Biochemistry

Term from Diagnostics industry explained for recruiters

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in living organisms. In a diagnostic or healthcare setting, it's used to understand how the body works at a molecular level and helps identify diseases through laboratory testing. When you see this on a resume, it usually indicates the person has experience with analyzing blood, urine, or other biological samples to help doctors diagnose patients. It's similar to clinical chemistry or laboratory medicine. Think of it as being like a detective who uses scientific tools to find clues about someone's health in their blood or other samples.

Examples in Resumes

Performed Biochemistry analysis on patient samples in high-volume clinical laboratory

Supervised Biochemical testing department processing over 200 samples daily

Applied Biochemistry techniques to develop new diagnostic testing methods

Typical job title: "Biochemists"

Also try searching for:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technologist Clinical Biochemist Laboratory Technician Diagnostic Specialist Research Associate Laboratory Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement quality control measures in a biochemistry laboratory?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss establishing standard operating procedures, implementing quality control checks, ensuring proper calibration of equipment, maintaining documentation, and training staff on quality protocols.

Q: How do you stay current with new developments in diagnostic testing?

Expected Answer: Should mention reading professional journals, attending conferences, participating in continuing education, and implementing new validated methods when appropriate.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What experience do you have with automated testing equipment?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe operating common laboratory analyzers, performing maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and understanding quality control results.

Q: How do you handle difficult or unusual test results?

Expected Answer: Should explain process of result verification, checking for interference, consulting reference ranges, and proper communication with healthcare providers.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What safety procedures are important in a biochemistry lab?

Expected Answer: Should know basic lab safety including proper handling of biological samples, personal protective equipment, waste disposal, and emergency procedures.

Q: Can you explain the basic process of running a typical biochemistry test?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe sample preparation, using basic lab equipment, following test procedures, and recording results accurately.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic laboratory techniques
  • Sample preparation and handling
  • Following standard operating procedures
  • Basic equipment operation

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced testing procedures
  • Quality control monitoring
  • Equipment troubleshooting
  • Result interpretation and validation

Senior (5+ years)

  • Laboratory management
  • Method development and validation
  • Quality assurance program oversight
  • Staff training and supervision

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Lack of laboratory safety knowledge
  • Poor attention to detail in following procedures
  • No experience with quality control measures
  • Unable to explain basic testing principles

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