Associate Practitioner Andrology

An Andrology Associate Practitioner is a member of an Andrology team which is part of the wider Blood Sciences team working within the Path Links Pathology service. They are required to examine semen samples to ascertain fertility status, and post vasectomy samples for the presence or absence of sperm.

Delegated work and duties will be arranged and performed under the indirect supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist Advanced Practitioner utilising Standard Operating Procedures.

A period of "in house " training, practical assessment of competency, plus continuing acceptable performance in annual competency assessments and National External Quality Control are all required to continue to practice.

We are happy to support the successful candidate to complete their certificate of competence in diagnostic semen analysis from the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS) if they wish. This would mean they were a fully qualified andrology practitioner at the end of the contract and make them a very desirable candidate to future employers. In addition to this, skills and experience gained in the role would be transferable to other laboratory roles.

We are also happy to support other qualifications e.g. IBMS registration portfolio if the successful candidate holds a biomedical science degree.

Meeting with patients and partners to take receipt of specimens for fertility testing and post vasectomy testing, ensuring that any problems are handled and communicated in a sensitive manner, whilst maintaining patient confidentiality.

Preparation of samples for processing, including use of centrifuges where appropriate.

Sample identification and numbering of andrology samples including investigation of missing / lost or mislabeled samples.

Entry of patient & specimen data onto laboratory data systems. To assist in the collection of quality data as required.

The processing of semen specimens under the indirect supervision of a qualified Biomedical Scientist (BMS)

Using a microscope, to undertake subjective analytical screening of seminal fluid samples adhering to the latest WHO guidelines. This will include initial identification of sperm abnormalities, sperm counts, and analysis of fertility parameters for subsequent authorisation by BMS or Consultant staff.

The post holder will have responsibility, where circumstances dictate, to request retests of samples, the recall of sample results, to analyse the samples and produce test reports, which inform future diagnosis and clinical pathways.

After a post qualification period of at least 12 months and following further assessment, to examine External Quality Control samples as part of a National Quality assurance scheme).

Maintain a minimum examination rate of 500 samples per annum.

Use of laboratory equipment, for example staining machines, use of calibrated equipment to make accurate measurements, etc. as appropriate.

Record keeping, including recording the temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, water baths, incubators etc. where appropriate.

Equipment checks, including periodic maintenance and checking of equipment such as calibrated pipettes, and staining machines ensuring that they meet laboratory standards.

The post holder will be responsible for assisting in the review of Andrology working procedures and proactively proposing changes to both Andrology policies and SOPs to improve the effectiveness of the department and services to its users.

Stock management, including the recording of reagent stocks as they are delivered into the laboratory, and advising appropriate personnel when stock levels are low.

Chemical reagent preparation and replacement as appropriate to the department.

Pre-acceptance testing of reagents and consumables associated with andrology testing.

Dealing with telephone enquiries and booking of appointments. To provide advice to patients and service users on patient preparation requirements prior to sample provision.

Filing of laboratory requests, completed samples or microscope slides, and laboratory reports from reference laboratories.

Path Links is a networked Pathology service working within Boston, Lincoln, Grantham, Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole hospitals. We are part of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust which covers Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole hospitals.

We encourage all our staff to innovate and adopt 'best practice' so we can deliver excellent care to our patients. We ask staff to live our values; kindness, courage and respect. We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us. You could be one of them.

To learn more about Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, and discover the unique benefits on offer to employees, view our latest videos, plus more, please visit our recruitment website at https://joinnlag.co.uk/

Should we receive a high volume of applications for this vacancy, the advert may be closed earlier than stated. To view a full job description and person specification please see attachments on this advert.

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Please be aware that all new employees starting work with us will be charged for the cost of their DBS check, if it is required for their role.

Education and Qualifications

Desirable: - IT Skills; - Experience in Microscopy

Occupational Experience

Essential: - Previous science based roles; - Previous experience in customer facing roles

Desirable: - Previous laboratory experience; - Previous NHS experience