Top Lab Chemist Interview Questions
Q – 1 Tell me what is a positive control?
Ans- Positive control is a specimen having the analyse at a concentration above a specific limit.
Q – 2 Do you know what is GLP?
Ans- GLP means Good Laboratory Practice. It is a framework or pattern under which research work are planned, performed, monitored, recorded, reported and archived.
Q – 3 Do you know what is Calibration Curve?
Ans- Calibration curve is the relationship between the various concentration of analyte in a suitable solvent or matrix and the signal response of the instrument.
Q – 4 Tell me how detail oriented are you?
Ans- I am very methodical in my approach to the work I carry out and try my best to understand what task I am performing to the highest degree.
Q – 5 Do you know what is dynamic range?
Ans- It is defined as a range over which a relationship exists between assay response and analyte concentration.
Q – 6 Explain how reliable of a worker are you?
Ans- I am very reliable. Even during out of work hours and days I do not work, I can still be contacted if a problem arises and would respond in a timely manner.
Q – 7 Explain what knowledge do you have about the company?
Ans- You should do your research prior to the interview. Look into background history of the company, this will help you stick out. Learn about main people, have they been in the news lately? The interviewer doesn’t expect you to know dates and certain people, but showing that you have enough interest to research the company is a positive impression.
Q – 8 Do you know what is co-chromatography?
Ans- Co-chromatography is the procedure used to detect an unknown substance by comparing the chromatic comparison with a known substance.
Q – 9 Tell me what knowledge do you have about the company?
Ans- Although this would seem like a simple question, it can easily become tricky. You shouldn’t mention salary being a factor at this point.
If you’re currently employed, your response can focus on developing and expanding your career and even yourself. If you’re current employer is downsizing, remain positive and brief. If your employer fired you, prepare a solid reason. Under no circumstance should you discuss any drama or negativity, always remain positive.
Q – 10 Tell me what laboratory experience do you have?
Ans- I have worked in physicians offices and i was use to Greet the patient,getting the info from patient and responsible to enter in the computer system. Drawing blood specimen, ECG, Urinlaysis
Q – 11 Explain me what do you consider to be your best strength?
Ans- This question allows you to brag on yourself, but keep in mind that the interviewer wants strengths relative to the position. For example, being a problem solver, a motivator, and being able to perform under pressure, positive attitude and loyal. You will also need examples that back your answers up for illustration of the skill.
Q – 12 Explain what can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
Ans- I am a dedicated individual that thoroughly understands what the words dependable,hardworking and detail oriented means.I have the experience you desire in a hospital,ER, and disaster zone setting you need.
Q – 13 Tell me are You a ‘People’ Person?
Ans- Although it may be phrased a little differently, the gist of this question is clear: Do you like being around people? If you don’t, being a medical assistant isn’t a good fit for you. After all, you’ll be working directly with patients throughout the day.
It helps a lot if you sincerely like interacting with them. While answering this question, make sure to mention that you like helping people too. This will drive home the point that you are a talented medical assistant and would be a valuable part of the team.
Q – 14 Tell me what is in your opinion, a laboratory assistant’s duties are?
Ans- A lab assistant handles everything from laboratory support to administrative support in the facility that he or she is working for. As a laboratory assistant, they draw blood, processes specimens, writes reports and provides patients with information of lab procedures and outcomes.
Q – 15 Explain me with an example of your daily routine as a technician?
Ans- Detail is the key to answering such a question. Don’t try to impress the interviewer with some extraordinary piece of work. Be simple and specific. For example, describe how you test cells and blood to look for microorganisms and parasites.
Q – 16 Explain me how long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Ans- I would hope to work for you throughout the duration of the contract and if an opportunity were to arise for further work I would be more than willing to consider that option.
Q – 17 Explain me do you have good computer skills?
Ans- It is becoming increasingly important for medical assistants to be knowledgeable about computers. If you are a long-time computer user with experience with different software applications, mention it. It is also a good idea to mention any other computer skills you have, such as a high typing rate, website creation, and more.
Q – 18 Tell me what is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?
Ans- ☛ Sterilization: The thorough sterilization of all microbes present on the surgical instrument is referred as Sterilization
☛ Disinfection: While reducing the total number of microbes below the risk level is referred as Disinfection
Q – 19 Tell me how would a former co-worker or previous supervisor, describe you?
Ans- Dedicated,to being a Laboratory Assistant, detailed oriented,Team Player,excellent customer service and communicating skills.
Q – 20 Explain me a difficult experience with a patient and how you handled it?
Ans- This is a question that cannot be properly answered without preparation. Have a story ready about an experience you have had.
Do not make up a story, but be sure to play up the most positive aspects of the experience to show that you know how difficult some patients can be but that you are more than capable of handling any situation with professionalism, compassion, and efficiency.
Q – 21 Tell me what aspect of being a medical assistant do you enjoy least?
Ans- Don’t be caught out by this question and begin complaining about the working hours, salary or any other aspect of the job. Instead, you could say you would like to have more responsibilities so you can be more helpful to patients and doctors.
Q – 22 Explain me what is the most important part of counseling patients?
Ans- In your job, you will likely be responsible for providing a great deal of patient counseling. Make sure your answer includes the need to listen to the patient, to allow the patient to ask questions, and to show empathy when dealing with patients and families while providing detailed, accurate information.
Q – 23 Tell me what clinical lab audit is and what are the areas you can do clinical audit?
Ans- A clinical lab audit is done in order to maintain and operate the lab at a standard level.
The area that includes in clinical audit are
☛ Specimens: To check the patient register and see whether the specimen was received at the right time
☛ Turnaround time: To check whether the specimen was tested and returned at allocated time, and if delayed how to improve it
☛ GLP: To check whether the test methods carried out follows the standard procedures
☛ Purchasing equipment’s, reagents and other lab instruments
☛ Laboratory reports: To check whether they are precise and clear and look for any area for improvement
☛ Storage of reagents and specimens
☛ Safety policies and procedures: Use of dangerous substances should be audited, and every single accident in the lab should be recorded.
Q – 24 Explain me about your education training?
Ans- I attended National Career Education and successfully completed a Phlebotomy course holding a 4.0 grade average all the way through. I took my studies seriously and took advantage of any opportunity to learn.
I was fortunate to have an externship at McClellan VA Clinic where I worked with an amazing staff that taught me so much more about blood draws and processing. I worked with patients varying in age, size, and medical conditions. I also volunteered in the lab for 6 months after my extership was completed.
Q – 25 Explain how would your current or previous employer describe you?
Ans- Try to list all your traits that are important to being a medical assistant, such as your ability to pay great attention to detail and to remain calm when handling difficult patients. The interviewer is likely to ask your former employer for a reference, so be truthful and list the traits they are likely to have seen in you.
Q – 26 Tell me how do you protect the rights and confidentiality of patients?
Ans- This is the perfect opportunity to impart your knowledge of HIPAA. Your answer should show that you are very knowledgeable regarding regulations and that you place patient rights and confidentiality at the top of your priority list as a medical assistant. If you are at all unclear about HIPAA regulations, be sure to study the material thoroughly before rehearsing your response.
Q – 27 Why do you believe we should hire you as Lab Chemist?
Ans- This question needs to be carefully answered as it is your opportunity to stick out from the rest of the applicants. You should focus on skills that you have, including those not yet mentioned. Simply responding “because I’m really good” or “I really need a job” isn’t going to work.
You shouldn’t assume the skills of other applicants or their strengths, focus on yourself. Tell the interviewer why you are a good fit for the position, what makes you a good employee, and what you can provide the company. Keep it brief while highlighting achievements.
Q – 28 Explain what are your career goals in the lab? Where do you see yourself in five years?
Ans- I understand that the position is temporary, if at the end of the temporary period there was a more permanent job available I would be very interested in the role to gain more experience and learn as much as I could so that I could progress up the chain of command.
If there was no role available for me the information I would have gained would definitely help with getting my foot in the door at another lab where I would hope to progress.
Q – 29 Tell me what do you consider to be your biggest weakness?
Ans- This can be a tricky question to respond to, if you suggest you have no weaknesses you’re going to appear as a lair or egotistical. You should respond realistically by mentioning small work related weaknesses. Although many try to answer using a positive skill in disguise as a weakness, like “I expect co-workers to have the same commitment” or “I am a perfectionist”.
However, it is recommended that there is some honesty and the weaknesses are true, and then emphasize on how you have overcome it or working to improve it. The purpose of this question is to see how you view and evaluate yourself.
Q – 30 Specifically, what company do you work for, what is your official title/position, and what are your duties?
Ans- lead chemist:
works in the lab, chemical reactions, testing the products, analyzing, quality control of raw materials to match all the qualifications/standards, quality control of final product, whereas the chemical engineer does the processing and development of the product
Q – 31 Tell me what characteristics do you possess that make you a qualified lab technician?
Ans- Lab technicians work alone or in small groups in the laboratory. They do not communicate with patients. So they are primarily highly detail-oriented and disciplined technical workers.
Q – 32 Explain me an example of a challenging experience with a patient and describe how you dealt with it?
Ans- Employers love to hear real life examples of your experiences and how you handled difficult situations, so make sure you have a few stories ready to answer this type of question. It is important to focus on the positives and to communicate how professional, efficient and compassionate you are.
Q – 33 Tell me what have you done to reduce costs, increase revenue, or save time?
Ans- Even if your only experience is an externship, you have likely created or streamlined a process that has contributed to the earning potential or efficiency of the practice. Choose at least one suitable example and explain how you got the idea, how you implemented the plan, and the benefits to the practice.
Q – 34 Explain are you proficient with laboratory equipment typically used by lab technicians?
Ans- The answer should obviously be yes. What you should specify is what kind of laboratory you have experience working in. Some technicians work in private clinics and others work in research institutes. Add detail to show that you know your job and have real experience.
Q – 35 Explain your experience working beyond the laboratory. What unique skills have you developed?
Ans- My time as an internet sales manager and working in retail in general has taught me a lot about dealing with a wide demographic of people, has enabled me to deal with high pressure situations and increased workload, taught me to work as part of a team to hit sales targets and delevir exceptional customer service to gain high marks in mystery shopper tasks.
I work a lot with computers and I am comfortable with typing and using various computer software programmes.
Q – 36 Tell me why do you believe you are the best applicant for this position as Lab Chemist?
Ans- The key here is to relate your particular skills and qualities to the needs of the employer. It’s worth researching the company’s values and mission in advance so you know what type of employee they are looking for. It is important to sound confident without appearing arrogant.
Q – 37 Tell me how do you plan to become a better medical assistant?
Ans- Your answer to this will show how dedicated you are to a career as a medical assistant. Cite any professional organizations you belong to, which journals you read and whether you plan to take further classes, or become Registered or Certified. Try to relate these actions to how they will help improve your skills to benefit the medical assistant profession.
Q – 38 Tell us what makes you the best person for this job as Lab Chemist?
Ans- I am extremely dependable, I work well in as a team member or independently. I like working with the public, and I have great attention to detail. I also have great customer service skills which all of my past jobs experience have helped me in developing.
Q – 39 Tell me what do you like most about being a Lab Chemist?
Ans- I would enjoy the actual science as well as the result of my work. Everyday I would strive to perfect my skills and techniques. The accurate results are essential to begin the patients treatment.
Q – 40 Do you know what is gas sterilization?
Ans- In gas sterilization chemicals like ethylene oxide and mixture based on the substance are used for sterilizing substances. They are highly flammable and potentially explosive in nature; they are mixed with inert gases to neutralize their explosive nature.
Q – 41 Tell me what do you mean by a confirmatory test?
Ans- For unambiguous identification of drug or metabolites in the sample, alternative chemical method is used also known as a second test.
Q – 42 Explain me how would your former employer describe you?
Ans- In all likelihood, the interviewer will actually speak with your former employer so honesty is key. Answer as confidently and positively as possible and list all of the positive things your past employer would recognize about you.
Do not make the mistake of simply saying you are responsible, organized, and dependable. Instead, include traits that are directly related to your work as a medical assistant, such as the ability to handle stressful situations and difficult patients, the way you kept meticulous records, and more.
Q – 43 Explain me how do you work toward becoming better as a medical assistant?
Ans- Do you regularly read professional journals? Are you a member of a professional organization? Are you taking classes to earn additional certifications? If so, detail all of your efforts and explain how you feel the efforts will improve your skills and allow you to contribute more fully to your profession.
Q – 44 How much experience do you have with patients as Lab Chemist?
Ans- Be very honest and clear with your answer. If you have past experience on the job, state the number of years you have worked. If you are a recent graduate, detail how long you served in an externship as well as any relevant volunteer experience you have.
Explain how you have interacted with patients and make sure to emphasize that you are completely comfortable working with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Q – 45 Tell me what do you know about MSDS?
Ans- Material Safety Data Sheets are used to handle chemical use in a laboratory. They are issued with every chemical that any lab uses or stocks.
Q – 46 Do you know why GLP is followed in the lab?
Ans-
☛ Following GLP standard, minimizes the chance of error occurs due to humans
☛ It supports for product registration, and also assures the suitability of data to the regulatory authorities
☛ It helps to reduce the cost of industry and governments by avoiding duplicative testing
☛ It helps to re-create a study from the recorded data and information
Q – 47 Tell me around how many hours do you work per day, and how many days per week?
Ans-
☛ during the “high season” (summertime; higher demand) : overtime –> 10 hours or more
☛ regular season: 8 hrs
☛ during “slow season” : 8 hrs
Q – 48 Tell me what are the factors on which the gas sterilization depends on?
Ans- Gas sterilization depends on factors like
☛ Concentration of the gas
☛ Humidity
☛ Time of exposure
☛ Temperature
☛ Nature of the load
Q – 49 Tell me what are some of the challenges you face at work and how do you overcome them?
Ans- ☛ nderstanding all the chemistry, following the manufacturing/production rules and standards
☛ when something is wrong with the raw materials:
☛ if sample is not good, call the raw material manufacturing company, and send back the materials
☛ when something is wrong with the final products:
☛ if sample is not good, keep hold of product and find out the problem by contacting the different departments
☛ solving the problem is hard; meeting with different departments to solve the problem
☛ tracing back to the processing stages of product
Q – 50 Explain what are the common errors done by technician while handling pipette?
Ans-
☛ Failure to pre-wet the pipette tip
☛ Disregarding temperature – temperature equilibrated
☛ Tip wiping over and again
☛ Choosing wrong pipetting mode
☛ Working too quickly
☛ Pipetting at a wrong angle
☛ Using wrong pipette tips
Q – 51 Tell me what is your favourite part about being a chemical engineer?
Ans-
☛ the chemistry knowledge you get to apply
☛ the technology