Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
INSTRUMENTS USED
Timeline
Generic

Nicola Somwaru

Baltimore

Summary

Hardworking Medical Laboratory Scientist /Generalist bringing over 29 years of Clinical Laboratory expertise in Microbiology, Biochemistry ,Hematology, Immunology, Serology, Blood Bank and Immuno-hematology and Phlebotomy skills to Healthcare.. Skilled multitasker with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Proven history of maintaining equipment and lab areas in alignment with regulatory guidelines. Quality-driven team player with accuracy-focused and efficient approach.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Medical Laboratory Scientist

University Of Maryland Medical Center
01.2023 - Current

Testing Procedures:

  • Ensures specimens received in my department are acceptable for testing
  • By applying the appropriate criteria
  • Operates both primary and secondary instrumentation proficiently
  • Reports test results within established departmental turn-around times after verifying documentation is complete and accurate
  • Recognizes and reports critical results to Provider
  • Follow universal precautions at all times when dealing with blood or body fluids
  • Blood Films: Peripheral Blood smear ( Leukemic and other blood anomalies) -Performs Manual testing ( Body Fluids Cell count and differential- CSF, Pleural Fluid, -Pericardial, Ascites, Alveolar Lavage, Synovial Fluid etc
  • Kleilhauer-Betke Test ( Fetal Cells), Urine -Eosinophil, Malaria both POCT and Smears.)
  • Disinfects counter tops daily with appropriate cleaner
  • Follows Hospital/Laboratory safety and infection control policies and reporting variances to section Supervisors as they occur
  • Preventive Maintenance/Quality and Control/Quality Assurance: -Properly operates, maintains and troubleshoots whenever necessary on Hematology analyzers
  • Analyzes quality control materials for each procedure and records values according to section policy, and reports to supervisor accordingly
  • Laboratory Information System Operation: -Performs order or result entry (manual or computerized) and reviews information for accuracy before verification.

SENIOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Southern Medical Services Limited
10.2012 - 05.2022
  • Determines normal and abnormal components of body fluids by conducting chemical analyses of blood, urine, spinal fluids, and gastric juices
  • Analyses blood cells by counting and identifying cells, using microscopic techniques and procedures
  • Performs blood group, type, compatibility tests for transfusion purposes
  • Analyses test results and validate findings on the computer
  • Liaises with Physicians about critical results
  • Ensures operation of analyzers, spectrophotometers, and other laboratory equipment by calibrating; completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques
  • Maintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; verifying receipt of supplies
  • Conserves laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results
  • Performs Phlebotomy training and assistance to junior members of staff whenever necessary and help to implement systems to provide improved service to clients
  • Performs Phlebotomy services whenever necessary to the elderly and infants
  • Performing nasal and throat swabs for Covid-19 PCR and Antigen testing
  • Prepares reports of technological findings by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information
  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies
  • Maintains inter- and intra- departmental work flow by fostering a spirit of cooperation
  • Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
  • Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control and hazardous waste policies and protocols; following identification procedures
  • Maintains patient confidentiality and protects the hospital by keeping information confidential
  • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
  • Trains and supervise interns and junior staff in the laboratory
  • Fills in and acts in a managerial capacity in the Laboratory Manager's absence.

PHLEBOTOMY LECTURER, ENSAFE INSTITUTE
01.2015 - 01.2017
  • Communicate well with adult learners to help enhance or advance their healthcare careers
  • Prepared Lectures and examinations
  • Developed grading system and evaluated students' performance
  • Trained and instructed students on methods of Blood taking techniques.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Victoria Laboratories
11.2010 - 09.2012
  • Receiving, labeling and safely storing samples to be tested
  • Determining and performing tests needed for the analysis and report
  • Recording tests and analyses and then reporting the results
  • Discussing and answering any questions regarding the results
  • Organizing and storing samples in accordance with all safety and other requirements to ensure the safety of personnel and integrity of the sample
  • Cleaning and maintaining lab equipment, including recalibration of equipment
  • Maintaining equipment records and daily work logs
  • Staying current on technical and scientific advances in their field.

LABORATORY MANAGER

Ralaquin Medical Laboratory
10.2008 - 11.2010
  • Prepared & Supervised preparation of samples for analysis or testing
  • Selects and adapts most appropriate methods and techniques from a variety of possibilities, some of which may appear equally suitable; as needed, researches and develops new or modifies methods and techniques when standard ones are inadequate
  • Selects and adapts most appropriate methods and techniques from a variety of possibilities, some of which may appear equally suitable; as needed, researches and develops new or modifies methods and techniques when standard ones are inadequate
  • Independently performs tests or analyses using a variety of complex methods and techniques, which may require solving problems inherent with the methodology; calculates results, evaluates findings and determines needed for further analysis; prepares comprehensive reports which document methodology, evaluate findings and explain other information pertinent to the analysis
  • Operates, tests and calibrates analytical instruments, equipment and related components, which may be extremely delicate and sensitive; makes adjustments and resolves new and unusual problems
  • Managed a small laboratory operation in a doctor's clinic, with responsibility for the quality and quantity of the work of others, proper maintenance of laboratory conditions, safety procedures, equipment, instruments and supplies, files and records
  • Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates technical and support staff; determines work schedules and work assignments; recommends staffing levels -Initiates purchases of equipment and supplies; maintains contact with vendors and searches commercial market to determine availability and cost of equipment/instruments to meet needs of the department and liaising with the Director on such decisions.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • Follow aseptic technique
  • Proficient or developing proficiency in aseptic technique, microbiology lab operations, analytical methods and Preparing SOPS
  • Read and report direct specimen
  • Gram stains from all sources
  • Set up and file results
  • Maintain all media, lab instruments, and supplies required for routine lab operation
  • Be a part of a core team of microbiology team and performing proficiency testing internally and externally
  • Work with cross functional colleagues to report results and aid in determining and aiding physicians in correct diagnosis
  • Execute of microbiology product efficacy experiments, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
01.1993 - 01.2006
  • Orientation -Point of Care Testing -Sample Preparation and Processing -Care of Instruments -Laboratory Safety -Phlebotomy -Communication with patients and customers

Education

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE - MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, MAJOR IN MICROBIOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA
2006

Associate Degree - Medical Technology, MICROBIOLOGY

University Of Guyana
2006

Skills

  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Quality Control Testing
  • Specimen Handling
  • Cleaning Procedures
  • Equipment Operation
  • Specimen Processing
  • Generalist
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Safety Guidelines
  • Safety Regulations
  • Testing Protocols
  • Reagent Preparation
  • Quality Control
  • Sample Testing
  • Hematology

Certification

  • Caribbean Epidemiology Centre Quality Assurance and Quality Control in the Laboratory (1996) Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
  • Customer Relations Training (1998) Caribbean Epidemiology Centre
  • Quality Control in the Preparation of Media (2002) Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Laboratory Aide Training Programme (2002)
  • Caribbean Epidemiology Centre Identification of Cryptococcus Neophormans, Cryptosporidium and Isospora beli (2006)
  • Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC/PAHO/WHO) Isolation of Foodborne Diseases from Food and Clinical Samples (2007)
  • Caribbean Association for Medical Technologists (CASMET)EWMSC Antibody Detection and Identification (Dia Med) (2012)

INSTRUMENTS USED


• ATAC 8000 CHEMISTRY ANALYSER

• ACT DIFF 3 COULTER COUNTERS

• CELL DYN RUBY & EMERALD HAEMATOLOGY ANALYSER

• CELL DYN 3200 HAEMATOLOGY ANALYSER

• ARCHITECT 8000 (CHEMISTRY AND IMMULITE)

• ARCHITECT 4000 CHEMISTRY ANALYSER

• ARCHITECT I 1000 IMMUNOLOGY ANALYSER

• IMMULITE 1000 ANALYSER

• IMMULITE 2000 ANALYSER

• AXSYM IMMUNOLOGY ANALYSER

• CYPRESS CHEMISTRY ANALYSER

• ACL ELITE COAGULATION ANALYZER

• EUROBLOT SEROLOGY ANALYSER

• SEBIA ELECTROPHORESIS ANALYZER

• VITALAB CHEMISTRY ANALYSER

• VITROS 250 CHEMISTRY ANALYSER

• ISTAT ANALYSER

• EASYLYTE ELECTROLYTES ANALYSER

• VITEK COMPAC 2 MICROBIOLOGY ANALYZER

• MINDRAY BS230 BIOCHEMISTRY ANALYSER

• SNIBE MAGLUMI IMMUNOLOGY ANALYSER

• SANSURE IPONATIC RAPID PCR ANALYSER

• ROCHE MAGNA PURE 24 SYSTEM

• COBAS 480 ANALYSER

• Sysmex XN 9100 Hematology Analyzer

• Sysmex XN 9100 Cella Vision DI 60

• Sysmex CS 2500 and CS 600 Coagulation Analyzers

• Siemens Dimensions EXL with LM Integrated System ( Immunology and Biochemistry)

Timeline

Medical Laboratory Scientist

University Of Maryland Medical Center
01.2023 - Current

PHLEBOTOMY LECTURER, ENSAFE INSTITUTE
01.2015 - 01.2017

SENIOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Southern Medical Services Limited
10.2012 - 05.2022

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Victoria Laboratories
11.2010 - 09.2012

LABORATORY MANAGER

Ralaquin Medical Laboratory
10.2008 - 11.2010

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
01.2006 - 01.2008

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
01.1993 - 01.2006

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE - MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, MAJOR IN MICROBIOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA

Associate Degree - Medical Technology, MICROBIOLOGY

University Of Guyana
Nicola Somwaru