Other questions

Question 1

What would you do if you had a spillage in the lab?

Answer 1

Given that it may be a contaminated patient sample, section off the spill and remove source Depending on risk- evaciate and call approperiate services
If a non contamiated/toxic spill, use approperiate spill kit to absorb surface decontaminate as approperiate
Complete an incidence report to minimise the chnaces of this occuring in the future

Question 2

What are the risks of handling biological samples and how do we go about reducing those risks

Answer 2

The main problem is that samples may be contaminated and the contaminants are unknown- these could include fluid born pathogens
Appropriate handling and containment- this includes enclosing the sample in a way that inhibits spills and direct contact
PPE should be worn- including methods of inhibiting direct contact
Risk assessment and method of appropriate handling must be known

Question 3

what do you know about the role?
What would be expected of you in this role?
What will you do in this role?

Answer 3

Supporting bms in carrying out sample analysis and diagnosis- supporting them through testing set up preparation, lab maintenance, disposal of contaminated samples, processing and sample preparation for analysis.

Question 4

Why would you like this job?

Answer 4

Because working in healthcare has been a dream of mine since forever. it will be the first step towards a career in healthcare here in the UK and if I got this position, I would be so glad to be working from the NHS. Plus, I think my background was really helpful, because I do have lab experience and perhaps have my own impact in the job.

Question 5

what do you know about data protection and how do you ensure data is protected ?
What is your understanding of patient confidentiality?
What do you know about confidentiality?

Answer 5

Ensure safegaurding and data protection training is undertaken
Details attributed to patients must remain confidential
Data generated does not leave site and disposal and handling of data must be done carefully according to protocol
Details of projects or cases must not be shared with thoaw outside the direct circle of individuals involved

Ensuring that ANY patient identifiable information is not shared, lost, or breached that can cause the patient harm.

Question 6

a time when you worked well in a team
How would you be collaborative within the team? (Trust Value)
Why is team work important and can you give an example of a time you’ve worked as part of a team
Give an example of when you worked as part of a team.

Answer 6

Working together is an important MFT trust value

Question 7

What are these risks of handling potentially infectious samples and how do we go about reducing them?

Answer 7

I think one of the main risks is contamination, so all the samples should be handled carefully. But I think if it’s known that the patient has given disease or could have infections that may be transmitted to laboratory and other health care workers must be labelled as biohazard, so the appropriate labelling and attached requesting forms are also important to avoid contamination.

Question 8

What actions would you take if you identified a mistake within the laboratory setting?
What would you do if you made an error

Answer 8

Report it to my supervisor and suggest ways of rectifying this that comply with the relevant ways of working sop
If this poses a risk fill out a near miss form

Question 9

What do you know about health and safety in the lab

Answer 9

I know that in general health and safety in the lab it is very important, and formally there is usually some guidelines about how to proceed and behave around the different equipment and different chemicals in the lab, in order to prevent injuries, perhaps even death; they also allow for improved productivity, if the workers have safety training and feel safe.

Question 10

What are your strenghts/ weeknesses?

Answer 10

My strengths I would say are that I’m very persistent and don’t give up easily, also I’m a quick learner and that I’m methodical and like to follow processes.
Weaknesses fear of public speaking, perhaps my lack of experience in the hospital setting

Question 11

What would you do if you saw someone not following health and safety procedures

Answer 11

I would try and approach the person and explain the correct procedure, or if I was unsure, I would bring it up with my supervisor, and think of ways of rectfying it

Question 12

What are the MFT values and can you explain how you fit into them in your current employment

Answer 12

MFT values are EVERYONE MATTERS, WORKING TOGETHER, DIGNITY AND CARE and OPEN AND HONEST.

Question 13

What is an SOP and can you name a time when you’ve used one

Answer 13

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.

Question 14

What is your understanding of PPE?

Answer 14

Personal protective equipment, such as lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, hair nets if required, and general clothing such as suitable shoes.

Question 15

How would you respond to a complaint phone call.

Answer 15

Listen and establish the nature of the complaint. Identify if i needed further information from members of team. I would advise caller of what has occurred and how it will be rectified. If issue cannot be addressed immediately, inform what needs to done and when they will be updated.

Question 16

What makes a good medical laboratory assistant?

Answer 16

good fine motor skills to handle specimens and small laboratory equipment. normal colour vision. good communication skills. good organizational and time management skills.

Question 17

What are 5 major responsibilities performed by a medical laboratory assistant?

Answer 17

Checking samples to make sure they are in the proper containers.
Performing routine tests and sample analyses.
Matching patient information.
Entering data into computers.
Collecting, labeling, and delivering specimens.
Setting up, operating, and maintaining lab equipment.

Question 18

What is important to know before you handle any equipment in the lab?

Answer 18

risk assessment, method of application/handling, correct PPE, safe ways of working

Question 19

Why is team work important?

Answer 19

As described by one of the trust values, working together is very important as it ensures effective communcications to make operations run smoothly and rpovide the best patient care possible; it is also good because different people can have different expertises, so its always a learning opportunity for ways of working and self improvement, and to help motivation and support each other.

Question 20

How would you manage a large workload?

Can you handle a dynamic workload under pressure?

Answer 20

Talk about prioritising workload and developing an action plan, willing to work longer where necessary.
Yes, I imagine this situation must happen all the time. During my masters this would often happen, especially after we were back in the lab after the pandemic, because I would have a lot of material to process, lots of repetitive tasks. So, I would try and develop a plan of action to tackle all the tasks, it’s silly but the to do list method works a lot for me as ticking a task off gives me a sense of accomplishment, and I’m willing to work longer if necessary.

Question 21

The job is very repetitive, how would you remain focused?

Answer 21

At the lab I previously worked it’s never been an issue before, but I understand the importance of taking 10-15 seconds regroup yourself. Something that I’m really used to, is when I had to write which would require a lot of focus, or study at home, I would use the pomodoro technique, to focus for 25 minutes, and then have 5 minutes to use my phone or do whatever. I know at work this is a lot of off time

Question 22

What experience do you have?
what is your previous experience ?
Tell us briefly about your education and career to date, and why you have applied for this post
Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and experience that you bring to this role.

Answer 22

Talk about what skills you’ve developed that can translate to a laboratory environment.