Kerry Gliddon

I currently work at RDE in Exeter in the pathology laboratory, I have worked for the NHS since November 2022. I have a passion for microbiology and gardening. I am an enthusiastic and a quick learner and work well either alone or with others. I have been in both team lead, senior and management positions. I love to teach others and enjoy computer work and analysis.

Epic, including audit trails, resulting and can discuss with colleagues the information promptly. I am highly confident with receiving specimens in the department. I have the knowledge and experience to process and prioritise specimens requiring immediate testing or possible referral to another department or hospital. I can use all aspects of Epic, including receiving, specimen updates, and specimen searches by patient NHS number, MRN or specimen number. I am experienced with using patient station, chart review and encounters, allowing me to add and remove tests using result entry confidently and efficiently.  My ability to document preliminary test results with high accuracy is impeccable. I have a good eye for errors and mistakes from receiving to data entry. Whilst at the Northern site, I was trained in all aspects of Enterics, Mycology, Blood cultures (including satellite FX machines, receiving and entering into the FX machines), Molecular (including Norovirus, Rotavirus, Covid & Flu, Eplex, PCR), Urines (including direct sensitivities), Main (nose, throat, Sub plates, meat broths and biopsy specimens etc.) and Genital swab benches, receiving, result entry, putting up Eucast and reading the plates as required. Measuring rings of inhibition, antimicrobial agents, disk diffusion for new agents, anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, reviewing criteria for pathogens without which pathogens such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Mycobacterium spp. would not be standardised across the medical fields. I can maintain and record all refrigerators, flow cabinets, and stock levels, including removing expired stock. 

I can use the batch editor to generate work batches using EPIC and add and remove specimens as required.

I can use the DS2 with confidence for all specimens and maintain and clean daily, weekly and monthly as required to decontaminate the equipment. I am also able to diagnose issues with the DS2 as needed. I can process specimens into the necessary equipment with the required amounts, load samples and reagents onto the DS2 analysers, process the results, and upload them onto EPIC. Once uploaded, I can enter data and, if required, process additional testing and verify results. 

I can use both Northern and Eastern sites databases to book stock in and out with no problems and enter data for IQC and IQA results but, more importantly, the patient's required and essential outcomes. I can investigate and review a patient's records and interpret results where necessary to update the records or add the required tests. I can sort and package up all specimens that need to be sent away and use both send-out and packing list editors on EPIC to send both messages and specimens to other areas, hospitals and specialised laboratories. I am experienced in using the centrifugation equipment and using it for samples including Crypto, Giardia, quantiferons, and OCP, and I can maintain, calibrate and decontaminate all equipment where necessary.  I can produce slides for blood cultures, enterics, ZN’s and mycology and process OCPs from start to finish. I can confidently aliquot positive specimens and input data into the according containers and container storage in EPIC for future investigations, retrieve specimens, controls and bacteriology specimens from specific areas, and delete and dispose of all specimens that are no longer required. I take pride in putting up plates in all departments, from labelling to inoculating, streaking or spreading plates to correctly disposing of inoculated plates and specimens. I can test for legionnaires disease and  Pneumonia and input the data into EPIC, ready for final verification. 

Automated methods by performing RT-PCR and PCR amplification using automated technology (for Covid, Norovirus and Full respiratory panels) using both Genexpert and Eplex machinery, including specimen put up, data entry and maintenance. 

I can plan, develop, organise and produce the results required of me in all aspects of the benches. I work speedily to get the results needed for our patients and other staff members to a high quality, and I am proud to be part of this process (per the SOPs).

I can process all patient details confidentially and quickly and respond well to requests from colleagues and departments. I pride myself on working well under pressure and in difficult situations. I have an excellent working relationship with other colleagues and will always lend a hand where needed. I am compassionate, but at the same time, I can be a good team leader when required. I can supervise and train staff in sections on tasks appropriate to my grade

The Human Biosciences Foundation Degree  detailed study of human biology. As the course progressed a deepen knowledge and understanding which  built towards a research project  As a degree it could lead to a lab technician role or lab scientist in biomedical science, public health or food quality control.

I studied  a mixture of theory, practical microscope work and case studies, by looking at human anatomy, and how the body is organized into systems, and later, physiology and the functions of organs and development.

We explored genetics and the characteristics of individuals and populations. Looking at the molecular level you will explore biochemistry, and how the chemical reactions required for human life are sustained.

In the first year we studied statistics which came in handy for the research paper and reports in microbiology (first and second year).

Finally, microbiology reveals the diversity of microorganisms, their growth requirements, and clinical and industrial importance, considering the microbial world including bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses.