Lab Assistant | Histology | Cedar Road

What You Will Do:

Perform Specimen Management and Laboratory Processing Activities

You will contribute to the quality and efficiency of laboratory operations by ensuring specimens are managed, processed, and prepared accurately in line with laboratory standards and turnaround time requirements. Activities may include:

• Receiving, verifying, sorting, and processing specimens according to standard operating procedures.
• Preparing specimens for testing through centrifuging, aliquoting, pipetting, extracting, and other approved laboratory procedures.
• Storing, retrieving, tracing, and discarding specimens in accordance with laboratory requirements.
• Preparing specimens and reagents for referral to internal and external laboratories.
• Loading, processing, and managing specimens on automated pre- and post-analytical systems.
• Handling urgent and STAT specimens, investigating test queries, and following up on specimen-related matters.
• Assisting technical staff with specimen retrieval and preparation requirements.
• Monitoring turnaround times and escalating specimen-related concerns when required.

Perform Administrative Duties Accurately and Timeously

You will support laboratory efficiency through accurate record keeping, data management, and discipline-specific administrative activities. Activities may include:

• Generating and capturing patient results accurately and within required turnaround times.
• Supporting specialised screening, validation, and result communication processes where applicable.
• Arranging and preparing specimens or reagents for referral testing.
• Managing discipline-specific administrative workflows, follow-ups, scheduling, and documentation.
• Assisting with stock ordering and inventory administration.
• Confirming patient information and specimen details.
• Recording administrative information accurately and timeously.
• Maintaining complaints registers and updating laboratory records.
• Documenting specimen-related issues, complaints, and amended results.

Provide General Laboratory Support

You will contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the laboratory by providing operational support and maintaining a safe, organised work environment. Activities may include:

• Collecting and delivering specimens, reports, and laboratory documentation.
• Replenishing consumables and instrument supplies.
• Cleaning laboratory work areas, equipment, and designated support areas.
• Performing specimen barcoding, labelling, batching, shipping, and report distribution activities.
• Tracking laboratory containers, batches, and related logistics processes.

What You Bring:

Qualifications

Required:

• Grade 12.
• HPCSA Registration as a Lab Assistant.

Experience

Required:

• 1-3 years' administrative or Lab Assistant experience, preferably within a pathology, healthcare, or medical environment, would be advantageous.
• Experience working with administrative processes, documentation, and data management is beneficial.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational ability are essential for success in this role.

Knowledge & Skills

Required (Non-Negotiable):

• Ability to perform routine administrative tasks accurately and consistently.
• Strong attention to quality, accuracy, and detail.
• Ability to follow procedures, policies, and quality standards.
• Effective time management and prioritisation skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships.
• Proficiency in using relevant IT systems and standard office applications.
• Ability to identify and resolve routine problems efficiently.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and preventing operational delays.
• Exceptional discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with information management requirements.