Tatevik Hakobyan Email and Phone Number

Working at the Center for Laboratory Services, I was head of the department for food parasitology Based on the policy of SSFS and the quality regulations of the Center for Laboratory Services, the “Head of Food Parasitology Department” is responsible for performing parasitological diagnostic and analytical activities in order to contribute to the efforts of SSFS to improve food safety and to strengthen consumer protection. The primary goal is to achieve diagnostic-analytical results on a high degree of scientific excellence in cooperation with other departments. The scope of my department includes the detection of Trichinella spp by digestion method, visual detection of cestode cysts, detection of parasites in fish and crustaceae by dissection and microscopic examination, identification of insects infesting stored foods. Examnations for other parasites are conducted but do not form part of the routine.Under the supervision of the Quality Manager I introduced and verified new techniques such as a lateral flow immuno-assay for detection of antibodies against Trichinella in blood and meat plasma. I wrote standard operating procedures based on ISO and OIE recommendations and I perform quality assurance and quality control procedures as required by the quality system management.Depending on the work load, I also have been assigned to the microbiology department performing microbiological and related investigations, such as bacterial cultivation, isolation and identification, quantitative methods, microscopic examination, biochemical characterization, sero-typing, media preparation, sterility and media performance testing.Furthermore I am involved in laboratory hygiene monitoring and, to a limited extend, in various ELISA applications.As part of the routine, day-to-day administrative work has to be carried out such as receiving and recording incoming samples, reporting results, writing reports and preparing quality documents.

During my first employment with SSFS I was working as Laboratory Assistant in the physico-chemical department. Under the guidance of an experienced laboratory professional I learned how to perform standardized laboratory tests to verify the chemical composition and the physical characteristics of a variety of food products. Most procedures were based on conventional technology such as titration, photometry, chromatography and gravimetric analysis.

When I was student I was working as a volunteer in private veterinary clinics on weekends and during vacations. I had opportunity to experience the nature and extent of routine veterinary practice work. I learned to perform basic procedures for patient handling, examination and treatment, such as restraining animals, measuring body temperature, determining respiration and heart frequency, applying subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.