PROFILE

Results-driven Medical Laboratory Scientist with over 9 years of experience in microbiological, serological and molecular testing within SANAS-accredited, high-throughput laboratories. Possessing a strong foundation in quality assurance, troubleshooting and advanced diagnostic platforms, I consistently deliver accurate, time-sensitive results in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Known for my analytical mindset, adaptability and collaborative approach, I actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, staff training and compliance with national laboratory standards. I am passionate about medical laboratory science and am eager to contribute my technical expertise and leadership capabilities to a forward-thinking healthcare or laboratory services team.

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RELEVANT SKILLS

·       Microbiological, Serological & Molecular Testing: Extensive hands-on experience in routine and specialised testing, result interpretation, verification and reporting in accordance with laboratory SOPs and accreditation standards.

·       Diagnostic Platforms & Instrumentation: Proficient in operating and maintaining systems (where applicable) including GeneXpert, BacT/ALERT 3D, BD BACTEC MGIT 960, VITEK 2, VITEK MS PRIME, PREVI COLOR GRAM, Seegene NIMBUS, Thermo Fisher Scientific QuantStudio 5 and Hain Lifescience platforms.

·       Serological & Rapid Test Kits: Skilled in a wide range of diagnostic kits including BD Macro-Vue RPR and API systems, BinaxNOW, IMMY CrAg LFA, Hain Lifescience GenoType assays, TechLab, Wellcolex and ZEUS IFA testing.

·       Quality Control & EQA: Strong experience in QC monitoring, EQA participation, lot-to-lot verification, non-conformance management and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

·       Analytical & Statistical Skills: Competent in analysing laboratory data, identifying trends, troubleshooting outliers and implementing evidence-based solutions.

·       Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Proven ability to perform preventive maintenance, liaise with service engineers, and generate clearance certificates and verification documentation.

·       Training & Mentorship: Experienced in facilitating and training WIL students, intern medical technologists, medical scientists and registrars.

·       Workflow Optimisation: Demonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies and provide actionable recommendations to streamline laboratory processes and improve turnaround times.

·       Health & Safety Compliance: Designated Fire Marshall and First Aider with a strong commitment to laboratory safety and risk management.

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EXPERIENCE

Medical Technologist | April 2018 – Present

National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital | South Africa

Outline: Analysis of samples submitted for microbiological, serological and molecular examination in a SANAS accredited laboratory. Upholding quality assurance practices to meet the requirements and expectations of customers. Participating in the general upkeep of the laboratory while following established protocols.

Key Responsibilities Include:

·       Identifying and reporting of critical results.

·       Detecting technical and clerical errors.

·       Adhering to analytical times and TAT for data-capturing and resulting.

·       Performing and interpreting QC results of media, reagents and equipment.

·       Conducting preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment.

·       Collaborating with instrument technicians/consultants and generating clearance certificates.

·       Identifying, recording and actioning non-conforming events.

·       Troubleshooting outlying results and implementing necessary corrective action.

·       Conducting root cause analysis.

·       Performing analysis and submission of EQA and implementing necessary corrective action.

·       Performing lot-to-lot verification.

·       Referring samples and isolates for additional and/or specialized testing.

·       Monitoring stock for operational requirements.

·       Analysing data and performing statistical analysis.

·       Documenting and escalating customer complaints.

·       Providing suggestions to streamline workflow.

·       Facilitating and training WIL students, intern medical technologists, intern medical scientists and registrars.

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Entry Level Medical Technologist | February 2017 – March 2018

National Health Laboratory Service – Tygerberg Hospital | South Africa

Outline: Performing analysis on samples submitted for microbiological examination. Participating in the general upkeep of the laboratory while following established protocols.

Key Responsibilities Included:

·       Receiving, sorting and assessing of sample suitability for analysis.

·       Selecting appropriate media for sample analysis.

·       Analysing and interpreting sample microscopy, culture media and antibiotic testing.

·       Verifying and authorising test results.

·       Ensuring sufficient consumable availability for bench-specific operational requirements.

·       Generating, actioning and resolving of overdue and pending test lists.

·       Ensuring completion of laboratory records.

·       General maintenance of laboratory equipment, including recording temperatures and reporting outlying values.

·       Thorough and effective communication with all colleagues.

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EDUCATION

Bachelor of Health Science – Medical Laboratory Science: Clinical Pathology

Cape Peninsula University of Technology | South Africa | 2013 – 2016

·  Included in the course was six months of Work-Intergrated-Learning for the period of July 2015 to December 2015, which involved rotation through various laboratories to gain exposure to laboratory practice. Thereafter, one year for the period of January 2016 to December 2016, was dedicated to field specialization.

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NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

·       Spearheaded the installation and verification of the PREVI COLOR Gram staining machine.

·       Co-author of the following National Health Laboratory Service SOPs-MIC0728: Commonly Used Staining Techniques and MIC1506: BacT/Alert 3D Microbial Detection System – Operation, Processing and Maintenance.

·       Designated Fire Marshall and First Aider

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