Karla M. Lorenzo
Chicago,IL
Summary
Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS, 2025) and ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist with over ten years of high-complexity laboratory experience. Experienced in CAP/CLIA inspection readiness, SOP development, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, training, competency assessment, and diagnostic stewardship across multiple laboratory disciplines. Interested in expanding into laboratory education and contributing practical clinical laboratory experience to support student learning.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, IL
02.2020 - Current
- Performed high complexity cytogenetic testing, including but not limited to cell culture, harvesting and Chromosome/FISH analysis, and drafted result reports using ISCN 2020 nomenclature.
- Validated and verified new assays, FISH probes, and instrumentation prior to clinical implementation, ensuring accurate results for patient diagnostics.
- Reviewed quality control data for accuracy, escalated out-of-range results, and ensured corrective actions with Incident Quality Event (IQE) documentation in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Supported CAP/CLIA self-inspections and accreditation readiness through internal audits, deficiency resolution, and thorough documentation review.
- Developed and revised SOPs to ensure compliance with CAP/CLIA requirements and enhance hospital quality policies.
- Provided training, competency assessments, and technical guidance to new technologists and pathology residents to ensure adherence to SOPs and quality standards.
- Participated in process improvement initiatives to enhance workflow efficiency and testing accuracy.
- Managed laboratory supplies and FISH probe inventory, including ordering, vendor communication, and expiration tracking to ensure uninterrupted operations.
DCLS Resident – Clinical Laboratory Science (Diagnostic Stewardship)
Northwestern Memorial Hospital / Rutgers University
Chicago, IL
06.2024 - 05.2025
- Completed clinical rotations in infectious disease, hematology-oncology, neurology, and cardiology with a focus on diagnostic consultation, test interpretation, and laboratory stewardship.
- Reviewed test utilization via chart review and literature analysis, identifying misutilization to enhance ordering practices.
- Led diagnostic stewardship capstone project evaluating Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) utilization across multiple emergency departments, employing data analytics to inform evidence-based testing strategies.
- Developed recommendations to optimize test utilization and reduce unnecessary testing, enhancing cost-effective patient care.
Medical Laboratory Scientist II
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, IL
10.2016 - 02.2020
- Performed routine and high complexity testing across core disciplines including hematology (with differentials), coagulation, chemistry, urinalysis, coagulation, body fluids, arterial blood gases (ABGs), serology, and microbiology.
- Led laboratory operations as Tech-in-Charge during assigned shifts, supporting staff and ensuring compliance with CAP, CLIA, and hospital safety standards.
- Performed daily quality control, instrument calibration, and troubleshooting; coordinated service interventions to maintain operational continuity and regulatory compliance.
- Ensured laboratory compliance and inspection readiness by adhering to CAP, CLIA, and hospital quality standards.
- Ensured specimen integrity and test accuracy by validating and analyzing data, resolving discrepancies, and applying appropriate corrective actions.
- Managed high-volume workloads under time-sensitive conditions, meeting turnaround time (TAT) goals and communicating critical values to clinicians.
Quality Control Inspector
Now Foods
Bloomingdale, IL
08.2015 - 10.2016
- Inspected raw materials, in-process components, and finished products to verify compliance with quality specifications, GMP, and SOP standards.
- Identified and reported non-conforming materials or deviations, collaborating with operations to resolve issues and uphold product integrity.
- Reviewed and maintained documentation, including Oracle data entries, to ensure accuracy, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
- Supported audit readiness by maintaining cGMP documentation practices, cleanliness standards, and accurate inspection records.
Education
Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science -
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ05-2025
Master of Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ05-2022
Postbaccalaureate Certificate - Clinical Laboratory Science
Texas Tech University-Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, TX08-2016
Bachelor of Science - Biology & Industrial Microbiology
University of Puerto Rico
Mayaguez, PR05-2012
Skills
- Diagnostic Stewardship
- Regulatory Compliance & Inspection Readiness
- Test Validation & Verification
- SOP development
- Laboratory Information Systems (EPIC Beaker)
- Inventory Management
- Process improvement
- Training and mentoring
- Team collaboration
Certification
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), ASCP, 2016
Timeline
DCLS Resident – Clinical Laboratory Science (Diagnostic Stewardship)
Northwestern Memorial Hospital / Rutgers University
06.2024 - 05.2025
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
02.2020 - Current
Medical Laboratory Scientist II
Rush University Medical Center
10.2016 - 02.2020
Quality Control Inspector
Now Foods
08.2015 - 10.2016
Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science -
Rutgers University
Master of Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
Rutgers University
Postbaccalaureate Certificate - Clinical Laboratory Science
Texas Tech University-Health Sciences Center
Bachelor of Science - Biology & Industrial Microbiology
University of Puerto Rico