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Blanca Ochoa
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Dynamic Lead and Lab Manager with experience of overseeing personnel for teams exceeding 60 members. Adept at optimizing departmental KPIs and adjusting staffing levels in response to hospital census trends to enhance operational efficiency. Proven track record in medical laboratory environments, showcasing expertise in diagnostic testing, quality control, and data analysis. Strong advocate for team collaboration and results-oriented strategies, with a demonstrated ability to adapt to evolving needs. Proficient in utilizing advanced laboratory equipment, implementing rigorous safety protocols, and maintaining precise records, committed to upholding the highest standards of reliability and excellence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Medical Laboratory Scientist II (Lead)
Penrose St. Francis Commonspirit
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2026 - Current
- Transitioned back into a lead role, delivering targeted technical guidance and mentoring junior staff on complex testing initiatives.
- Served as a subject matter expert and bridge between management and technical staff, ensuring high-quality output and regulatory adherence.
- In charge of Bi-annual Validations and method comparisons for Hematology, coagulation, microbiology and urinalysis.
- Performed Quality assurance weekly reviews, maintained and ordered laboratory supplies.
- Performed laboratory testing in all disciplines: Transfusion medicine, Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis.
- Executed routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation to minimize downtime.
- Conducted proficiency testing and ensured compliance with federal standards to uphold laboratory accreditation.
- Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste while maintaining adequate stock levels for uninterrupted lab operations.
- Mentored new staff members, providing training on laboratory techniques and best practices for efficient workflow management.
Laboratory Manager
Penrose St. Francis Commonspirit
Colorado Springs, CO
03.2024 - 01.2026
- Advanced to laboratory manager role to enhance operational efficiency through effective collaboration, strategic problem-solving, and team leadership.
- Directly managed 63+ staff across multiple disciplines, including Histology, Pathology Administration, Cytology, Flow Cytometry, Core Lab, and Phlebotomy.
- Optimized staffing schedules and productivity metrics resulting in an increase in overall core laboratory productivity and guaranteed appropriate staffing levels.
- Drove cultural transformation and increased staff accountability, aligning departmental performance and behavior directly with the Commonspirit mission and values.
- Monitored and analyzed key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure laboratory output met organizational benchmarks for turnaround time and quality.
- Oversee recruitment onboarding, competency completions and compliance, and annual performance reviews.
- Enhanced clinical coverage in the Core lab during staffing shortages, ensuring continuous patient care.
- Managed daily labor costs by aligning staffing levels with hospital census data; implemented a 'staffing-to-volume' model that optimized payroll while maintaining service standards.
- Facilitated inter-departmental collaboration initiatives, streamlining communication between clinical staff and laboratory teams.
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting open communication among team members and addressing any conflicts promptly.
- Improved laboratory efficiency by streamlining workflows and implementing process improvements.
- Conducted periodic and annual performance reviews for staff members, offering constructive feedback to facilitate professional growth.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
Medical Laboratory Scientist II (Lead)
Core Laboratory | Penrose St. Francis
Colorado Springs, CO
09.2021 - 03.2024
- Chemistry Lead in charge of required analyzer validations and method validations.
- Executed routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation to minimize downtime.
- Managed proficiency testing specimens, ensuring accurate handling, ordering, and timely reporting of results.
- Oversaw ordering and inventory management of chemistry and UA supplies.
- Performed Quality assurance weekly reviews, maintained and ordered laboratory supplies.
- Dedicated to training new hires and assuring compliance.
- Performed laboratory testing in all disciplines: Transfusion medicine, Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis.
Flow Cytometry Technologist
Penrose St. Francis Hospital
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2016 - 09.2021
- Performed high-complexity flow cytometry testing on clinical specimens for diagnostic purposes, including bone marrow aspirates, BM cores, peripheral blood, tissues, FNAs, and body fluids.
- Acquired and analyzed monoclonal bound antigens utilizing the Beckman Coulter 10-color flow cytometer.
- Ensure accurate accessioning, Instrument calibration, maintenance, and strict adherence to quality control procedures.
- Collaborated with hematopathologist to facilitate accurate bone marrow biopsy analysis.
- Maintained effective communication with oncologists, pathologists, nurses, and clinicians regarding specimen requirements and results.
Immunohematology & Microbiology Technologist
Memorial Hospital, uchealth
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2016 - 08.2016
- Performed complex analysis including antibody workups, elution studies, and crossmatching. Managed irradiation of blood products and operated/maintained the Galileo ECHO.
- Liaised with Bonfils blood center for patient workups and donor registry issues.
- Processed specimen cultures, worked up positive blood cultures, read Gram Stains and AO stains, and performed PCR/molecular testing.
Flow Cytometry Technologist
American Pathology Partners
Denver, CO
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Processed and stained bone marrow, peripheral blood, and tissue samples using monoclonal antibodies.
- Acquired and analyzed data on multi-color flow cytometers.
- Prepared reagents, performed routine CBCs, and conducted 500-cell count differentials on bone marrow smears to support morphology reports.
Laboratory Generalist/ Lead Chemistry & POC
Penrose Community Hospital/ St. Francis Medical Center
Colorado Springs, CO
04.2007 - 01.2016
- Trained and certified by Siemens in instrumentation implementation. Managed quarterly analytical validations, annual staff competency, CAP inspection preparedness, and instrument troubleshooting.
- Oversaw training for all laboratory staff and unit nurses regarding POC testing and regulatory compliance.
- Performed analysis in Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Serology, Transfusion medicine, urinalysis, and microbiology.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Skills
- Leadership in all Disciplines in the Core lab, Point-of-Care (POC), and Bone Marrow Biopsy Assistance, Clinical Assay Development and Validation, Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance (CAP, CLIA, TJC, OSHA), Laboratory Equipment Management and Maintenance, CAP Inspection Preparedness and Accreditation Leadership, Skilled at Quality metrics and Productivity analysis, Staff Training, Competency Verification, and Performance Management
Certification
- MLS, ASCP Certification No. 249073
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Scientist II (Lead)
Penrose St. Francis Commonspirit
01.2026 - Current
Laboratory Manager
Penrose St. Francis Commonspirit
03.2024 - 01.2026
Medical Laboratory Scientist II (Lead)
Core Laboratory | Penrose St. Francis
09.2021 - 03.2024
Flow Cytometry Technologist
Penrose St. Francis Hospital
08.2016 - 09.2021
Immunohematology & Microbiology Technologist
Memorial Hospital, uchealth
01.2016 - 08.2016
Flow Cytometry Technologist
American Pathology Partners
01.2015 - 01.2016
Laboratory Generalist/ Lead Chemistry & POC
Penrose Community Hospital/ St. Francis Medical Center
04.2007 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
University of Colorado Colorado Springs