Toral Patel
Hatfield,Hertfordshire
Summary
I am a highly skilled laboratory professional with extensive expertise in primary cardiac muscle cell culture, protein and nucleic acid extraction, and microbiology techniques. I am proficient in haematology assays, ELISA, flow cytometry, and various forms of microscopy. I have strong skills in Sample Reception and biochemistry labs, utilizing advanced analysers, managing quality through CAPA/DATIX, and writing SOPs. Additionally, I am in the process of completing the verification of my HCPC-Registration Portfolio to achieve a HCPC-regulated healthcare professional status. I am an accomplished user in software tools such as Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, Image J, SPSS statistics, LIMS, Winpath, Infinity and Cobas Middleware. With strategic planning and problem solving abilities, my work consistently attracts users within the laboratory settings. I am an energetic employee well-versed in strong communication and organisation skills and seek solutions to problems and apply extensive analytical knowledge to findings. Proficient in managing numerous tasks simultaneously, facilitating dynamic group discussions, and driving projects forward with effective leadership.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
MLA
NHS/HSL at Watford and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals
City Of Hertfordshire
09.2022 - 01.2026
- Worked on the SOP for the Roche pre-analytic systems P471 and P612 at the WGH site.
- Proficient in booking and specimen processing using Winpath, ciTm, Infinity, and specimen tracker for sample location.
- Highly skilled and efficient in a fast-paced multi-site environment.
- Responsible for reagent management, including stock checks, replenishments, and ensuring appropriate storage conditions for reagents, quality controls, and calibrators, including editing of new lots or batches.
- Experienced in recovering samples for analysis and managing post-processing storage of clinical samples.
- Conducting daily and monthly maintenance, as well as internal quality control (IQC) testing and calibration of analytical platforms, under HCPC-registered BMS supervision.
- Capable of operating and troubleshooting Menarini HbA1c and Mast OC Fits analysers, handling patient samples and external quality assessment (EQA) samples independently.
- Maintaining accurate records of all activities and presenting them in regular departmental staff meetings.
- Participating in technical competencies to ensure accurate information recording and compliance with quality management procedures according to ISO standards, CQC, HTA, and HSE.
- Performing Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) and completing DATIX or error log forms for incidents related to patient samples or environmental factors.
- Assisting BMS staff with the operation of automated equipment and other procedures, and reporting any accidents, incidents, or errors as necessary.
- Committed to personal development through professional growth initiatives and individual performance appraisals.
- Capable of independently designing studies to ensure precision and accuracy in patient results; carried out verification and validation process for new analysers on site
- Wrote a SOP for Roche pre-analytic system p471 and p612 for WGH site
MLA
Prenetics EMEA Ltd, Lab based in North Greenwich
London, England
11.2021 - 07.2022
- Worked exclusively on cruise ships as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), conducting Rapid PCR tests while traveling to Norway, the USA, Canada, and Germany.
- Handled accessioning and laboratory processing of COVID-19 samples in the main lab, ensuring adherence to rejection criteria and updating the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Gained night shift experience while managing a high volume of samples, achieving pipetting of 92 samples per plate in under 35 minutes.
- Ran RT-PCRs independently and operated RNA extraction machinery such as Autopure and Kingfisher, as well as the automated liquid handling system, Tecan.
- Prepared essential reagents, including wash buffer, elution solutions, ethanol, and master mix plates.
- Conducted end-of-day decontamination of the biosafety cabinet, laboratory environment, and work surfaces.
- Processed and packaged COVID-19 oral swabs as part of the Student Infection Surveillance (SIS) project for Public Health England in Colindale.
Sales Assistant/Training Coach
Next Plc
Watford, Hertfordshire
09.2018 - 10.2021
- Attended to customer needs while understaffed and addressed customer complaints, promptly reporting any unusual occurrences to the manager for appropriate action. Maintained a fast-paced environment at the tills, which increased positive reviews and sales by 10%.
- Oversaw sales floor management, ensuring a safe workspace and restocking of new products.
- Authorized to train new staff members.
- Adhered to all company policies and standard procedures.
- Achievements: Fostered team cooperation, communicated clearly and professionally with customers and colleagues, and developed personal time management, leadership, and multitasking skills.
Education
Master of Science - Cardiovascular Research
King’s College London
London 01.2020 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Science
University of Westminster
London 01.2017 - 01.2020
A Levels - Biology (C), Chemistry (E), Maths (D)
Shree Swaminarayan Academy
Mombasa, Kenya 01.2015 - 01.2017
IGCSE - First Language English (A), ICT (B), English Literature (B), Edexcel: Accounting (C), Biology (B) Chemistry (A) Fine Art (C), Math (A), Physics (D)
Oshwal Academy Mombasa
Mombasa, KenyaSkills
- Primary cardiac muscle cell culture preparation, treatment, maintenance, and cell washing
- Pipetting and performing dilutions eg reagents, calibrations and QCs
- Protein, DNA, and RNA extraction- western blotting, immunoblotting, primer design, RT-PCR
- Tissue handling and staining/immunostaining
- Microbiology- assessing morphology, MIC, disc susceptibility, molecular phylogenetic analysis
- Haematology- coagulation and iron measurement via spectrophotometry
- ELISA assay, Flow cytometry, Microscopy- fluorescence and light, Thin layer chromatography
- Biochemistry- Patient, QC, Calibrator and EQA sample processing and troubleshooting on analysers such as: p612/p471/Roches/Atellica/Osmometer/Direct ISE/Uvikon/Mast OC-Sensor and Pledia/Menarini/Tosoh
- Competent in CAPA/DATIX incident forms and quality management
- SOP writing, incident form
- Assessment of novel equipment- verification and validation: Tosoh and Mast Pledia
- Stock delivery and laboratory supply management
- Software competencies- Microsoft, GraphPad Prism, Image J, SPSS statistics, LIMS, Winpath, Cobas Middleware
- Currently finishing HCPC-Registration Portfolio to become an HCPC-regulated healthcare professional
Volunteer Experience
- Former Oxfam Shop, Stanmore, London, Volunteer, 2018-05, 2018-08, Responsibilities: raising funds, morning hour opening, daily cleaning, and restocking items
- Pandya Memorial Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya (Paediatrics and Renal Ward), Volunteer, Mombasa, Kenya, 2016-08, Understanding the hospital scenario, the process of patient tests, and patient needs, including regular inspections., Highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring and crucial documentation of a patient’s medical history., Learnt the vital role of kidney dialysis for diabetic patients.
Affiliations
- Conference Participation: Attended the "Current Challenges in Cancer Metastasis" virtual research symposium at the University of Westminster, U.K., on June 29-30, 2020. This event featured various researchers discussing their current work on cancer metastasis, 3D models, biomarkers for prognosis, and the challenges they have faced.
- Membership- Member of The Royal Society of Biology (2017-2019)
- Charity walks- Participated in several charity walks, including: - Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk (October 2018) - Coast Hospice Cancer Awareness Walk, Mombasa, Kenya (October 2016) - Safaricom Diabetes Walk, Kenya (July 2016) - Charity Walkathon for the Centre in Africa for Learning and Living, Kenya (October 2008) - Mega Tree Planting Initiative, Kenya (October 2007).
- Performing Arts Experience- Former performer at LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) from 2006 to 2009.
- Artistic pursuit- Watercolour paintings
- Social media content creation- engaged in content creation on Instagram (@toralvarsani), focusing on baking and selling cookies as well as exploring restaurants.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
MLA
NHS/HSL at Watford and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals
09.2022 - 01.2026
MLA
Prenetics EMEA Ltd, Lab based in North Greenwich
11.2021 - 07.2022
Master of Science - Cardiovascular Research
King’s College London
01.2020 - 01.2021
Sales Assistant/Training Coach
Next Plc
09.2018 - 10.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Science
University of Westminster
01.2017 - 01.2020
A Levels - Biology (C), Chemistry (E), Maths (D)
Shree Swaminarayan Academy
01.2015 - 01.2017
IGCSE - First Language English (A), ICT (B), English Literature (B), Edexcel: Accounting (C), Biology (B) Chemistry (A) Fine Art (C), Math (A), Physics (D)
Oshwal Academy Mombasa