1. Position: Scientist Department: Serology, RBWH
Summary:
Serology is a single disciplinary laboratory in which time management is essential. Many serology tests are ELISA
immunoassays which involve multiple incubation times and washes. This is where communication with staff is vital
as resources are limited and break times may interfere with the result of the assay. I have developed the ability to
apply scientific judgement to numerous situations. This could be as simple as determining when to perform a run in
relation to the quantity of patients for the test, ensuring resources are not wasted and turn-around time are well
maintained. If assays are performed too regularly with low numbers of patients; the Controls provided in the assays
kit can run out, leading to the waste of EIA wells. Scientific judgment is also essential in the troubleshooting of
Quality Control (QC) discrepancies or failed runs to determine whether the results are valid, to identify QC values
that are outliers and whether their exclusion would lead to acceptable QC data, leading to the reporting and
validation of Patients tests.
As a team member of serology I attend various meetings such as rectification meeting to discuss and trouble-shoot
QC issues, resolutions and preventative measures. Through this involvement, I have established improvements in
quality assurance within serology, in turn, implementing an excel document for the department which has enabled
the tracking and update of Assay kit inserts. Within Serology, I have further developed my interpersonal skills by
liaising with doctors during rounds to discuss interesting/rare presentations or spurious results.
Working in Serology gave me a thorough understanding of the quality systems used in laboratories in order to
ensure accurate results and optimal patient outcomes. I have been involved in NATA accreditation and I make
significant effort to understand the requirements of my workplace as set out by NATA and the ISO standards.
These are essential requirements to ensure a high standard is continually maintained. Keeping aware of staff
requirements is paramount to a safe and harmonious workplace and as such I strive to ensure I am practicing in a
safe and ethical manner adhering to the Code of Conduct and Workplace Health and safety policies at all times.
Additionally I also believe in the importance of good working relationships and a positive work environment
within the scientific team.
Duties/Skills:
 Receiving, sorting and storing patient samples. The storage of samples includes aliquoting into the appropriate
tubes and storing according to the location number assigned through AUSLAB.
 Perform a range of routine and specialist diagnostic serology tests and procedures following the accredited protocol
and standards.
 Handle telephone enquiries, give out results and assess when enquiries should be referred to more senior staff
 Performing daily, weekly or monthly maintenance when required to analysers and equipment such as the VIDAS
and the EVOLUS.
 Applying independent scientific judgement in the analysis, verification and validation of patient test results
 Providing advice to the clinical unit where appropriate
 Apply a level of knowledge and laboratory skill in exercising independent professional judgment in problem
solving.
 Experience performing the following assays: HTLV1, Syphilis, EBVVG, EBVM, EBNA, RRM, BFM, RRG, BFG, HSV1G,
HSV2G, DENM, QFTB, CMVM, CMVG, CMV Avidity, TOXM, TOXG, HBSAg, HCVG, CONFV, VZG, MUMPSG and
RUBM
 Performing manual ELISAs with accuracy and precision. Some of these tests include; HLTV1, Quanteferon Gold,
DENM
Jessica de Vries Serology, RBWH Career History 2

2.  Performing Automated ELISA’s (EVOLUS) which performs a variety of different assays including but not limited to;
HSV1G, HSV2G, HCVG, EBVVG, EBVM, EBNA, RRM, BFM, RRG, BFG
 Participate in the development of new tests, techniques or possible improvements to established procedures.
 Receive stock regularly, using fammis numbers to locate and add stock to the Labstock program
 Participate in quality activities, to ensure laboratory compliance with TGA, NATA, ISO and other relevant
standards. Including document preparation and the review of quality assurance performance, intervening to
resolve unsatisfactory results
 Actively participating in rectification investigations for Serology
 Comply with all workplace health and safety requirements and human resource management policies applicable
to the role.
Jessica de Vries Serology, RBWH Career History 2