Laboratory Assistant from our Media Manufacturing Unit featured in TAFE’s success stories
29/08/2024
After completing his Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques at TAFE, Trevor Bentley began working at PathWest as a Technical Assistant in Microbiology, and currently as a Laboratory Assistant at the Media Manufacturing Unit. While working at PathWest, Trevor was contacted by one of his lecturers at TAFE to be featured in their online success stories as an inspiration for their current and future students.
As a Technical Assistant in Microbiology, Trevor was responsible for receiving specimens, interpreting request forms, and processing a variety of samples using aseptic techniques. He has performed thousands of streak plates and spread plates for antibiotic sensitivity testing, operation of urinalysis, PCR and rapid flu/COVID using GenXpert machines.
In his current role as a Laboratory Assistant at the Media Manufacturing Unit, Trevor prepares a wide range of microbiological culture media and reagents. This involves following standard operating procedures to make up solutions, initialling each step for traceability. Trevor also performs sterile filtering to remove particulates, calibrate pumps, and dispense precise volumes. The samples he prepares are provided to the Quality Control Scientists for quality testing.
In Trevor’s feature story, he shared ‘I have been continuously learning new skills at PathWest and building upon the training I received at TAFE.’
As a Technical Assistant in Microbiology, Trevor was responsible for receiving specimens, interpreting request forms, and processing a variety of samples using aseptic techniques. He has performed thousands of streak plates and spread plates for antibiotic sensitivity testing, operation of urinalysis, PCR and rapid flu/COVID using GenXpert machines.
In his current role as a Laboratory Assistant at the Media Manufacturing Unit, Trevor prepares a wide range of microbiological culture media and reagents. This involves following standard operating procedures to make up solutions, initialling each step for traceability. Trevor also performs sterile filtering to remove particulates, calibrate pumps, and dispense precise volumes. The samples he prepares are provided to the Quality Control Scientists for quality testing.
‘Many of our products require terminal sterilisation by autoclaving, which involves working in a restricted area with appropriate PPE and adhering to strict safety protocols. I conduct daily testing on the boiler plant, including pH testing, alkalinity testing by titration and conductivity testing for total dissolved solids (TDS). This journey has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to continually develop my skills and contribute to the important work at PathWest.’ Trevor added.
Last Updated:
11/09/2024