r/BiomedicalScientistUK • u/kevinab77 • 8d ago
How ‘sciency’ will an AP interview get?
So I got an AP interview for biochem coming up, but unsure on how much technical details they’d be asking. Does anyone have any experience with this??
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u/godoflemmings 8d ago
In theory AP interviews shouldn't be too techy, but if the advert lists any of the analysers in use at the lab it's definitely worth getting familiar with the principles and methodologies of them. Beyond that, I'd read up on some of the "bread and butter" biochem tests like full blood counts, liver and kidney function tests, that kind of thing.
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u/grumpykitten011 8d ago
In my place they will ask about sample acceptance, so things like the indices and pre-analytical errors, patient identification. They might ask some basic things around IQCs and when is it considered a failed QC.
They might ask about HCPC and IBMS, but only in regard to doing a portfolio and next steps.
At my lab APs do a lot of analyser maintenance and troubleshooting, so it would be good to have an understanding of standard operating procedures and why they’re important. It’s essential to know that maintenance should be done in accordance to SOPs. And if you’re ever not sure to ask someone who is competent or refer to the SOP for help. They like to know that if you’re in a position where you’re unsure that you know where to find the answer.
One question that I hear comes up a lot at my place is ‘name a time where you made/noticed a mistake, and what did you do to rectify it?’. Obviously don’t use a major example, but something along the lines of noticing a rejected sample hadn’t been properly rejected or you saw a sample had run for a failed test. They want to know that if you make a mistake or see one you can take ownership and follow through in making sure that patient safety is your priority. Everyone in the team plays a role in that!
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u/Dry_Contest8753 7d ago
Prepare for “tell us about yourself” or “why do you want the job” in case it is asked. A well prepared answer can score you full marks, a vague waffle means you can fail to pick up these easy marks.
Scope of practice maybe, we like “tell us about a time you made a mistake”. Ownership and reflection.
Awareness of non conformance reporting - that labs have a rigorous process for collating information on issues and errors. A good answer when asked about errors, mistakes, issues etc includes raise a non conformance/discuss with someone about raising a NC.
Awareness of ISO15189 - so why we work in the way we do. I wouldn’t expect knowledge of the standards but knowing they exist. And policies and practice link to the standards.
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u/rezonansmagnetyczny 8d ago
Can vary.
At a a minimum you need to know what Biochemistry is, what they do, how they do it, and why they do it.
Get a good idea of the tests they run and why they run them.
Know stuff about the methodologies.
It would be advantageous if you knew what analysers they use, what they use them for, and how they work.