Vimal Vijayan

Bio-Grad Education is a UK-based, government-funded organisation that enhances laboratory skills through intensive theoretical and practical sessions. During my time with Bio-Grad, I learned various essential techniques. I developed both basic and advanced lab skills, which included pipetting, as well as procedures for sample preparation, calculations, and dilutions, all while fostering proper laboratory behaviours. I gained an understanding of the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) framework. Furthermore, I studied both conventional and quantitative PCR (q-PCR), as well as electrophoresis and various blotting techniques. My training also covered microscopy and Gram staining, media preparation, cultural techniques, and the study of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, I became proficient in conducting Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA).

I worked as a Clinical Biochemist from August 2015 to February 2022 at Holy Cross Super Speciality Hospital in Kollam, Kerala, India. Holy Cross is a NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare) ISO 9001:2015 certified, 350-bed hospital, with its clinical laboratory adhering to the guidelines of ISO 15189:2015.

My expertise lies in the department of Biochemistry, Immunology, and Serology. I also have significant knowledge and experience in operating machines in other key departments, including Haematology, Blood Bank, Urinalysis, and Microbiology, under the guidance of experienced professionals.

• My key responsibilities included analysing and reporting on a range of tests, such as routine biochemistry tests, hormones and vitamins, Tumour Markers, Cardiac Markers, Viral Markers, Trimester Analysis, Immunoglobulins, 24-hour Urine Analysis, and Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis.
• Quality Control: Perform daily runs of various levels of quality control (Internal QC) samples for all selected parameters and monitor them using Levey-Jennings (LJ) charts, evaluating results based on Westgard rules.
• External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) (Bio-Rad, Randox, CMC).Reviewed external quality results by analysing Standard Deviation (SD), BIAS, coefficient of variation (CV%), and troubleshooting the root cause of variations.
• Calibration: Performed calibration of all parameters at recommended intervals to ensure stability of the calibration graph. Managed the installation and calibration of new parameters.

This experience has given me a thorough understanding of laboratory operations and a strong focus on quality and accuracy in clinical biochemistry.

• The Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics (LMMD), established in 2011 at RGCB as an ICMR Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) Grade 1 facility, is one of six Grade 1 laboratories in India that handles over 220 diagnostics for both infectious and non-infectious diseases, and it is the only lab in India recognized by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, holding accreditations from NABL ISO 15189-2012, NABH, and ILAC since 2016; by adhering to the stringent standards set by these accreditation agencies, the reports generated by LMMD are recognized worldwide and the laboratory is equipped for various processes including sample handling, transport, and storage, micro-pipetting and freezing techniques, ultracentrifugation, DNA and RNA extraction, electrophoresis and gel imaging, conventional PCR and Real-Time PCR, workshops and training in DNA sequencing (Sanger's DNA sequencing),HPLC, ELISA etc.