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
undefinedTimeline
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
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