Example response for question delving into Skills with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

•  General Laboratory Equipment: I am familiar with a wide range of general laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, balances, pH meters, and spectrophotometers
•  Hematology Instruments: I have experience working with hematology instruments including automated cell counters, coagulation analyzers, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) analyzers
•  Clinical Chemistry Instruments: I am proficient in operating clinical chemistry instruments such as automated analyzers for measuring blood glucose, electrolytes, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and lipid profiles
•  Microbiology Instruments: I have knowledge of microbiology instruments like incubators, autoclaves, microscopes for bacterial identification, and automated systems for microbial identification and susceptibility testing
•  Immunology Instruments: I am familiar with immunology instruments such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) readers, flow cytometers, and immunoassay analyzers for detecting antibodies and antigens
•  Molecular Biology Instruments: I have experience working with molecular biology instruments including thermal cyclers for PCR, gel electrophoresis systems, DNA sequencers, and real-time PCR machines
•  Quality Control Instruments: I am knowledgeable about quality control instruments like calibration devices, control materials, and proficiency testing programs to ensure accurate and reliable laboratory results
•  Laboratory Information Systems (LIS): I have used Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) to manage patient data, track specimens, and generate reports
•  Safety Equipment: I am well-versed in using safety equipment such as fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, personal protective equipment (PPE), and chemical spill kits to maintain a safe laboratory environment

  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

•  Technical Skills: Assessing your familiarity with laboratory equipment and instruments to determine your technical expertise and ability to perform tasks effectively
•  Experience: Evaluating your level of experience with different equipment and instruments to gauge your suitability for the role and the specific laboratory environment
•  Adaptability: Assessing your ability to quickly learn and adapt to new laboratory equipment and instruments, indicating your potential to handle evolving technologies and methodologies
•  Efficiency: Determining your proficiency in using laboratory equipment and instruments to ensure efficient and accurate completion of tasks
•  Troubleshooting: Assessing your knowledge and experience in troubleshooting issues related to laboratory equipment and instruments, indicating your problem-solving abilities

  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

•  Lack of familiarity with basic laboratory equipment: Not being able to mention common laboratory equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, pipettes, and spectrophotometers
•  Limited knowledge of specialized instruments: Not being familiar with instruments specific to the medical laboratory field, such as automated analyzers, flow cytometers, PCR machines, and mass spectrometers
•  Inability to discuss maintenance & troubleshooting: Not being able to explain how to maintain and calibrate equipment, or troubleshoot common issues that may arise during laboratory operations
•  Lack of knowledge about safety protocols: Not mentioning safety equipment like fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and personal protective equipment (PPE), or failing to discuss adherence to safety protocols and regulations
•  Limited understanding of laboratory automation: Not being familiar with laboratory automation systems, robotic sample handling, or laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
•  No experience with quality control procedures: Not mentioning proficiency in performing quality control tests, analyzing quality control data, or participating in proficiency testing programs
•  Unfamiliarity with emerging technologies: Not being aware of recent advancements in laboratory equipment and technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, digital pathology, or liquid handling robotics

 Related

  Other questions asked for the Medical Laboratory Scientist in Medical function. View details for the Medical Laboratory Scientist here

• What steps do you take to ensure quality control in the laboratory?
• How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with colleagues in the laboratory?
• Tell me about your experience working in a medical laboratory.
• What are the key skills required for a Medical Laboratory Scientist role?
• How do you ensure accuracy and precision in your work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
• How do you prioritize your tasks in a fast-paced laboratory environment?
• Tell me about a time when you made a mistake in the lab. How did you handle it?
• What steps do you take to ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols?
• What is your approach to maintaining accurate records and documentation in the lab?
• How do you handle stressful situations in the laboratory?
• Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team in a laboratory setting.
• How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and developments in the field of medical laboratory science?
• Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with laboratory equipment.
• Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex laboratory findings to a non-technical audience.
• Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an unexpected issue during a laboratory experiment.
• Tell me about a time when you had to handle a high volume of samples in a short period of time.
• What steps do you take to ensure proper specimen handling and storage?
• How do you maintain confidentiality and privacy of patient information in the laboratory?
• Describe a situation where you had to handle a difficult or challenging patient. How did you handle it?