Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Licences
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Paul Ogbonna Okafor

10, Block A, Palmers Gate, Palmerstown, Dublin

Summary

Hardworking Clinical Laboratory Scientist bringing over 8 years of expertise Immunology, microbiology, chemistry and hematology testing needs. Skilled multitasker with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Proven history of maintaining equipment and lab areas in alignment with regulatory guidelines.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Medical Scientist

Beaumont Hospital
11.2020 - Current
  • Routine operation and maintenance of HelMed and HeLios analyzers for routine testing of ANAs on Hep2 Cells, EMA and EMAG, nDNA using Crithidia luciliea, Anti-Skin antibodies (BMz and IC associated Autoantibodies), Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA), Autoantibodies to Liver, Kidney and smooth muscles (using composite blocks), Autoantibodies to Neuronal antigens (eg Hu, Yo, GAD65 etc.) and NMDA receptor antibodies
  • Phadia 250 daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance.
  • Routine testing of Anti-CCP, -dsDNA, -TTG, -GBM, Intrinsic factor autoantibody, Extractable Nuclear Antigens and ENA typing.
  • EliA well evaluation and Batch acceptance
  • Mentoring junior scientists in developing their skills and abilities, fostering a culture of growth and development within the team.
  • Routine testing for C3, C4, Rheumatoid factors, Anti-TPO on Cobas system.
  • Providing training guidance to students and new members of staff
  • Running and reporting EQAs.
  • Routine testing for Allergy markers, Specific IgGs, Specific IgEs, Total IgE, Tryptase
  • Routine testing of Anti-Cardiolipin IgG and IgM autoantibodies.
  • Daily, Weekly, and monthly maintenance of Optilite Special Protein analyzer.
  • Assay of IgG Subclasses (IgG1, IgG2 IgG3 and IgG4) and C1 Inhibitor.
  • Receiving, freezing, cutting, and staining of skin biopsies for direct immunofluorescent assay, Conjugate titration.
  • Cutting and staining of renal biopsies for direct immunofluorescent assay.
  • Maintenance of Cryostat machine.
  • Immunoblotting using EuroBlotOne Analyzer for ANA Panel, Inflammatory Myopathies profile, Systemic Sclerosis panel, Liver panel and Paraneoplastic associated antibody assays.
  • Maintenance of EuroBlotOne Analyzer.
  • Receiving, preparing and aliquoting samples (Blood, CSF) for testing.
  • Use of optimal inventory for ordering, receiving, and keeping records of stocks.
  • Printing and reviewing of worksheets before assay set-up, carrying out archive search of previous test data.
  • Reviewing of test results prior to reporting.
  • Reporting and verification of laboratory test results.
  • Keeping records or reagent stock
  • Reporting to the designated Senior Medical Scientist and Chief Medical Scientist.
  • Documenting test results using computerized and manual transcription methods.
  • Clinical Microbiology Evening Support and Weekend Shifts
  • Receiving various microbiological samples during out of hours services for pre-analytical preparations and analytical testing, including rapid testing of Urine samples for Streptococcus pneumonia and Legionella antigens, urine deposits for clinically significant substances e.g., WBCs, RBCs, Yeast cells, Casts and Crystals, and ova of parasites e.g., ova of Schistosoma haematobium.
  • CSF, spun and stained for cell count and bacterial identification.
  • Putting up blood culture on the BD Bactec automated blood culture system.
  • Putting up broncho-alveolar lavage sample for culture in CLASS III Lab for both fungal and bacterial isolation.
  • Molecular testing for Mycobacterial tuberculosis, SARs-Cov-2, Influenza A and B using the Gene-Xpert technology.
  • Use and maintenance of SediMax analyzer for urinary deposits.
  • Putting up samples for aerobic and anaerobic isolation of bacterial pathogens on tissues and body fluids.

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Avon Medical Practice
08.2017 - 08.2020
  • Processed and analyzed blood samples for complete blood count (on five- or three-part differentials) using Mindray Hematology analyzer.
  • Actively participated in auto-analyzer, semi auto-analyzer application / operation and maintenance training.
  • Implemented national/regional policies for healthcare practitioners / professionals.
  • Implemented laboratory/hospital's computer integrated management system.
  • Processed and analyzed samples for combined metabolic panel, special assays, using Roche chemistry analyzers.
  • SARS-Cov-2 Antigen Testing
  • Attended Continuous Professional Development training/Workshops.
  • Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing standardized testing procedures and protocols.
  • Efficiently operated automated laboratory analyzers for medical diagnostic work-up, therapeutic monitoring and management at highest professional standard.
  • Performed laboratory procedures like Grouping and cross-matching, Antibody screening and titration, Coomb's test- direct and indirect, blood grouping and cross matching, compatibility testing, test of liver function, kidney function, cardiovascular function, inflammatory and infectious diseases, tumor makers assays/screen and, metabolic disorders) following SOPs.
  • Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry, and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
  • Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste while maintaining adequate stock levels for uninterrupted lab operations.
  • Prepared monthly statistics.
  • Received and inspected histology and cytology specimens.
  • Prepared cytology fluids, processed and stained of cytological (gynecological and non-gynecological) specimens using routine and special stains.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings, sharing insights from lab findings to inform treatment decisions.

Relieve Duty

Jatrof Medical Diagnostic laboratories
04.2017 - 07.2017
  • Carried out laboratory tests of kidney function, liver function, cardiovascular function, metabolic functions, inflammatory and infectious diseases employing very high-quality standard.
  • Recorded and reported test results
  • Carried out instrument maintenance
  • Validated test kits.

Temporal Focal Person for IHVN/NACA on Tuberculosis Control Programme

General Hospital Aramoko-Ekiti
05.2016 - 04.2017
  • Prepared and tested sputa samples for tuberculous bacilli using Gene xpert technology.
  • Prepared and tested samples for viral load, CD4 Cell assay, urea/creatinine, electrolytes, liver function etc.
  • Dry Blood Spot (DBS) collection and analysis for viral RNA, Metabolic screen.
  • Actively participated in EQA.
  • Participated in software application and maintenance training of laboratory auto-analyzers.
  • Trained MLT students.
  • Supervised laboratory technicians.
  • Validated test kits.
  • Recorded and reported test results.
  • Processed and tested samples, blood grouping and cross matching, compatibility testing, genotyping, antibody screening Coomb's test- direct and indirect.

Intern Medical Laboratory Scientist

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital
11.2014 - 12.2015
  • Rotated at Histopathology Department: Tissue grossing/ dissection/cut-up of tissues.
  • Tissue processing; fixation of tissues, dehydration, clearing, Wax infiltration and embedding.
  • Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
  • Microtomy / sectioning.
  • Received and examined cytology and histology samples, prepared cytology samples, stained cytology and histology specimen using routine and special stains.
  • Used Cryostat in tissue processing, automatic tissue processor, and auto Stainer.
  • Stained tissue sections with routine and special stains, IHC.
  • Processed and testing samples following SOPs.
  • Compatibility testing of blood and blood products.
  • Actively Participated in seminars, workshops and continuous professional development.
  • Recorded and reported test results.
  • ABO and Rh blood grouping and cross matching, compatibility testing, antibody screening (Coomb's test- indirect and direct).
  • Rotated at Clinical Microbiology Dept and Chemical Pathology respectively.
  • Cultured bacteria from human samples (e.g., Blood, urine, swabs- wound Urethral, ear, eye throat etc.), culture plate reading, bacterial identification and biochemical test, drug susceptibility testing.
  • Implementation of laboratory/hospital's computer integrated management system.
  • Running quality controls, instrument maintenance and calibrations.
  • Actively Participated in operational training of chemistry analyzers.

Locum Duty

Avon Medical Services Limited
08.2024
  • Implementation of laboratory computer integrated management system
  • Preparation of samples to be tested
  • Testing of samples using automated laboratory analyzers and manual method
  • Recording and reporting of test results
  • Validation of test kits and reagents
  • Preparation of reagents
  • Preparation of monthly statistics
  • Maintenance of laboratory instruments, running controls and calibration
  • Carrying out laboratory tests using SOPs
  • Sample processing and testing, irregular antibody screening (Coomb's test- direct and indirect) and titration, ABO and Rh blood grouping, cross matching and compatibility testing, genotyping, viral screening.

Education

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS) -

University of Nigeria Nsukka
Enugu, Nigeria
01.2013

Senior School Certificate (SSC) -

Community Secondary School Ukpata
Enugu, Nigeria
01.2006

First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) -

Community Primary School Ukpata
Enugu, Nigeria
01.2000

Skills

  • Proficiency testing
  • Reporting EQAs
  • Analyzer comparability testing
  • Good Communication Skills
  • Good ICT Skills (Data Management, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Ability to work without Supervision
  • Good Management Skill (Human Resources, Information and
  • Multitasking
  • Ability to coordinate under pressure/intense conditions
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Interpersonal and Social Skills

Certification

  • Universal Mandatory ICT Training (UMITT), AfriHUB Nigeria Limited, 07/2011
  • Environmental Management Vanguard (EMV), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 04/2017
  • Health Safety and Environmental Management Professionals (HSEMP), International Institute of Safety and Project Management (IISPM), 03/2017
  • Human Resources Management Professionals (HRMP), International Institute of Safety and Project Management (IISPM), 03/2017

Licences

  • CA - CLS - December 2023 (Current)
  • ASCPi - March 2023 (Current)
  • CORU - March 2021 (Current)
  • ACSLM - March 2019 (Current)
  • MLSCN- February 2016 ( Current)


Affiliations

  • Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN)
  • International Institute for Safety and Project Management (IISPM)
  • Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM)
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist Association, Ireland (MLSA)

References

On Request.

Timeline

Locum Duty

Avon Medical Services Limited
08.2024

Medical Scientist

Beaumont Hospital
11.2020 - Current

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Avon Medical Practice
08.2017 - 08.2020

Relieve Duty

Jatrof Medical Diagnostic laboratories
04.2017 - 07.2017

Temporal Focal Person for IHVN/NACA on Tuberculosis Control Programme

General Hospital Aramoko-Ekiti
05.2016 - 04.2017

Intern Medical Laboratory Scientist

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital
11.2014 - 12.2015

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS) -

University of Nigeria Nsukka

Senior School Certificate (SSC) -

Community Secondary School Ukpata

First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) -

Community Primary School Ukpata
Paul Ogbonna Okafor