Juliana Araujo

Once I obtained my HCPC registration, I secured a position as a Biomedical Scientist in the Microbiology and Virology department.
Over the past three years, I have primarily worked in the Virology department, focusing on areas such as Molecular, Serology, and Rapid Testing.
In the Molecular and Rapid Testing laboratories, we play a crucial role in conducting genetic material analysis to identify and characterize viral genetic material, including PCR and RT-PCR. I perform DNA and RNA extractions from various biological samples, including blood, tissues, and cells, for various tests, including those for respiratory viruses. I conduct polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to amplify and quantify specific DNA, analyze the data, and interpret the results. I ensure that all safety protocols and regulations are followed in our lab to minimize the risk of infection or contamination.
My work in the Serology department is essential for diagnosing infectious diseases, monitoring immune responses, and supporting public health efforts. Serological testing helps healthcare professionals identify past infections, track vaccination responses, and assess immunity levels, all of which are critical in managing outbreaks and understanding the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns.
In the Serology department, I am responsible for performing serological tests to detect the presence of specific antibodies in patient samples, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various infectious diseases. I use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), manual testing, and VIDAS testing.
In these departments, I collect, process, and separate serum and plasma samples from blood, which are essential for serological and molecular testing. I analyze test results, interpret findings, and generate reports. I ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results by adhering to strict quality control measures and laboratory protocols. I enforce safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment and comply with laboratory regulations and standards.
Our department plays a critical role in studying and understanding various viruses and their impact on public health. I am dedicated and excited to contribute to the development of novel therapies and strategies to combat viruses and protect public health.
Our department is multi-skilled, divided between Virology and Microbiology. Since I am fully signed off in almost all areas of Virology, I have recently started my training in Microbiology, which is dedicated to the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, and their impact. I have just begun my training but am a quick learner, proactive, and interested in expanding my skills and knowledge in the Microbiology field.
Throughout the department, we use various informatic systems, including MasterLab, MedlabQC, and most recently, we transitioned to Winpath and other informatic systems for all the machines we use.
Since I am fully signed off in several areas of my current job, I am always available to help and support to provide the best diagnosis and treatment possible for patients.

My journey at this hospital started in 2018 as an Assistant Practitioner in the Cellular Pathology department, where I worked until 2021.
In this role, I was part of a multidisciplinary team and was fully signed off in several areas, including Cytology, Microtomy, Embedding, Immunohistochemetry, and Cut-up.
I was trained to handle specimen reception in Cytology and Histology areas. This involved receiving samples, verifying that patient information matched form, and ensuring the sample conformed to required test. In Cytology, I was fully trained in all aspects of the department, from receiving samples and setting up machines to checking the quality control (QC) of stains and processing samples. I also handled machine setup and QC checks for staining I was also trainned to attend Bronchoscopy and endoscopy clinics.
We used informatic systems like MasterLab a nd TPID to book in samples and follow protocols necessary to provide the best diagnosis for patients. I was signed off in the macroscopic area, assisting consultants with macroscopic evaluations of samples and the associated tasks also, to perform the macroscopy and processing of all types of biopsy's.
I was fully competent in embedding and microtomy for all specimens, including routine samples, biopsies and megblocks. Additionally, I provided support in Immunohistochemistry and Send Backs microtomy
In Immunohistochemestry I was fully sign off to set up and process all the slides in the different machines we used.
My responsibilities also included tasks associated with the areas I was signed off in, such as scraping blocks, restocking materials, disposing of samples, archiving old samples, changing and maintaining reagents in processor machines, and placing slides in the staining machine.
We used informatic systems like MasterLab a nd TPID to book in samples and follow protocols necessary to provide the best diagnosis for patients.

I completed part of my degree internship at this lab, and after finishing my degree, I was hired to work there.

In this job, I was part of a multidisciplinary team in the following areas:

• Haematology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Histopathology

In these areas, I was able to work with:

• Blood sampling
• Sample reception
• Receipt of specimens, screening, and assessment of conformity
• Analytical determinations on different types of specimens in biochemistry, haematology, immunology, and serology, using both manual and automatic methods
• Macroscopy and cut-up of samples
• Histochemistry
• Processing
• Embedding
• Microtomy
• Routine staining

Working in this veterinary laboratory allowed me to adapt my working methods, techniques, and knowledge to obtain more viable results for the veterinary field. This experience extended my knowledge and made me a more versatile and multitasking professional.

During this internship, I was part of a multidisciplinary team in the following areas: blood transfusion, applied immunology, clinical biochemistry, serology, hematology, clinical microbiology, histology, mortuary, and public health.

This internship prepared me for working professionally in all the different areas I could work in.