50+ Senior Lab Technician Interview Questions and Answers

I deal with a wide range of products in emultifair, including dispersing powder and other materials.

• I handle various products in emultifair, such as dispersing powder, emulsifiers, and stabilizers.

• I am responsible for ensuring the proper mixing and dispersion of these products.

• I also work with other materials like solvents, pigments, and additives.

• Examples of products I deal with include emulsions for cosmetics, paints, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Protecting laboratory technicians involves implementing safety protocols, proper training, and using personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Technicians should wear gloves, lab coats, goggles, and face shields to protect against chemical splashes and biological hazards.

• Safety Training: Regular training sessions on handling hazardous materials, emergency procedures, and equipment usage can significantly reduce risks.

• Proper Ventilation: Ensuring...read more

The ratio and concentration of sodium citrate vary depending on its intended use.

• The most common ratio of sodium citrate to blood is 1:9, which is used for anticoagulation in blood collection tubes.

• In laboratory settings, a 3.8% concentration of sodium citrate is often used as an anticoagulant.

• Sodium citrate is also used in food and beverage industry as a food additive, with concentrations varying based on the specific product.

Paint is made up of pigments, binders, solvents, and additives. Raw materials include resins, pigments, solvents, and additives.

• Paint consists of pigments that provide color and opacity, binders that hold the pigments together and adhere them to the surface, solvents that control the consistency of the paint, and additives that enhance specific properties.

• Examples of pigments include titanium dioxide for white paint, iron oxide for red paint, and carbon black for black paint....read more

Atmospheric distillation separates crude oil into fractions like naphtha using heat and vaporization.

• Atmospheric distillation involves heating crude oil to separate it into various components based on boiling points.

• Naphtha is typically obtained from the distillation of crude oil and has a boiling range of approximately 30-200°C.

• The process occurs in a distillation column where lighter fractions rise and heavier fractions descend.

• Naphtha is used as a feedstock for petrochemic...read more

Laboratory room temperature is crucial for experiments, typically maintained between 20-25°C for optimal conditions.

• Standard Range: Most laboratories maintain a temperature between 20°C to 25°C to ensure optimal working conditions.

• Temperature Control: Some labs use HVAC systems to regulate temperature, ensuring consistency and preventing fluctuations.

• Specialized Labs: Certain labs, like those handling biological samples, may require lower temperatures, around 4°C or even -20°...read more

Gas leakage in a chromatography lab requires immediate action to ensure safety and prevent contamination.

• Identify the source of the leak immediately and turn off the gas supply if safe to do so.

• Evacuate the area and ensure all personnel are at a safe distance from the leak.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles when approaching the leak.

• Ventilate the area by opening windows or using exhaust fans to disperse any accumulated gas.

• Report th...read more

Stability in QC Alequat can typically be maintained for a specified duration, depending on storage conditions and formulation.

• Storage Conditions: Stability is influenced by temperature and humidity; for example, storing at controlled room temperature can extend stability.

• Formulation Factors: The specific formulation of Alequat can affect its stability; for instance, certain preservatives may enhance shelf life.

• Testing Protocols: Regular stability testing is conducted to deter...read more

Analytical errors can be minimized through careful planning, standardization, and continuous monitoring of laboratory processes.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Establish clear SOPs for all analytical methods to ensure consistency and reliability in results.

• Calibration and Maintenance: Regularly calibrate instruments and perform maintenance to prevent equipment-related errors, such as using a calibrated pipette for accurate measurements.

• Quality Control Samples: Implement...read more

Electrolyte analyzers use ion-selective electrodes to measure the concentration of ions in a sample, crucial for diagnosing medical conditions.

• Ion-Selective Electrodes: These electrodes selectively respond to specific ions, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, providing accurate measurements.

• Conductivity Measurement: Some analyzers measure the conductivity of the sample, which correlates with the concentration of electrolytes.

• Calibration: Regular calibration with standard...read more

If we don't have EQAS, we can implement internal quality control measures.

• Implement regular internal quality control checks

• Use control samples to monitor accuracy and precision

• Participate in proficiency testing programs

• Establish standard operating procedures

• Train staff on quality control protocols

Hypochlorite is widely used in laboratories for disinfection, sterilization, and as a bleaching agent in various applications.

• Disinfection: Hypochlorite solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite, are effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces and equipment.

• Sterilization: Used to sterilize laboratory tools and glassware, ensuring a contamination-free environment for experiments.

• Bleaching Agent: In biochemical labs, hypochlorite can be used to bleach samples or ...read more

Calibration ensures accuracy of instruments, while quality control maintains standards in processes and products.

• Calibration: The process of adjusting and verifying the accuracy of instruments, such as pipettes or spectrophotometers, against known standards.

• Quality Control (QC): A systematic process to ensure that products or services meet specified requirements and standards, such as testing samples in a lab.

• Example of Calibration: Regularly calibrating a pH meter to ensure ...read more

Properly managing chemical spills is crucial for safety and environmental protection in the laboratory.

• Assess the spill: Identify the chemical and its hazards before taking action.

• Evacuate the area: Ensure all personnel are at a safe distance from the spill.

• Use appropriate PPE: Wear gloves, goggles, and lab coats to protect yourself.

• Contain the spill: Use absorbent materials or barriers to prevent spread.

• Clean up: Follow specific protocols for the chemical involved, using des...read more

EDTA-lysed samples show distinct characteristics due to the action of EDTA on blood cells, affecting their morphology and appearance.

• Hemolysis: EDTA can cause hemolysis, leading to a pink or red coloration in the plasma or serum due to the release of hemoglobin from lysed red blood cells.

• Cell Morphology: Under a microscope, EDTA-lysed samples may show distorted or fragmented red blood cells, indicating damage.

• Clotting: EDTA prevents clotting, so a properly collected EDTA samp...read more

Hardness processing involves measuring the resistance of a material to indentation or scratching.

• Rockwell hardness test measures the depth of penetration of an indenter under a large load compared to a small load

• HRC measures the hardness of steel and other hard materials

• BHN measures the hardness of materials through the indentation of a ball

• HRA measures the hardness of materials with a diamond cone indenter

• HRB measures the hardness of materials with a ball indenter

• The choice ...read more

My expectation for CTC from GHV is based on my experience, skills, and market standards.

• Consider my experience and expertise in the field

• Take into account the market rates for Sr Lab Technicians

• Consider the benefits and perks offered by GHV

• Negotiate based on my qualifications and contributions

• Expect a fair and competitive salary package

Hardness is the resistance of a material to deformation, micro refers to small scale measurements, and sample testing is the process of analyzing a small portion of a larger material.

• Hardness is measured using various methods such as Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers tests.

• Micro measurements are typically done using microscopes and can refer to things like microorganisms or microstructures.

• Sample testing can involve destructive or non-destructive methods and is used to determine...read more

I have extensive experience operating UTM machines for sample collection and preservation in various laboratory settings.

• Familiar with UTM (Universal Transport Medium) for viral specimen collection.

• Experience in using UTM for COVID-19 testing, ensuring sample integrity.

• Trained in proper handling and storage of UTM samples to prevent degradation.

• Knowledge of UTM's role in maintaining viral viability during transport.

A Z score indicates how many standard deviations a data point is from the mean of a dataset.

• Z score formula: Z = (X - μ) / σ, where X is the value, μ is the mean, and σ is the standard deviation.

• A Z score of 0 means the value is exactly at the mean.

• A positive Z score indicates the value is above the mean, while a negative Z score indicates it's below.

• Example: If the mean test score is 70 and the standard deviation is 10, a score of 80 has a Z score of 1.0.

External controls are used in scientific experiments to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.

• External controls are used to compare the experimental group to a control group that is not exposed to the independent variable.

• They help to eliminate or account for any confounding factors that may affect the results.

• External controls can be positive controls, which are expected to show a specific response, or negative controls, which are expected to show no response.

• Fo...read more

Critical tests are essential diagnostic tests that play a crucial role in determining a patient's condition or disease.

• Critical tests are performed to assess the severity of a patient's condition or to make immediate treatment decisions.

• These tests are often time-sensitive and require quick turnaround for results.

• Examples of critical tests include blood gas analysis, cardiac enzyme tests, and rapid infectious disease tests.

• Results from critical tests can directly impact patie...read more

LJ is a type of culture medium used for growing mycobacteria. STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. Earthroposis is not a known medical term.

• LJ is short for Löwenstein-Jensen medium, which is used for culturing mycobacteria like tuberculosis.

• STDs are infections that are spread through sexual contact, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

• Earthroposis is not a recognized medical term and may be a misspelling of the term 'arthropodosis', which refers to a disease caused ...read more

Cement testing initial & final setting time

• Initial setting time is the time taken by cement to harden enough to resist a certain amount of pressure

• Final setting time is the time taken by cement to harden completely and attain its full strength

• These tests are important to ensure the quality and consistency of cement used in construction

• The tests are conducted using Vicat apparatus or Gillmore needle apparatus

Materials are used on site using various methods such as mixing, testing, and application.

• Materials are mixed according to specific ratios and procedures.

• Testing methods include measuring strength, durability, and other properties.

• Application methods involve using tools and equipment to apply materials correctly.

• Examples: mixing concrete for construction, testing soil samples for contamination, applying paint on surfaces.