Medical Laboratory Scientist

Primary Activities

A Medical Laboratory Scientist in the Medical function is typically expected to perform the following activities as a part of their job. Expect questions delving deeper into these areas depending on your level of experience. This is a representative list and not a complete one; the latter are generally based on the exact nature of the role

Performing Laboratory Tests: Conducting various tests on patient samples to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
Operating & Maintaining Laboratory Equipment: Ensuring proper functioning of laboratory instruments and performing regular maintenance and calibration
Analyzing Test Results: Interpreting and analyzing laboratory test results accurately and reporting findings to healthcare professionals
Quality Control & Assurance: Implementing and monitoring quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results
Maintaining Laboratory Records: Recording and documenting test results, procedures, and other relevant information in accordance with laboratory protocols
Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: Identifying and resolving technical issues or discrepancies in test results, equipment, or procedures
Ensuring Compliance With Safety Regulations: Adhering to safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment and prevent accidents or contamination
Participating In Research & Development: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and improve laboratory techniques, procedures, and technologies
Continuing Education & Professional Development: Staying updated with advancements in medical laboratory science through attending workshops, conferences, and pursuing further education
Collaborating With Healthcare Team: Working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide accurate and timely laboratory information for patient care

Key Performance Indicators

Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Medical function are often evaluated using the following KPI metrics. Address atleast some of these metrics in your resume line items & within your interview stories to maximize your prospects (if you have prior experiences in this or a related role). This is not a comprehensive list and exact metrics vary depending on the type of business

Turnaround Time: The time taken to complete a laboratory test from the time of sample collection to the delivery of results
Accuracy Rate: The percentage of accurate test results obtained compared to the total number of tests performed
Quality Control Compliance: The adherence to established quality control protocols and standards in laboratory testing
Sample Rejection Rate: The percentage of samples rejected due to inadequate quantity, improper labeling, or other reasons
Test Utilization: The appropriate and efficient use of laboratory tests to aid in diagnosis and patient management
Equipment Downtime: The amount of time laboratory equipment is non-functional or undergoing maintenance, affecting test throughput
Staff Productivity: The efficiency and output of laboratory staff in performing tests and delivering accurate results
Test Volume: The total number of tests performed within a specific time period, indicating workload and resource allocation
Specimen Contamination Rate: The percentage of specimens contaminated during collection, transportation, or processing
Critical Value Reporting: The timely reporting of critical test results that require immediate medical attention

Selection Process

Successful candidates for a Medical Laboratory Scientists role in the Medical function can expect a similar selection process as the one outlined below. Actual process may vary depending on seniority, size/type of company etc.

Phone screening
A brief phone call to assess your qualifications and interest in the role
In-person interview
A face-to-face interview with a hiring manager and/or a panel of interviewers. They will ask you questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge related to the Medical Laboratory Scientist role
Technical assessment
A practical test or assessment to evaluate your technical skills and proficiency in laboratory procedures
Behavioral interview
A structured interview focusing on your behavior, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle various situations in a laboratory setting
Reference checks
Contacting your provided references to gather insights about your work ethic, skills, and suitability for the role
Final interview
A final interview with senior management or key stakeholders to assess your fit within the organization and discuss any remaining questions or concerns
Offer
If selected as the top candidate, you will receive a job offer with details regarding salary, benefits, and start date

Interview Questions

Common Interview Questions that a Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Medical function is likely to face. Prepare stories that tailor to your own experiences that may help you answer these questions effectively. This is not a complete list and more questions will be added over time. Use the topic tags in the search box below to filter by specific topics

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