Quality control and managing operations in the microbiology laboratory

Henriikka Rautapää works at Eurofins BPT Finland, leading the microbiology laboratory team. She started in April 2020 as a microbiologist and was promoted to team leader of the lab in September 2021.

Henriikka graduated as a Biomedical Laboratory Scientist from the Turku University of Applied Sciences in 2007, and in 2019, she obtained a Master of Science degree in agriculture and forestry from the University of Helsinki, majoring in microbiology.

Quality control, team leading and development tasks in the lab 

Henriikka’s daily work at the lab is versatile and includes a lot of monitoring of the operations as well as quality control.

“I’m responsible for the daily operations, sample management and scheduling analyses at the Eurofins BPT Finland microbiology lab. At the same time, I must ensure that everything is done according to the GMP guidelines. Continuous quality control is therefore a major part of my work. Other than that, my days are filled with expert work, guidance and supervision of laboratory work as well as reviewing and approving the Certificates of Analyses.

“In addition, I’m responsible for planning the validation of medicinal products and raw materials in cooperation with our clients and other units. We also offer an extensive expert service for the analytics of environmental monitoring samples, help clients with validation of facilities as well as the planning and execution of sampling.”

Constantly developing analytics according to the wishes and needs of the clients is a part of Henriikka’s work. She also compiles offers for the analytics services and manages contacts with the clients with her colleagues.

Having worked at a clinical microbiology laboratory for more than 10 years, Henriikka has special expertise in bacteriology.

“I know quite a lot about bacteriology and identifying bacteria. I can help our clients with very specific consultation about different microbial growths as well as with finding sources of contamination.”

Professional and positive work environment

Henriikka values the independence in her work as well as the good workplace atmosphere.

“I get to plan my days and weeks according to what is more pressing or urgent and fill my days as I see fit. Often, the work is really about problem-solving that requires many aspects of my competence – as well as that of my colleagues.”

“Our lab team is fantastic, and their solid competence and extensive experience humble me constantly. I am grateful every day for having the opportunity to work with them.”

“Everyone here is very professional and always ready to help. It is wonderful to work with such talented people and see how each and everyone gets to use their special expertise for the common good. Not to forget having a laugh and spending time together, which is very important to me.”

Eurofins BPT Finland provides comprehensive R&D & Analytical testing for human and veterinary medicines and manufacturing of investigational medicinal products under GMP. Our staff comprises experienced professionals with the required training to work under the GMP quality guidance who take great pride in the accurate and scientifically valid results they provide.