BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST BAND 5 INTERVIEW QUESTION . NHS .

Title: NHS Interview Questions Preparation - Biomedical scientist at NHS UK
Prepared by: Suramya Babu


In this presentation, I’ve compiled a list of the most important NHS interview questions that I have prepared for as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS) within the NHS UK. These questions cover various aspects of the role, including technical knowledge, personal attributes, and professional experiences relevant to the healthcare environment. This resource is designed to help others who are preparing for their own interviews or seeking to understand the types of questions asked in NHS job interviews.

1. NHS BAND 5 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST SURAMYA BABU Biomedical scientist St Georges hospital Tooting

2. HEMATOLOGY AND BLOOD TRANSFUSION PART-1 SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

3. MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1.WHAT IS DIFFERENCE BETEWEEN QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN LAB ? SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

4. Quality Control (QC): Definition : QC is a reactive and operational process focused on detecting and correcting errors in the test results. Scope : It involves regular monitoring and validation of equipment, reagents, and test processes. Examples : Running control samples to check the accuracy of an analyzer . Analyzing daily calibration data to ensure equipment is functioning within specified limits. Recording and acting on any deviations in QC results. Goal : To identify and rectify issues in test processes to maintain accuracy and precision in results SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

5. Quality Assurance (QA): Definition : QA is a proactive and preventive process focused on ensuring the entire laboratory system operates reliably and consistently to meet quality standards. Scope : It includes all activities, policies, and procedures designed to ensure that tests and services meet regulatory, accreditation, and clinical requirements. Examples : Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Training programs for staff. Internal audits. Compliance with ISO standards, such as ISO 15189. Goal : To create a system that minimizes errors and ensures reliability in all aspects of the lab. SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

6. 2. What is accuracy and precision ? Accuracy : It is the closeness of the test result to true value Precision: consistency of the test result when repeated For eg , if a hemoglobin control sample has a known value of 12 g/ dL : A result of 11.9 g/ dL is accurate because it is close to the true value. If you repeat the test multiple times and consistently get results like 11.8, 11.9, and 12.0, it is precise. Both are important because high accuracy ensures correct diagnoses, while high precision ensures reliable monitoring SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

7. 3. What will you do if a QC is out of range. Explain step by step possible answer : If a QC is out of range, I would first stop releasing patient results and review the QC data for patterns. I would check reagents, consumables, and analyzer maintenance records to identify any immediate issues. If needed, I’d recalibrate the analyzer and repeat the QC. If the problem persists, I would use a new QC batch and escalate to senior staff or technical support as per SOP. Once resolved, I would verify accuracy with additional tests and document all steps thoroughly . SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

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9. 4. State the significance of a coagulation screen Assess Hemostasis : Evaluates blood clotting ability, including intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Diagnose Bleeding Disorders : Detects conditions like hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and DIC. Identify Thrombotic Disorders: Investigates abnormal clot formation, e.g., DVT, PE. Pre-Surgical Assessment : Determines bleeding risk before surgery or invasive procedures. Monitor Anticoagulant Therapy: Adjusts treatments like warfarin (INR) and heparin. SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

10. 5. state the significance of a Factor assay in coagulation studies   Rule Out Hemophilia : Identifies specific deficiencies, such as Factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or Factor IX (Hemophilia B). Guide Factor Replacement Therapy : Determines the appropriate clotting factor for replacement in bleeding disorders. Diagnose Clotting Factor Disorders : Detects rare deficiencies (e.g., Factor XI, Factor V) or inhibitors. Investigate Prolonged Coagulation Times : Explains abnormal PT or APTT results by pinpointing the affected factor. Differentiate Causes: Distinguishes between inherited (e.g., hemophilia) and acquired conditions (e.g., liver disease, DIC). SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

11. 6. Storage Temperatures in the Blood Transfusion Laboratory Platelets : Stored at 20–24°C with continuous gentle agitation. Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) : Stored at -18°C or colder (ideally below -25°C) until thawed. Once thawed, it must be used within 24 hours if kept at 2–6°C. Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) : Stored at 2–6°C in a monitored blood fridge. SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

12. 7. Principle of blood cell counters. Impedance Counting: Blood cells are passed through a small opening (aperture) in an electrolyte solution. As each cell passes through, it displaces the solution, causing a change in electrical resistance (impedance). The analyzer measures this change to count the cells and calculate their size . This method is mainly used for counting red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets . VCS Technology (Volume, Conductivity, and Scatter) : Volume : Measures the size of the cell using impedance. Conductivity : Analyzes the internal composition of the cell by how it affects the electric field. Scatter : Uses light scatter to evaluate the granularity and complexity of the cell, particularly for differentiating white blood cell types (e.g., lymphocytes, neutrophils). These combined principles allow blood cell counters to count, size, and classify blood cells accurately and efficiently. SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

13. 8. Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices - Normal Range, Calculations, and Formulas MCV : Measures the average volume of red blood cells. MCH : Measures the average amount of hemoglobin per RBC. MCHC : Measures the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. RDW : Reflects the variability in RBC size. SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

14. RBC Index Normal Range Interpretation RBC Index Normal Range Interpretation Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) 80–100 fL - Low MCV : Microcytic (e.g., iron deficiency anemia) - High MCV : Macrocytic (e.g., vitamin B12 or folate deficiency) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) 27–33 pg per cell - Low MCH : Hypochromic (e.g., iron deficiency anemia) - High MCH : Hyperchromic (e.g., macrocytic anemia) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) 32–36 g/dL - Low MCHC : Hypochromic (e.g., iron deficiency anemia) - High MCHC : Hyperchromic (e.g., hereditary spherocytosis) Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) 11.5%–14.5% - Increased RDW : Greater variation in RBC size ( anisocytosis ), seen in mixed anemia (e.g., iron deficiency with B12 deficiency) SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

15. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) MCV = (Hematocrit ( Hct ) × 10) / RBC count (million/ μL ) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) MCH = (Hemoglobin (g/ dL ) × 10) / RBC count (million/ μL ) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) MCHC = (Hemoglobin (g/ dL ) × 100) / Hematocrit ( Hct ) Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) RDW = (Standard Deviation of RBC volume / MCV) × 100 SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

16. 9. Kleihauer-Betke Test Purpose: To detect and quantify fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation. It helps to assess the risk of Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers. Used after events like trauma, amniocentesis, or in cases of Rh incompatibility. SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

17. Principle: Fetal red blood cells are more resistant to acid than maternal red blood cells. The test involves the use of an acid-elution method where maternal and fetal red blood cells are exposed to an acidic solution (usually acid buffer). Fetal red blood cells retain hemoglobin F (fetal hemoglobin), which resists acid denaturation. Maternal red blood cells are lysed in the acidic solution, while fetal red blood cells retain their color and remain intact, allowing for their identification and quantification. SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

18. Clinical Relevance: The test is particularly important in Rh-negative mothers who may be at risk of developing antibodies against Rh-positive fetal cells. The Kleihauer-Betke test helps to guide the amount of RhIg needed for prophylaxis to prevent Rh sensitization and future complications like Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) . SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

19. 10. To calculate heparin ratio Eg : If the heparin ratio is the APTT of a sample as a ratio of the mean of the normal range for the APTT, What is the heparin ratio of a sample if the APTT is 50 and the normal range of the APTT is 30 to 40 seconds . Answer: To calculate the heparin ratio: Find the mean of the normal range for the APTT: Mean = (30 + 40) / 2 = 35 seconds Calculate the heparin ratio: Heparin ratio = APTT of sample / Mean of normal range Heparin ratio = 50 / 35 ≈ 1.43 So, the heparin ratio is approximately 1.43 . SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

20. 11. Calculate the osmolar gap. Question: A patient’s chemistry results are: Na = 140, K = 3.8, Cl = 100, Urea = 5.7, Creatinine = 120, Glucose = 20.2, Measured Osmo = 320. Calculate the osmolar gap . SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

21. Answer: Step 1: Calculate the Calculated Osmolality using the formula: Calculated Osmolality = 2 × Na + (Glucose / 18) + (Urea / 6) Values: Na = 140 mmol /L Glucose = 20.2 mmol /L Urea = 5.7 mmol /L Calculation: Calculated Osmolality = 2 × 140 + (20.2 / 18) + (5.7 / 6) Calculated Osmolality = 280 + 1.12 + 0.95 Calculated Osmolality = 282.07 mOsm /kg Step 2: Calculate the Osmolar Gap Osmolar Gap = Measured Osmolality - Calculated Osmolality Osmolar Gap = 320 - 282.07 Osmolar Gap = 37.93 mOsm /kg Final Answer: The osmolar gap is approximately 38 mOsm /kg . SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

22. THANK YOU WAIT FOR PART TWO … SURAMYA BABU BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST