Thulisiwe Mzwakali
Medical Technologist
Johannesburg
Summary
Detail-oriented Laboratory Manager highly effective at keeping laboratories running smoothly and efficiently. Knowledgeable about managing supplies, equipment and facilities. Pursuing new professional challenges with the opportunity to make a positive impact on laboratory operations and research success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Laboratory manager
Life Pathology Fourways, FTC
Johannesburg
01.2022 - Current
- Molecular biology and clinical pathology, Provide laboratory operational leadership
- Manage staff, laboratory efficiencies, compliance to work procedures and ISO15189
- Manage business operations including but not limited to; oversight of all laboratory process including pre-analytical through to post-analytical processes to ensure efficiency and TAT compliance
- Ensure that all daily, weekly and monthly maintenance checks were performed by staff
- Monitoring asset management, stock and services from vendors
- Reporting and recording of incidents/adverse events, root cause analysis, resolutions
- Schedule monthly staff roster, monitoring of duties, leave and OT
- Conduct quarterly risk management reports
- Ensure that EQA is performed timeously and submitted, review EQA results, implement any corrective actions
- Ensure quality management systems are adhered to as per quality policies
- Compiling SOPs and work instructions
- Compiling laboratory logs
- Verification and validation of instruments
- Coaching, training and development of the team
- Attend to all non-conformances within the agreed closure time, identifying root cause, corrective and preventative actions
- SHE rep duties
- Conducting PCR testing of individuals and analysis of collected samples
- Provide technical support and guidance to laboratory staff
- Manage the correct application of quality assurance processes and SOPs to ensure corrective actions are taken as required
- Prepare detailed reports (e.g
- Test statistics, reagents and consumables data)
- Document and review tested data
- Ensure all samples are prepared and tested within stipulated turn-around-times
- Regularly check LIS for lists of pending results and ensure older requests are prioritized
- Maintain a safe and clean working environment by adhering to safety procedures and regulations
- Liase with customers in order to resolve service-related issues
- Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work.
- Designed processes to increase efficiency by minimizing error and reducing repetitive tasks.
- Managed operational documents and produced reports detailing activities.
- Trained staff, scheduled work hours and assigned projects for Number-person work group.
- Kept laboratory in compliance with applicable guidelines and laws.
- Kept equipment maintained, facility clean and organized and inventory stocked to maximize performance.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Communicated best practices among on-site and external personnel to align efforts and goals.
- Supervised site investigations, reported issues and escalated those that required further assistance.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Conducted supplier risk evaluations and assisted with regulatory inspections.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Managed overstocking, restocking and inventory control procedures during Type shift.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Recruited and developed employees for Type department.
- Utilized exemplary negotiation skills to obtain manufacturing service agreements and assure quality standards.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
Part-time Lecturer
Tshwane University of Technology, FTC
Pretoria
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Preparing and conducting practical classes
- Setting and marking of assessments
- Capturing test and assignment marks and uploading on myTutor software
- Student consultations
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
- Implemented instructional technologies in course delivery to engage and educate students.
- Designed and distributed lecture handouts to round out material and increase student understanding.
- Used PowerPoint and Google Classroom technology to give presentations to student classrooms.
- Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Medical Technologist
Anglo American, FTC
Johannesburg
06.2021 - 12.2021
- Conducting PCR testing of individuals and analysis of collected samples
- Provide technical support and guidance to laboratory staff
- Manage the correct application of quality assurance processes and SOPs to ensure corrective actions are taken as required
- Maintain Laboratory inventory levels and place orders for new supplies
- Ensure inventory records are updated and physical stock counts conducted weekly
- Prepare detailed reports (e.g
- Test statistics, reagents and consumables data)
- Document and review tested data
- Ensure all samples are prepared and tested within stipulated turn-around-time
- Regularly check LIS for lists of pending results and ensure older requests are prioritised
- Maintain a safe and clean working environment by adhering to safety procedures and regulations
- Liase with customers in order to resolve service-related issues
- Identified test system abnormalities with potential for negatively affecting test performance or reporting and corrected issues.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Analyzed samples of biological material for chemical content and reaction.
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis and results reporting.
- Participated in essential quality improvement programs to maintain accurate and timely laboratory testing and meet customer needs.
- Operated, calibrated and maintained sophisticated instruments and equipment to facilitate quality laboratory and patient care operations.
- Identified patient and labeled specimens with correct information to protect patient from adverse errors.
- Transcribed laboratory test results into patient charts.
- Input medical tests and clinical results data into computer using Software for storage and retrieval.
- Established and monitored quality assurance programs and activities to maintain accuracy of laboratory results.
- Operated Type, Type and Type laboratory equipment, and adhered to strict maintenance schedules.
- Maintained required laboratory supplies inventory, and verified viability of supplies prior to use.
- Obtained and analyzed routine Type and Type samples according to specific diagnostic criteria.
- Processed positive and negative test responses according to established protocols and reporting requirements.
- Created spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel for daily, weekly and monthly reporting.
Laboratory Technologist
Vaal University Of Technology, FTC
Vanderbijlpark
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Procurement
- Equipment maintenance
- Inventory management
- Serving as SHE rep for microbiology laboratory
- Preparation of practical prerequisites according to the number of students
- Running quality controls before practicals and filing results
- Setting up before practicals
- Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work.
- Kept laboratory in compliance with applicable guidelines and laws.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Oversaw items in inventory and reordered before supplies diminished.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating and noting times of collection.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
- Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
Medical Technologist
ABJ Oncology
Pretoria
03.2020 - 09.2020
- In addition to duties mentioned for Ampath
- Logging of patient information into the system
- Assisting with accreditation
- Instrument validation/verification
- Delivering results to wards
- Morphology
- Equipment maintenance
- Conducted chemical analysis of blood, urine or spinal fluid to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal and other regulatory standards.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Participated in procedure and instrument development activities.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis and results reporting.
- Completed specimen collection and analysis while complying with OSHA, Universal Precautions and quality assurance policies.
- Operated, calibrated and maintained sophisticated instruments and equipment to facilitate quality laboratory and patient care operations.
- Identified patient and labeled specimens with correct information to protect patient from adverse errors.
- Conducted chemical analysis of body fluids to determine presence of normal and abnormal components.
- Transcribed laboratory test results into patient charts.
- Maintained required laboratory supplies inventory, and verified viability of supplies prior to use.
Medical Technologist
Vermaak And Partners
Pretoria
04.2016 - 02.2020
- In addition to duties mentioned for Ampath
- Logging of patient information into the system
- Reporting of results to patients
- Administration tasks such as assisting patients with paying
- Reporting of results to hospital staff
- Validation of instruments
- Archiving of documents
- Completed specimen collection and analysis while complying with OSHA, Universal Precautions and quality assurance policies.
Medical Technologist
Quintiles
Pretoria
10.2015 - 06.2016
- In addition to duties mentioned for Ampath
- Inventory ordering and control
- Evaluation and reporting of EQA samples to manufacturers
- Assisting management with establishing new methodologies
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
Medical Technologist
Lancet Laboratories
Pretoria
07.2015 - 03.2016
- The same duties as Ampath
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
Medical Technologist
Ampath Laboratories
Pretoria
11.2008 - 08.2014
- Analysis of specimens
- Maintaining good client relationships in order to promote the good image of the company
- Processing of routine bench work in order to produce results timeously
- Applying GLP on a daily basis
- Operating, maintaining and calibration of instruments
- Analysis, processing and reporting of QC and EQA
- Evaluating validity of specimen results as per SOP
- Providing oversight to medical technicians and lab assistants
- Assisting in validation of instruments
- Following safety procedures as per SOP
- Participating in continuous education through self-study (CPD) and evaluation
- Documenting all corrective and preventative action taken using good documentation practices
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis and results reporting.
Education
National Diploma - Biomedical Technology
TUT
Pretoria 01.2006 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Technology - Pharmaceutical Science
TUT
Pretoria 01.2015 - 12.2015
Bachelor of Technology Biomedical - Technology
TUT
Pretoria 01.2018 - 12.2019
Skills
Good Clinical Laboratory Practice
Quality ControlAccreditationQuality Assurance
Equipment Maintenance
Financial Management
Budgeting
Staff Management
Strategic planning
Training and Development
Multitasking Abilities
Excellent Communication
Data Entry
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Timeline
Laboratory manager
Life Pathology Fourways, FTC
01.2022 - Current
Part-time Lecturer
Tshwane University of Technology, FTC
01.2022 - 12.2022
Medical Technologist
Anglo American, FTC
06.2021 - 12.2021
Laboratory Technologist
Vaal University Of Technology, FTC
01.2021 - 05.2021
Medical Technologist
ABJ Oncology
03.2020 - 09.2020
Bachelor of Technology Biomedical - Technology
TUT
01.2018 - 12.2019
Medical Technologist
Vermaak And Partners
04.2016 - 02.2020
Medical Technologist
Quintiles
10.2015 - 06.2016
Medical Technologist
Lancet Laboratories
07.2015 - 03.2016
Bachelor of Technology - Pharmaceutical Science
TUT
01.2015 - 12.2015
Medical Technologist
Ampath Laboratories
11.2008 - 08.2014
National Diploma - Biomedical Technology
TUT
01.2006 - 01.2008