Jeri Deas
Florence,SC
Summary
Passionate and detail-oriented Histotechnologist with 35 years of in-depth experience in providing high-quality and effective histopathology/cytology/Dermatology - Moh's/immunohistochemistry laboratory services. Skilled in conducting routine and complex investigations, utilizing specialized laboratory equipment, laboratory mathematics and collaborating with pathologists to introduce new techniques. Strong analytical and communication skills, with a track record of delivering accurate results and maintaining compliance with all local, federal, state and all local regulatory requirements. Enthusiastic about contributing to a dynamic histopathology department and furthering the mission of improving patient care through precise diagnosis.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Histotechnologist BS, HT (ASCP), HTL (ASCP)
Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2018 - Current
- Perform standard and complex testing procedures on tissue samples for microscopic examination, including accessioning, fixation, dictation and grossing small tissue samples, processing, embedding, microtomy, H&E staining, complex special stains, and coverslipper mounting
- Freezes, cut and prepares rapid H&E stained sections for microscopic examination using established quality control standards.
- Perform histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, including validation of instrumentation (Dako, Leica, Ventana Benchmark Ultra), antibodies and control tissue
- Implementation, development and participation in the revision of departmental (Histology, Cytology and Morgue) SOP policies and procedures, including Quality Control, Quality Assurance, contributing to ongoing improvements in testing accuracy and turnaround time and maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets of departments
- Onsite evaluations with EBUS/VRAN and Endocrinology (Thyroid)
- Perform Cytology preparations with Gyn and Non-Gyn samples, including accessioning, cellblocks (body fluids), staining, CSF, onsite FNA procedures in offices and operation room, trained new hires, and oversee cytology preparation room
- Responsible for monitoring quality control, updating and implementing new documents as necessary for the Histology laboratory/Morgue.
- Responsible for monitoring, documenting and reporting Chemical Inventory (reagents, hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, and antibodies)
- Acting Safety Champion of Histology Department
- Follows established laboratory policies and procedures, performing duties in compliance with all federal, state and local regulatory requirements
- Follows established patient confidentiality (HIPPA) policies and procedures
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Improved workflow efficiency by cross-training in other areas of the laboratory, increasing overall staff flexibility and adaptability.
- Supported laboratory accreditation efforts by adhering to established standards and protocols in daily work practices.
- Maintained a safe working environment through strict adherence to safety guidelines, including proper disposal of hazardous materials.
- Reduced error rates by conducting regular quality control checks on reagents, stains, and equipment.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail when preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination, ensuring optimal slide quality for accurate diagnoses.
Histotechnologist BS, HT (ASCP), HTL (ASCP)
Pee Dee Pathology Associates
05.1992 - 10.2015
- Performed standard and high complex tissue samples, in a high volume laboratory for microscopic examination by pathologist, involving accessioning, fixation, manual and automated processing, microtomy, prepare H&E stains, various complex special stains, and coverslipper mounting according to established policies and procedures
- Daily operation of cryostat for Frozen sections and Moh's from multiple physicians' offices and medical facilities
- Performed immunohistochemical stains manually on various complex tissue samples, including incubating the tissue sample, tittering, alloqouting, diluting and storing antibodies, later advanced to automated instruments
- Performed breast image analysis/scanning for ER,PR,HER2 receptors, including scoring patient tissue for review by pathologist and prepare image analysis reports
- Lead Histotechnologist of the Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Department, including vigorous and detailed training with Ventana Medical Systems in Tucson, Az., maintaining all IHC documents, validation and QC procedures for antibodies and controls, handling troubleshooting responsibilities, training and monitored histology staff in the IHC department. Under the supervision of the Anatomical Director and Manager, developed and implemented policies and procedures in preparation for CAP inspection
- Assisted in bone marrow component preparation and special staining
- Participated in performing Molecular pathology testing
- Meet required deadlines for extensive continuing education lectures, conferences and training
- Rotate in Histology, Cytology and IHC Departments
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail when preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination, ensuring optimal slide quality for accurate diagnoses.
- Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive patient information, ensuring compliance with all relevant data protection regulations.
- Coordinated preparation of lab section for inspection by accrediting agencies.
Education
Histotechnology/Immunohistochemistry
Indiana University School of Allied Health Science
Indianapolis, IN06-1999
Immunohistochemistry
Ventana Medical Sytems, Inc.
Tucson, AZ05-1997
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Stillman College
Tuscaloosa, AL05-1991
Skills
- Personal computer skills
- Exceeded the ability to embed, section and stain routine tissue with acceptable quantity and quality
- Ability to assess sources of evidence to make decisions
- Interpreted medical and legal terminology
- Modified official documentation
- Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) as appropriate
- Good organizational skills; detail oriented
- Documented to identified problems
- Detailed record keeping
- Good interpersonal skills to interact effectively with co-workers and departmental staff
- Examined methodically record data with very high level of accuracy
- Qualified to work under general supervision
- Develop and review standard operating procedures
- Interpreted law, regulations, policies, procedures, etc
- Trained new employees
- Mohs
- Immunohistochemistry proficiency/Testing
- Anatomic specimen conduction
- Cytopreparation techniques
- Digital pathology
- Molecular diagnostics
- Regulatory compliance awareness
- Technical applications implementation
- Workflow optimization
- Laboratory safety protocols
Certification
- HTL - Histotechnologist (ASCP)
- HT - Histotechnician (ASCP)
- Graduate of Histotechnologist Program (NAACLS), Indiana, IN
- Certificate of Course Training with The Ventana ES, at Ventana Medical Systems, INC., Tucson, AZ
Affiliations
- National Society of Histotechnology (NSH)
- American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- College of American Pathologists (CAP)
References
References available upon request
Leadership Experience
Responsible for the Anatomical Pathology and Morgue Chemical Inventory 2019 - Present
Responsible for Managing Quality Control 2018 - Present
Served on Interview Panel ( Hiring of pathologists) Present
Acting Safety Champion 2024 - 2025
Cytology Preparation 2018 - 2022
Lead Histotechnologist of the Histochemical/Immunohistochemical Department 1997 - 1999
Timeline
Histotechnologist BS, HT (ASCP), HTL (ASCP)
Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2018 - Current
Histotechnologist BS, HT (ASCP), HTL (ASCP)
Pee Dee Pathology Associates
05.1992 - 10.2015
Histotechnology/Immunohistochemistry
Indiana University School of Allied Health Science
Immunohistochemistry
Ventana Medical Sytems, Inc.
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Stillman College
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