venipuncture and capillary sampling
• Skilled in performing routine hematology, parasitology, microbiology, and basic clinical chemistry tests
• Knowledge of QA/QC procedures and infection prevention and control practices
• Competent in laboratory equipment operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Competent in laboratory records management and HMIS reporting
• Capable of maintaining a clean, safe, well-organized, and fully functional laboratory work area