This week the Q&A BUG paid a visit to Toronto General Hospital’s Biochemistry Core Laboratory and ‘infected’ Allison Ming-Freckleton, Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT). The nomination came from our previous Q&A BUG ‘victim,’ Ian Kerr. You can check out Ian’s photo Q&A HERE.
As an MLT in the Core Lab, Allison conducts bioichemistry testing on patient samples from various UHN sites and partner hospitals. Patient samples can be sent to the lab for a variety of reasons ranging from standard electrolyte testing for a hospital outpatient to arterial blood gas testing for a patient in the intensive care unit. Specimen samples generally consist of blood, urine, and other bodily fluids, and are sorted and delivered by LMP’s specimen management team.
Allison also helps with the Core Laboratory’s External Quality Assurance (EQA) analyses, and competency testing. These tests happen around once a month on different areas of the lab to ensure that equipment is producing accurate results, and staff are conducting tests effectively.
The most common test the lab sees is an electrolyte panel test, which measures the blood levels of carbon dioxide, chloride, potassium, and sodium. The lab also offers highly specific tests such as triponin testing, which can be used to diagnose heart attacks and also evaluate heart injuries.
To learn more about Allison, check out her photo Q&A below!
Whereabouts do you live and how do you commute to work?
If you could be famous for one thing, what would it be?
Where was your last road trip to?
What’s your favorite meal to make at home?
What was your first live concert?
If you could bring one thing on a weekend camping trip, what would it be?
What do you do for fun?
What’s your favourite animal? (Draw it!)
Favourite movie?
Favourite sports team or athlete?
If you had to describe working with LMP in one word, what would it be?
If your friends were to describe you in one word, what would it be?
Because Allison completed the photo series Q&A she was given the opportunity to pass the bug onto someone else… Make sure to check in next week to find out which LMP staff member Allison nominated – It could be you!
Have a common interest with Allison? – Share it in the comments section!
- That the lack of portable bathrooms is the only thing preventing you from camping!
- How you heard there are plans for a Pretty Woman remake…
- That Quebec City is so often forgotten to Montreal – any preferences?
- That “enlightening” is a great word choice to describe working with LMP!
The Pathology Report 
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