Lee-Ann Murtz

• Sample Registration:
• Receive and Log client samples on Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with all necessary information as outlined by client.
• Fully stand in for Sample Registrar when required in Sample Registration area.
• Labelling and matching client samples and batches as per SARF.
• Booking of couriers for parcels that need to be outsourced or sent for external analysis.
• Logging of jotforms of courier bookings to ensure correct invoicing of services provided.
• Communicating with clients and Customer care services directly for sample queries and result queries.
• Typing of Manual Reports for Unaccredited tests.

Microbiology Lab (Daily Routine) :

• Daily and weekly verification checks of stomachers, weighing balances, pH's meters, R0-Water unit and Temperatures of Incubators, Freezers and Fridges.
• Sanitizing of pipette aids prior to daily operations.
• Filling up on stock needed by analysts for daily operations and ensuring all waterbaths are deepcleaned, sanitized and ready to be used at set temperatures.
• Filling up on Waste bins and Sharp bins needed to discard Hazardous waste.

• Media Preparation Area:
• Preparing Daily media and broths to ensure all samples are processed.
• Checking autoclaves for sterility checks and temperature checks on Testos to calculate autoclave cycle duration.
• Aseptic Supplementing of broths and agars needed for processing.

Microbiology Lab Main duties:

• Receiving of samples as logged on LIMS by Sample Registration.
• Reviewing of tests on client SARF VS LIMS prior to testing to ensure that the correct analysis is conducted.
• Checking sample volumes prior to processing to ensure ISO standards are met (Checking the amount of Quantitative tests VS Qualitative tests logged on a samples to ensure we have sufficient sample for analysis and that we align with ISO before tests are conducted)
• Aseptic weighing and processing of all matrices under our accreditation scope.
• Aseptic Plating of serial dilution and Pouring of media to ensure organisms are recovered and that the client receives an accurate and exact count.
• Increased accuracy of test results through meticulous attention to detail during data analysis and interpretation.
• Water Filtration through Membrane filtration method.
• Setting up of Positive control samples/DPCs (Daily Process Control samples) both QN and QL.
• Counting and entering results of Quantitative tests conducted daily.
• Setting up confirmations of tests as required to confirm presence of indicator organisms.
• Reviewing of results to ensure Microbial groups are within their specifications.
• Dipping of Sterile Swabs needed by clients for sampling.
• Recording external and internal temperatures of Municipality waters and food samples to adhere to their sample policies.
• Recording pH and Chlorine values of water samples.

Pathogen Laboratory:

• Fully competent in transferring and streaking Primary Pathogen Enrichment samples (Salmonella ISO 67, Salmonella Rapid Oxoid, Salmonella VIDAS, Listeria ISO 23, Listeria Rapid AFNOR, Listeria VIDAS, Shigella spp, Vibrio spp, Ecoli 0157, Enterobacteriaceae Detection).
• Reading and Inoculation of Media Prep Controls to measure productivity of all agars and broths used in the Laboratory in conjunction with the DPCS.
• Discarding of Pathogen waste post pathogen enrichments.
• Reading and interpretation of Qualitative results ((Salmonella ISO 67, Salmonella Rapid Oxoid, Salmonella VIDAS, Listeria ISO 23, Listeria Rapid AFNOR, Listeria VIDAS, Shigella spp, Vibrio spp, Ecoli 0157, Enterobacteriaceae Detection).
• Performing Gram Stain, Bacillus Cereus Spore stains, oxidaseand catalase tests for confirmation.
• Setting up and reading of API's (20E, 20NE,32A, 32E,Listeria API) for species identification.
• Running of Invesible Sentinel for strain exclusion of GKA clients.

Quality and Operations:

• Conducted routine environmental monitoring (environmental swabbing and airplates) to assess microbial presence in the laboratory, ensuring the safety and integrity of client samples as well as quality control.
• Reduced contamination risk by maintaining a sterile laboratory environment and adhering to safety protocols.
• Enhanced laboratory efficiency by streamlining sample processing and implementing new ways of effectively following our internal Methods and SOP's.
• Improved quality control measures by identifying areas of improvement in sample handling and storage processes through Root cause analysis.
• Responsible for all Non-conformances the Laboratory.
• Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by maintaining detailed records of laboratory procedures and results.
• Optimized lab workflow by training junior staff members on proper equipment usage, sample handling, and data recording practices.
• Assistance with daily operations by checking volumes of known clients, ordering sufficient media needed to process them within time and also considering incubation parameters of pathogens to prevent analyst from working overtime or leaving samples over for the next day.
• Quarterly Agar Moisture Loss checks of all Incubators.
• Monthly Glass residue testing.
• Trending of DPCS charts to check for deviations and potential failures.
• Prepping of Weekly Laboratory Cultures.
• Resuscitation and preparation of all Lab Working Stock/Slants every 4 months.
• Reviewing all paperwork used daily to ensure that there are no gaps and that the lab is audit ready.
• Reviewing of methods weekly to keep the lab up to date with changes in our methods or SOP's.
• Checking new Media Inserts and COA's for make up and components to ensure they align with our methods.

· Production of Green Gold Nanoparticles using Honey bush tea.

· Tissue cell culture of 8 Mammalian Cell lines.

· Analysis of cells and Gold Nanoparticles through UV-VIS and DLS.

· Flow cytometry (mitochondrial depolirization and ApoPercentage of cancer cells that reacted positively to my novel treatment)

· Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.

· Maintained detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results for accurate reporting and replication purposes.

· Served meals and drinks with professionalism and care, ensuring timely delivery to maintain high standards of service.

· Delivered exceptional, friendly and fast service to process high volume of food and drink orders at peak times.

· Supported team members during rush hours, demonstrating flexibility and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

· Followed daily routines of Honour Students to learn about work duties.

· Executed Gram staining procedures for microbiological analysis.

· Preparation of Growth Media and Solutions

· Enumeration and Identification of Spoilage organims from Food Samples.

· DNA Extraction

· PCR

· Gel Electrophoresis

• Enhanced student understanding of scientific concepts by employing hands-on activities and real-world examples.
• Developed strong rapport with students through consistent communication and active listening, fostering a supportive learning environment..
• Provided constructive feedback on homework assignments, equipping students with tools for continuous self-improvement.
• Marking of student scripts.
• Invigilating during tests and examinations.

· Covered front desk staff, greeting guests in polite and professional manner.

· Maintained confidentiality of student records, adhering to data protection regulations.

· Welcomed new students through orientation and site tours.

· Assisted students with registration and enrolment processes, enhancing their university experience.

• Collaborated with fellow staff members to maintain a positive, nurturing atmosphere for every child.
• Enhanced children's play experience by implementing age-appropriate activities and games.
• Maintained a clean and organized play environment, promoting health and well-being for each child.