BERENICE RAMIREZ
Pathology Department
Chicago,Illinois
2
Languages
5
years of professional experience
Laboratory Associate I handling specimen receipt, accessioning, and LIS data entry for blood, urine, and other clinical samples. Supports centrifugation, aliquoting, barcode labeling, and specimen routing to keep testing workflow accurate and on time. Maintains equipment, inventory, and biohazard compliance in a fast-paced laboratory setting.
Work History
Laboratory Associate I
10 Months- Receive, process, and prepare biological specimens, including blood, urine, and other clinical samples, for laboratory testing.
- Prepare and organize specimens for testing through sample racking, centrifugation, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
- Verify patient, client, and specimen information to ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper specimen identification.
- Enter laboratory test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and apply appropriate barcode labels or scan existing specimen barcodes.
- Ensure specimens are properly labeled and identify and escalate discrepancies for timely resolution.
- Monitor specimen turnaround times to support efficient workflow and timely reporting of accurate laboratory results.
- Pre-sort and distribute specimens to designated technical departments according to testing requirements.
- Retrieve stored specimens for additional or requested testing while maintaining proper specimen handling procedures.
- Investigate and assist in resolving specimen and testing issues by communicating with technical departments and laboratory management.
- Maintain accurate documentation of specimen processing issues, corrective actions, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
- Perform routine maintenance and monitoring of laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, printers, incubators, freezers, and refrigerators.
- Maintain laboratory inventory and assist with organizing and replenishing necessary supplies.
- Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), laboratory safety guidelines, and quality standards.
- Handle and dispose of biological specimens and hazardous waste in accordance with applicable biohazard and safety regulations.
- Maintain clean, organized, and decontaminated workspaces while consistently following personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Communicate process concerns, workflow challenges, and potential operational issues to laboratory management.
- Collaborate with coworkers and technical personnel to maintain productivity, accuracy, and efficiency in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
Pathology Assistant
3 Years 10 Months- Process, prepare, and examine surgical and biological specimens for laboratory analysis and diagnostic testing.
- Submit tissue samples for additional laboratory testing while ensuring proper handling, labeling, and documentation.
- Maintain detailed written and photographic records of specimens, procedures, and laboratory activities.
- Organize and maintain accurate pathology files, specimen records, and documentation for easy retrieval.
- Monitor laboratory equipment and identify equipment and supply needs to support daily pathology operations.
- Perform routine equipment maintenance and help ensure instruments and workspaces remain clean, organized, and operational.
- Assist with specimen accessioning, cassette preparation, and preparation of pathology materials for reference laboratory testing.
- Follow established laboratory procedures, biohazard protocols, and safety regulations when handling and disposing of specimens.
Phlebotomist / Laboratory Support
3 Years 7 Months- Collected venipuncture and capillary samples from patients of all ages while providing clear, compassionate instructions.
- Prepared specimens for testing by racking, aliquoting, tubing, and distributing them to designated departments.
- Identified specimen discrepancies, corrected processing issues, and escalated concerns to technical staff when needed.
- Maintained quality controls, temperature logs, and eyewash inspections in line with laboratory safety procedures.
- Supported training for new phlebotomists and guided laboratory staff on daily workflows and documentation.
Department of Family and Support Services Intern
3 Months- Coordinated community workshops with partner organizations and confirmed session details.
- Developed parent surveys and helped identify community resources for families.
- Managed monthly craft supply orders for children and kept classroom materials stocked.
Education
Basic Certificate - Community Health Worker
Basic Certificate - Phlebotomy
High School Diploma
Honors: 3.0+ GPA Award (2018) National Honor Society Member (2018)
Skills
Venipuncture and Capillary Puncture
Blood Collection and Specimen Processing
Specimen Accessioning and Preparation
Aliquoting and Sample Racking
Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)
Laboratory Safety and Infection Control
Pathology Support and Cassette Preparation
Reagent and Inventory Management
Specimen Tracking and Documentation
Equipment Maintenance Support
Microsoft Office
Data Entry and Document Scanning
Recordkeeping and Report Preparation
Inventory Ordering and Organization
Customer Service and Phone Communication
Time Management and Organization
Project Coordination
Bilingual: English and Spanish
Patient Communication and Care
Leadership and Team Collaboration
Training and Mentoring
Problem-Solving
Strong Work Ethic and Self-Motivation
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
EDUCATION
Honors: 3.0+ GPA Award (2018) National Honor Society Member (2018)
ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
- Malcolm X College Childcare Development Lab Center - Department of Family and Support Services Intern, September 2021 - December 2021
- Created PowerPoint presentations and agendas for monthly parent meetings. Contacted community partners to coordinate and confirm workshops. Created parent surveys and assisted with identifying community resources. Managed monthly craft supply orders for children.
- Grant Thornton - Genesys Works Intern, August 2018 - July 2019
- Reviewed business cards and coordinated professional email communications for pickup. Retrieved, organized, and labeled requested and newly received files. Tracked separated employee information in the IT Equipment Tracker.
- Afterschool Matters - Youth Technology Corps, September 2017 - May 2018
- Educated high school students on computer components, technology terminology, and basic computer knowledge.
Timeline
Laboratory Associate I
Simple Laboratories
01.2026 - CurrentRead More
Pathology Assistant
Pathology Department
01.2023 - CurrentRead More
Phlebotomist / Laboratory Support
Quest Diagnostics
05.2022 - 12.2025Read More
Department of Family and Support Services Intern
Malcolm X College Childcare Development Lab Center
09.2021 - 12.2021Read More
Farragut Career Academy
High School Diploma
Read More
Malcolm X College
Basic Certificate from Phlebotomy
Read More
Malcolm X College
Basic Certificate from Community Health Worker
Read More