Blake Bestgen
Cheyenne Wells
Summary
Detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Technician with expertise in laboratory safety, quality control, and process improvements. Committed to enhancing workflow efficiency and training team members to ensure compliance and accuracy in all laboratory operations. Known for implementing effective safety protocols and fostering collaboration across departments to optimize diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Laboratory Technician Generalist
Keefe Memorial Hospital
Cheyenne Wells, CO
04.2025 - Current
- Managed inventory of supplies, ensuring availability for uninterrupted laboratory operations.
- Adhered to regulatory compliance standards while performing laboratory procedures consistently.
- Collaborated with physicians to select appropriate tests for specific patient needs, optimizing diagnostic outcomes.
- Established strong tilting relationships rule other departments region the healthcare facility, facilitating effective communication channels for smoother operations.
- Performed routine preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments, minimizing downtime due to equipment malfunctions or failures.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
- Kept supplies organized and well-stocked, requesting more supplies and avoiding unnecessary testing delays.
- Documented and verified patient information using laboratory information system.
- Conducted wide range of laboratory tests and recorded results.
- Conducted complex laboratory tests to ensure accurate patient diagnoses.
- Analyzed and interpreted test results, maintaining high standards of quality control.
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding medical laboratory practices, maintaining a safe work environment for all personnel.
- Troubleshot complex technical issues with instrumentation or methodology, resolving problems efficiently to minimize disruptions in workflow.
- Conducted quality control checks to ensure the highest level of accuracy in all laboratory tests performed.
- Prepared reagents and solutions, making readily available during testing for convenience.
Lab Manager
Keefe Memorial Hospital
Cheyenne Wells, CO
01.2022 - 04.2025
- Supervised laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Led a team of technicians, providing mentorship and training on best practices.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance workflow efficiency and reduce turnaround times.
- Managed inventory of laboratory supplies, optimizing stock levels to prevent shortages.
- Collaborated with medical staff to ensure timely and accurate test results for patient care.
- Developed and maintained standard operating procedures for laboratory protocols and equipment usage.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, fostering professional growth among team members.
- Analyzed lab performance metrics, driving strategic initiatives to improve overall service delivery.
- Improved lab efficiency by implementing automated processes and equipment upgrades.
- Negotiated vendor contracts for cost-effective procurement of lab equipment and supplies without sacrificing quality.
- Kept equipment maintained, facility clean, and organized and inventory stocked to maximize performance.
- Kept laboratory in compliance with applicable guidelines and laws.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
Medical Laboratory Technician Generalist
Triage Staffing Inc.
Cheyenne Wells, CO
11.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed inventory of supplies, ensuring availability for uninterrupted laboratory operations.
- Adhered to regulatory compliance standards while performing laboratory procedures consistently.
- Collaborated with physicians to select appropriate tests for specific patient needs, optimizing diagnostic outcomes.
- Established strong working relationships with other departments within the healthcare facility, facilitating effective communication channels for smoother operations.
- Performed routine preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments, minimizing downtime due to equipment malfunctions or failures.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
- Kept supplies organized and well-stocked, requesting more supplies and avoiding unnecessary testing delays.
- Documented and verified patient information using laboratory information system.
- Conducted wide range of laboratory tests and recorded results.
- Conducted complex laboratory tests to ensure accurate patient diagnoses.
- Analyzed and interpreted test results, maintaining high standards of quality control.
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding medical laboratory practices, maintaining a safe work environment for all personnel.
- Troubleshot complex technical issues with instrumentation or methodology, resolving problems efficiently to minimize disruptions in workflow.
- Conducted quality control checks to ensure the highest level of accuracy in all laboratory tests performed.
- Prepared reagents and solutions, making readily available during testing for convenience.
Medical Laboratory Technician Generalist
Triage Staffing Inc.
La Junta, CO
08.2021 - 10.2021
- Conducted complex laboratory tests to ensure accurate patient diagnoses.
- Analyzed and interpreted test results, maintaining high standards of quality control.
- Operated and maintained laboratory equipment to enhance testing efficiency.
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding medical laboratory practices, maintaining a safe work environment for all personnel.
- Increased accuracy in test results by maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment regularly.
- Managed inventory of laboratory supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels for uninterrupted operation.
Medical Laboratory Technician
US Navy
Okinawa, Japan
06.2018 - 06.2021
- Maintained accurate records of blood inventory, processing logs, and test results using laboratory information systems.
- Operated blood component separation and storage equipment to ensure optimal product quality.
- Trained new staff on blood collection procedures and safety protocols to enhance team competency.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to facilitate efficient blood supply management and distribution.
- Implemented quality control measures to minimize errors in blood processing and handling procedures.
- Assisted in regulatory audits by providing documentation and supporting evidence of compliance efforts.
- Increased donor retention rates through exceptional customer service skills and clear communication of donation processes.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks, resulting in consistent accuracy and minimal downtime.
- Streamlined the donation process for a better donor experience and increased successful donations.
- Performed precise blood typing to ensure safe transfusions and reduce complications.
- Performed phlebotomy procedures accurately, minimizing discomfort for donors during collection sessions.
- Assisted in training new technicians, improving overall team performance and knowledge sharing.
- Participated in community outreach events to promote awareness of the importance of blood donation, leading to an increase in first-time donors.
- Evaluated donor eligibility based on established criteria, prioritizing safety for both donors and recipients alike.
- Adhered to strict labeling practices to guarantee proper identification and traceability of all collected samples throughout the testing process.
- Reduced cross-contamination risks by adhering to stringent sterilization protocols for equipment and workspaces.
- Maintained strict compliance with AABB standards, ensuring the highest level of safety for blood products.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
- Conducted venipuncture and other CT procedures.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay up to date on new technologies and procedures.
- Followed Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) consistently across daily activities and special products.
- Operated wide range of laboratory equipment and instruments to complete analysis.
- Troubleshot problems with equipment and recalibrated devices or brought serious concerns to supervisor for handling.
- Instrumentation: Abbott PRISM, Tube method type and screen, Grifols Panther, RPR, Ortho Vision, Galileo ECHO
- LIS: LabTrak
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Clinical Lab Science
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ12.2019
Skills
- Hematology, Chemistry, Urine analysis
- Microscopy
- Blood bank procedures
- Specimen collection
- Laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance
- Quality control procedures
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- HIPAA compliance
- Organizational skills
- Multitasking Abilities
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Technician Generalist
Keefe Memorial Hospital
04.2025 - Current
Lab Manager
Keefe Memorial Hospital
01.2022 - 04.2025
Medical Laboratory Technician Generalist
Triage Staffing Inc.
11.2021 - 01.2022
Medical Laboratory Technician Generalist
Triage Staffing Inc.
08.2021 - 10.2021
Medical Laboratory Technician
US Navy
06.2018 - 06.2021
Associate of Applied Science - Clinical Lab Science
Thomas Edison State University