كارل Kitson

Currently completing the IBMS specialist portfolio in microbiology.

Taking on additional responsibilities in my role, for example, training colleagues on the GeneXpert and giving lunchtime lectures in parasitology, as CPD for my laboratory colleagues. I am an active participant in the 24hr rota system where on the night shifts I lone work.

I regularly participate in ITU ward round visits with the consultant microbiologist to gain an insight into how diagnostics affects clinical outcome. I have completed and signed off biomedical scientist related competencies within each workbench.


Being a biomedical scientist allows me to use my knowledge across BSc and MSc levels to critically analyse and evaluate results for the benefit of patient care. Using my expertise in parasitology I have given advice to GPs seeking clarification of patient symptoms etc.

Completed the IBMS registration portfolio, which has allowed me to become HCPC registered.
Developed broader knowledge and understanding regarding Health & Safety, Standards of Proficiency, Patient Welfare & Confidentiality and how they affect my work.
Completed vertical audits as well as verification & validation assessments within the laboratory.

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), considered the backbone of a working laboratory, I joined a team that was responsible for the processing over a thousand samples a day. As a Locum worker, you are expected to walk into the laboratory and start working. Due to my previous experiences as an MLA, I was technically proficient to handle all microbiological samples and processing them accordingly. Because of my proficiency, shown by my completed competency folder from my previous MLA job, I was able to cover all workbenches from urines to faecal samples. I had to use a mixture of manual microbiological skills with a growing number of automated processes on samples. I handled calls from doctors and nurses in a confident manner and in accordance with patient confidentiality. I was responsible for the semi-automated processing of over 400 urines a day, where I was expected to sort out the samples, aliquot them into tubes and process them onto sedimax, as well as, dealing with any errors (technical, mislabelled samples etc.).

Responsible for testing cell cultures used in the Human Immunology Unit for Mycoplasma contamination.
Maintaining laboratories, stock taking and ordering.
Communicating with laboratory managers and researchers to ensure all needs and tasks are met.

Fully trained to category 3 laboratory standard and comfortable working to Good Laboratory Practises.
Handled patients details with the upmost professionalism adhering to patient confidentiality.
Successfully trained and competent to a number of workstations involving urine, faecal and microbiology put up.
Showed competence in learning how to handle, maintain and use a number of machine including MastUri and KIESTRA automated systems, whilst working a shift pattern.
Responsible for carrying out quality controls and maintenance of automated platforms.
Responsible for administrative duties preparing the laboratory for a EUCAST audit.