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

•  Calibration & maintenance: Regularly calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results
•  Quality control samples: Running quality control samples alongside patient samples to monitor the accuracy and precision of test results
•  Standard operating procedures: Following established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each test to ensure consistency and minimize errors
•  Documentation & record-keeping: Maintaining detailed records of all procedures, results, and any deviations from expected outcomes
•  Training & competency assessment: Providing ongoing training to laboratory staff and regularly assessing their competency to ensure they are following proper protocols
•  Participation in proficiency testing: Participating in external proficiency testing programs to evaluate the laboratory's performance and identify areas for improvement
•  Troubleshooting & problem-solving: Promptly addressing any issues or deviations from expected results, investigating the root cause, and implementing corrective actions
•  Continuous quality improvement: Actively seeking opportunities to improve laboratory processes, workflows, and overall quality through regular audits and feedback loops
•  Compliance with regulatory standards: Adhering to all applicable regulatory standards and guidelines, such as those set by CLIA, CAP, or ISO, to ensure quality and patient safety
•  Collaboration & communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with other laboratory staff, clinicians, and stakeholders to address any quality-related concerns or issues

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

•  Knowledge & understanding of quality control procedures: Assessing the candidate's familiarity with quality control measures in a laboratory setting
•  Attention to detail & accuracy: Evaluating the candidate's ability to maintain precise and accurate results through quality control processes
•  Problem-solving & troubleshooting skills: Determining the candidate's approach to identifying and resolving issues that may arise during quality control procedures
•  Adherence to regulations & standards: Assessing the candidate's understanding of and commitment to following regulatory guidelines and industry standards in quality control

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

•  Lack of knowledge: If the candidate is unable to provide specific steps or details about quality control procedures in a laboratory, it may indicate a lack of knowledge or experience in the field
•  Vague or generic answers: If the candidate provides vague or generic answers without mentioning specific quality control measures or protocols, it may suggest a lack of understanding or attention to detail
•  Inability to prioritize quality control: If the candidate fails to emphasize the importance of quality control or does not mention it as a top priority in the laboratory, it may raise concerns about their commitment to accuracy and patient safety
•  Lack of experience with quality control documentation: If the candidate is unfamiliar with quality control documentation, such as maintaining records, tracking results, or following standard operating procedures, it may indicate a lack of experience or attention to detail
•  Inadequate knowledge of regulatory requirements: If the candidate is unaware of or unable to discuss regulatory requirements related to quality control in a laboratory, it may suggest a lack of familiarity with industry standards and guidelines

 Related

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

• What are the key skills required for a Medical Laboratory Scientist role?
• Tell me about your experience working in a medical laboratory.
• How do you ensure accuracy and precision in your work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
• Describe a situation where you had to handle a difficult or challenging patient. How did you handle it?
• What laboratory equipment and instruments are you familiar with?
• 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?
• 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.
• What is your approach to maintaining accurate records and documentation in the lab?
• 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.
• How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with colleagues in the laboratory?
• 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?
• Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an unexpected issue during a laboratory experiment.
• How do you maintain confidentiality and privacy of patient information in the laboratory?