Saffron Farrell Horne

My current role provides a broad range of training and knowledge across Biochemistry, Immunology, Newborn Screening, and Quality. I rotate through multiple sections, gaining both manual and automated scientific skills while consistently following PPE, health & safety, and regulatory standards.

• I am trained on WinPath LIMS and support sample reception, including specimen acceptance, rejection, and accurate sample requesting.
• In Automated Biochemistry, I operate and maintain ROCHE track systems, including the cobas 8000 analysers (ISE, e801, c701), cobas p612/p701, and Infinity software, performing testing, calibrations, and quality controls.
• Special Biochemistry provides manual experience, including calprotectin extraction, osmolarity testing, and HbA1c testing on the TOSOH G11.
• I am privileged to train in one of the UK’s Newborn Screening laboratories, using the Panthera Puncher, VARIANT™ nbs, AutoDELFIA, and PerkinElmer DELFIA Xpress systems for prenatal and newborn screening.
• In Immunology, I operate and maintain the BioCLIA 500/6500 analysers for autoimmune and allergy testing, running internal and external quality controls to ensure results meet acceptance criteria.
• During my Quality rotation, I conduct audits in line with UKAS, MHRA, and UK NSC standards, reviewing documentation, recording evidence, and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.

While working in Biochemistry, I began a Biomedical Science Apprenticeship at the University of Portsmouth, combining hands-on laboratory experience with academic study. The apprenticeship will lead to a Biomedical Science degree, a completed IBMS portfolio, and eligibility for HCPC registration.

• I worked as an Associate Practitioner within Haematology and Blood Transfusion, where I was trained to operate and maintain the Ortho Vision Analyser, Starrsed RS Analyser, and Beckman Coulter DxH900, alongside other laboratory equipment, including centrifuges.
• My responsibilities included performing laboratory testing, sample requesting and rejection, use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), batch acceptance testing, ensuring traceability of blood components, temperature monitoring, and routine equipment maintenance, while consistently adhering to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Quality Management Systems (QMS), UKAS ISO 15189, and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) standards.

• I was responsible for managing samples referred to external laboratories and ensuring laboratory standards were consistently maintained.
• I assisted Haematology Consultants with bone marrow procedures, including preparing sterile fields and producing diagnostic slides at the patient’s bedside from collected bone marrow aspirates and trephines.
• Prepared biological samples for testing, ensuring accuracy in results.
• Recorded patient data to facilitate seamless tracking and reporting.

• I found this job very rewarding as I was able to improve greatly on my customer service, as that is what Waitrose is all about.
• I took great pride in maintaining clean, appealing shop environment for comfortable shopping experience.
• This role involved a lot of teamwork to ensure all jobs were completed before we closed the store.
• Greeted every customer warmly, promoting friendly atmosphere.

• I collaborated effectively within a team, ensuring each order was communicated and delivered on time.
• Demonstrated excellent multitasking abilities for the timely delivery of orders.
• Met special dietary requests with careful preparation and presentation of dishes.
• Maintained a clean and organised dining area for customer comfort.

• Adhered strictly to health code regulations; maintained cleanliness at all times.
• Transported meal and beverage trays from kitchen and bar areas to serve guest tables.
• Communicated effectively with kitchen staff for timely meal preparation.
• Took food orders accurately, minimising mistakes in order preparation and delivery.

• Offered administrative support to teaching staff, easing daily operations.
• Ensured cleanliness and orderliness of the classroom by managing clean-up tasks after lessons.
• Enhanced classroom environment by assisting teachers in lesson preparation.
• Set-up equipment and gathered teaching materials to prepare for lessons.