Abigail Hickson
Whiteland
Summary
Experienced medical laboratory professional with 5 years of experience. My mission is to be able to aid and care for patients with a behind the scenes approach. With this, I am able to work alongside the clinical teams at the forefront of patient care by assisting in diagnosing and treating individuals through laboratory testing and processes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Lab Assistant II
Indiana University Health (Riley, Methodist, University) Blood Bank
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Process specimens and requisitions before testing
- Receive blood products into inventory
- Aliquot blood products for infants and children
- Assign and dispense blood products appropriately to floors
- Pack coolers with necessary products for ORs when requested
- Irradiate red blood cells and platelets
- Performed TEG analysis for patient assessment
- Aid in Massive Transfusion Protocols
- Wash blood products for aliquots, IgA deficient patients, or ECMO
Medical Laboratory Technician
Indiana University Health (Riley, Methodist, University) Blood Bank
08.2022 - 10.2024
- All skills and tasks performed by Lab Assistant II
- Ensured compliance with safety standards and regulatory guidelines in laboratory operations
- Performed testing and maintenance on Vision Max and Vision Swift to ensure accurate results
- Perform testing manually on the bench
- Crossmatched compatible blood to patients using various methods (gel or LISS) to support safe transfusions
- Complex testing including eluates and DTT treatments of red cells
- Identify antibody/antibodies in patient samples
- Fetal screens and Rhogam dosing for pregnant individuals
- Completed quarterly quality control on blood refrigerators and freezers to maintain regulatory compliance and ensure sample integrity
- Trained new employees on laboratory techniques and best practices for operational efficiency.
Medical Laboratory Scientist – Team Lead
Indiana University Health (Riley, Methodist, University) Blood Bank
10.2024 - Current
- All skills and tasks performed by Lab Assistants and MLTs
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to interpret test results and provide critical patient information
- Assisted in validating new procedures, enhancing testing accuracy and efficiency within the lab.
- Tracked inventory and ordered blood products, ensuring consistent supply levels for critical laboratory operations.
- Organized and ordered blood for Sickle Cell exchanges, facilitating timely treatment for patients in need.
- Assist supervisors and managers with daily tasks
- Assisted supervisor and manager with scheduling staff according to departmental needs.
- Creating a training schedule for new employees and heading their training in the department
- Answering questions, comments, or concerns by coworkers, nurses, or other clinical team members
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Franklin College
Franklin, IN05-2021
Associates of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technician
Weber State University
Ogden, UT04-2024
Skills
- Testing techniques
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Team management
- Equipment maintenance
- Laboratory analysis
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking
- Organizational skills
- Quality control testing
- Laboratory safety protocols
Accomplishments
First Team All-Conference, Franklin College Softball, 2019
Second Team All-Conference, Franklin College Softball, 2021
National Honor Society, Weber State University, 2023
Certification
- MLT (7/2024)
- BB (10/2024)
Extras
- Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach – Franklin College (2021-Present)
- Assistant Travel Softball Coach (2022-Present)
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Scientist – Team Lead
Indiana University Health (Riley, Methodist, University) Blood Bank
10.2024 - Current
Medical Laboratory Technician
Indiana University Health (Riley, Methodist, University) Blood Bank
08.2022 - 10.2024
Lab Assistant II
Indiana University Health (Riley, Methodist, University) Blood Bank
07.2021 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Franklin College
Associates of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technician
Weber State University