Sipho Daniso

I am a qualified Medical Diagnostic Cytotechnologist with independent practice in cytopathology. I hold a National Diploma and a Bachelor of Technology in Biomedical Science from Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, and Umlazi. I passed the national board examination in March 2020 under the Society for Medical Technology of South Africa (SMTLSA).

Currently, I am in the final year of my Master of Science in Biomedical Science at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Bellville campus. With over five years of industry experience, I have served as a training personnel for experiential students and intern medical technologists. I have a profound passion for quality management systems and technical training, which has driven my contributions to laboratory efficiency and excellence.

I possess strong communication skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and keen attention to detail, ensuring adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and continuous professional development. My experience extends to liaising with management, micro-managing, decision-making, and multitasking in dynamic environments. I am committed to maintaining high standards of performance, fostering teamwork, and driving improvements in the biomedical science field.

Senior Medical Cytotechnologist at Lancet Laboratories (2025-06 – Present)

• Perform screening and diagnostic evaluation of gynecological cytology specimens (Pap smears) for detection of pre-malignant and malignant abnormalities.
• Analyze and interpret non-gynecological cytology specimens including body fluids (pleural, peritoneal, urine, and cerebrospinal fluids) for diagnostic purposes.
• Conduct microscopic evaluation of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) specimens and assist in preliminary diagnosis and case prioritization.
• Prepare, stain, and quality-check cytology slides using Papanicolaou (Pap) stain and May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) stain techniques.
• Ensure accurate verification, documentation, and reporting of cytology results in accordance with laboratory protocols and clinical standards.
• Maintain turnaround time (TAT) targets by prioritizing urgent and high-risk cases, and managing daily workflow effectively.
• Participate in Internal Quality Control (IQC) procedures including stain monitoring, slide audits, and addressing discrepant findings.
• Support Quality Management System (QMS) compliance through adherence to ISO 15189 standards, SOPs, and continuous quality improvement practices.
• Handle customer queries and complaints professionally, ensuring effective communication and service delivery to clinicians and clients.
• Assist in stock management, including monitoring of consumables, ordering, and ensuring availability of critical laboratory reagents and supplies.
• Ensure proper equipment maintenance by performing routine checks, reporting faults, and coordinating repairs to minimize downtime.
• Mentor and support junior staff and interns by providing guidance on cytology screening techniques, staining procedures, and laboratory best practices.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and infection prevention protocols to maintain a safe working environment.

Diagnostic Medical Cytotechnologist at NHLS (2021-09 – 2025-05)

• Screen gynecological specimens, including Pap smears, for early detection of abnormalities and malignancies.
• Analyze non-gynecological fluids (e.g., pleural, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluids) for diagnostic purposes.
• Perform microscopic evaluation of fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples to provide preliminary diagnoses.
• Authorize and sign out cytology results with a focus on quality assurance and accuracy.
• Conduct rapid on-site evaluations (ROSE) in thyroid clinics for endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided FNAs, ensuring real-time diagnosis and specimen adequacy.
• Collaborate closely with pathologists for complex case diagnoses and reporting.
• Mentor and train interns and junior staff on best practices in cytology screening and diagnostic protocols.
• Adhere to laboratory safety and ISO-compliant quality management systems to ensure high diagnostic standards.
• Participate in quarterly External Quality Assurance (EQA) screening cases received from Australia to maintain global diagnostic standards.
• Serve as the Health and Safety Officer, Fire Warden, and First Aid Officer (2022–2024), ensuring a safe working environment and compliance with safety regulations.

Diagnostic Medical Technologist at NHLS (2020-01 – 2021-12)

• Conduct diagnostic tests on cytology and histology specimens to assist in clinical decision making.
• Prepare and process gynecological and non-gynecological specimens for analysis.
• Monitor and manage laboratory inventory to maintain smooth operations.
• Perform quality control procedures and ensure compliance with ISO standards.
• Contribute to departmental audits and reviews to improve service delivery.

Medical Laboratory Assistant at Mangosuthu University of Technology (2018-07 – 2018-12)

Laboratory Practice 3 (in-service training) at Addington Hospital; National Health Laboratory Services (2017-06 – 2017-12)

• Assist in preparing laboratory materials and reagents for academic and research purposes.
• Support lecturers and students during practical laboratory sessions.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory workspaces and equipment.
• Manage and update laboratory logs and records for efficient resource utilization.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and proper handling of laboratory equipment.

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences – Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2023-01)

Bachelor of Technology in Biomedical Technology – Mangosuthu University of Technology (2018-01 – 2020-12)

National Diploma in Biomedical Technology – Mangosuthu University of Technology (2016-01 – 2018-12)

Grade 12 in Secondary Education – Ndaliso Senior Secondary School (2010-01 – 2014-12)