Phlebotomist – Blood Sample Collection and Lab Preparation

Mediclinic vacancies

Available Locations: Midrand, Gauteng

Job Description

Job Summary


Mediclinic is seeking a compassionate, detail‑oriented Phlebotomist to perform safe, accurate venepuncture and capillary sampling, ensure impeccable pre-analytical specimen quality, and support end‑to‑end laboratory preparation workflows. You will be the face of our laboratory services to patients, delivering an excellent, empathetic experience while rigorously adhering to infection prevention, patient identification, sample handling, and data integrity standards. Working closely with pathologists, laboratory technologists, nurses, and administrative teams, you will help us maintain fast turnaround times (TAT), zero compromise on patient safety, and full regulatory compliance.



Key Responsibilities



  • Patient Interaction & Identification



    • Greet patients professionally, verify identity using two unique identifiers, and obtain informed consent.

    • Explain procedures, address concerns, and reduce patient anxiety through clear, empathetic communication.



  • Sample Collection



    • Perform venous, capillary, and special collection procedures (e.g., blood cultures, GTT, pediatric and geriatric collections) following standard operating procedures (SOPs).

    • Select appropriate collection tubes, order of draw, and anticoagulants; ensure correct fill volumes and proper mixing.



  • Pre-Analytical Processing & Lab Preparation



    • Label specimens at bedside with complete, legible information (barcode/LIS labels).

    • Centrifuge, aliquot, and prepare specimens for transport or analysis according to test-specific requirements (temperature, light protection, time limits).

    • Maintain chain of custody and documentation for critical/toxicology/clinical trial samples.



  • Quality & Compliance



    • Adhere to Mediclinic and regulatory policies (e.g., ISO 15189, CAP, DOH/DHA/HPCSA/HCPC or equivalent) regarding biosafety, sharps handling, and waste disposal.

    • Participate in internal audits, external quality assessments (EQAs), and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

    • Report and document incidents, sample rejections, near misses, and non-conformances; implement corrective actions.



  • Data & Systems



    • Accurately enter and verify orders/results in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) / Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

    • Track TAT, recollection rates, and specimen rejection metrics; assist in root-cause analysis.



  • Inventory & Equipment



    • Monitor and replenish phlebotomy supplies; ensure proper storage conditions.

    • Perform routine maintenance, calibration checks, and cleaning of phlebotomy chairs, centrifuges, and point-of-care devices.



  • Patient Safety & Infection Prevention



    • Apply standard/universal precautions, hand hygiene, and PPE protocols consistently.

    • Follow escalation procedures for adverse reactions (e.g., syncope, hematoma, bleeding).



  • Collaboration & Training



    • Liaise with clinicians, nursing staff, and couriers to ensure seamless sample logistics.

    • Mentor junior staff/students and contribute to ongoing competency assessments.





Required Skills and Qualifications



  • Education:



    • Diploma/Certificate in Phlebotomy, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, or an equivalent accredited program.



  • Licensure/Registration (as applicable to your location):



    • Registered/eligible with the relevant health professions council or licensing body (e.g., DOH/DHA/MOH, HPCSA, HCPC, or equivalent).



  • Technical Proficiency:



    • Demonstrated expertise in venepuncture and capillary sampling across diverse patient populations (pediatric, geriatric, oncology, ICU).

    • Strong understanding of pre-analytical variables (hemolysis, clotting, temperature, timing) and their impact on laboratory results.

    • Familiarity with LIS/EMR systems, barcode labeling, and specimen tracking.



  • Compliance & Safety:



    • Solid knowledge of ISO 15189/CAP standards, infection control, and biosafety levels.



  • Soft Skills:



    • Excellent communication, empathy, and patient-centred approach.

    • High attention to detail, problem-solving, and time management abilities.





Experience



  • Minimum: 1–2 years of hands-on phlebotomy experience in a hospital, diagnostic centre, or high-volume outpatient setting.

  • Preferred:



    • Experience in specialized collections (e.g., blood cultures, arterial sampling, clinical trial protocols).

    • Prior exposure to accreditation audits and quality management systems.





Working Hours



  • Full-time position with rotational shifts (morning/evening/night) to support 24/7 laboratory operations, including weekends and public holidays on a roster basis.

  • Overtime/on-call may be required to meet operational demands and emergency collections.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities



  • Knowledge:



    • Phlebotomy techniques, order of draw, anticoagulants, specimen stability requirements.

    • Infection prevention and control, sharps injury prevention, waste management.

    • Test-specific handling (e.g., ABGs on ice, light-sensitive tests, STAT prioritisation).



  • Skills:



    • Precise documentation, labeling, and LIS data entry.

    • Centrifugation, aliquoting, and sample packaging for internal/external referral labs.

    • Managing difficult venous access scenarios and handling vasovagal episodes.



  • Abilities:



    • Work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with minimal errors.

    • Maintain composure and compassion with anxious, pediatric, or critically ill patients.

    • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving SOPs and technologies.





Benefits*



  • Competitive salary with performance-based increments.

  • Health/medical insurance and life cover.

  • Paid annual leave, sick leave, and public holiday compensation per policy.

  • Professional development support: CME/CPD credits, internal training, and career progression pathways.

  • Access to Mediclinic’s employee wellness programmes. *Benefits may vary by country/business unit; final details will be provided during the offer stage.



Why Join Mediclinic?



  • Patient-first culture: Deliver care in a clinically robust, safe, and compassionate environment.

  • Accredited excellence: Work in laboratories aligned with global quality standards (ISO/CAP).

  • Growth & learning: Continuous upskilling, mentorship, and clear career ladders within a respected healthcare network.

  • Teamwork that matters: Collaborate with experts who value your role in diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.



How to Apply



  1. Prepare your application: Updated CV/resume, copies of qualifications, professional license/registration, and any relevant training certificates.

  2. Cover letter: Briefly highlight your phlebotomy experience, patient care philosophy, and familiarity with LIS/quality standards.

  3. Submit online: Apply through the official Mediclinic careers portal (select “Phlebotomist – Blood Sample Collection and Lab Preparation”) or the designated application email as stated in the vacancy listing.

  4. Interview & assessment: Shortlisted candidates may undergo a competency-based interview, technical skills assessment, and reference/license verification.



Equal Opportunity Statement: Mediclinic is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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