Meet the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing NT POCT team
Karen Thompson
Program Lead/Scientific Manager
Originally from Adelaide, and growing up in Whyalla, Karen has worked in NHS hospitals across London for the past 20 years, as well as a 3-year term in Liberia, West Africa. She has held roles as a Laboratory Manager, a Quality Manager and Senior Scientist in diagnostic Haematology and Blood Transfusion. For 4 years she managed a satellite POCT laboratory in Operating Theatres specialising in perioperative Haemostasis. Karen is enthusiastic about the benefits that POCT provides to communities in the NT.
Ellen Kambanaros
Senior Scientific Officer
Ellen grew up in Adelaide and completed a Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons) at Flinders University in 2018. She then worked in a private pathology laboratory before joining the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing in 2021. Ellen is passionate about the benefits of POCT and is always happy to provide support in any way she can.
Sarah Hall
Scientific Officer
Sarah is originally from the south coast of NSW and completed a Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry) at the University of Wollongong. She then worked in diagnostic pathology laboratories in both genomics and POCT departments in Canberra, before relocating to Adelaide in 2024. Sarah is excited to be a part of the NT POCT team, seeing all the positive impacts POCT has on so many communities.
Blake Lovett
Scientific Assistant
Blake grew up south of Adelaide and completed a Bachelor of Medical Science at Flinders University in 2023. After working in a research and development laboratory, he joined the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing in 2025. Blake became passionate about POCT and the benefits it provides during his studies at Flinders and is committed to helping support the clinics with their POC testing.
Cathy Waymark
Administration Assistant
Cathy has a background in administration and finance and has worked in many industries. Cathy enjoys assisting with the provision of POCT services, which align with her interest in contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of other persons. Cathy currently works with the NT POCT i-STAT and WBC DIFF programs.