Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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Kassondra Costello

Summary

Competent Phlebotomy Technician with 17 years of experience working in high-volume, fast-paced hospital, offices, and lab settings. Highly knowledgeable in routine blood drawing procedures and using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles and straight needles. Committed to maintaining highest quality standards when collecting, labeling and processing samples and specimens.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Phlebotomist

PPG LABS For Midwest Medical
10.2023 - Current
  • Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques through venipuncture.
  • Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
  • Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
  • Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
  • Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
  • Assisted in streamlining the specimen processing workflow for increased efficiency and reduced wait times for patients.
  • Contributed to the development of phlebotomy training materials, enhancing the skillset of new employees and improving overall team performance.
  • Ensured uninterrupted service by properly maintaining phlebotomy equipment, including centrifuges, needles, and tourniquets.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
  • Played an integral role in managing inventory levels within the department, ordering necessary supplies while minimizing waste to maintain cost-effective operations.
  • Supported quality assurance efforts by diligently documenting all relevant information during the collection process, ensuring accurate test results for patients and providers alike.
  • 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.
  • Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
  • Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
  • Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
  • Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
  • Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
  • Monitored supply levels and placed orders for laboratory supplies.
  • Handled insurance verification tasks using ECW and LabNexus to validate patient insurance information.

Histology Supervisor and Lead Phlebotomist

Community First Medical Center
05.2020 - 07.2021
  • Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing standardized protocols and procedures for histological processing.
  • Streamlined workflow for faster turnaround times by optimizing specimen handling and tracking processes.
  • Ensured high-quality results with thorough quality control measures, leading to increased diagnostic accuracy.
  • Maximized team productivity by effectively managing staff schedules, workloads, and performance evaluations.
  • Examined all patient paperwork and made sure it was accurate with all specimens collected.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews and provided constructive feedback, supporting the continuous improvement for team members.
  • Sorted specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and recorded all processes in pathology log.
  • Kept grossing room fully stocked with necessary supplies and equipment ready for use.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Logged over 20 samples into our system on average a day, handling each expertly to prevent contamination. Communicating with the Pathologist if anything was incorrect or needed.
  • Promoted mission, vision, and values of organization and trained new clinical staff in phlebotomy procedures.
  • Conducted venipuncture and other CT procedures.
  • Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
  • Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
  • Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
  • Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
  • Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
  • Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
  • Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
  • Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
  • Participated in continuing education programs to stay up to date on new technologies and procedures.
  • Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
  • Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
  • Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
  • Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
  • Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
  • Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
  • Performed venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks for both adult and pediatric patients.
  • Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
  • Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
  • Assisted in training and onboarding new phlebotomists.
  • Verified proper storage and transportation of specimens to laboratories.
  • Reviewed and processed requisitions for laboratory tests.
  • Monitored supply levels and placed orders for laboratory supplies.
  • Provided guidance and support to laboratory personnel.
  • Participated in quality assurance and competency assessment initiatives.
  • Performed laboratory tests to assist physicians in diagnosis.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to improve phlebotomy processes.
  • Hiring, Interviewing and Training Staff.
  • Taught basic skills of Hematology and Chemistry machines by Med Techs in the Lab.

Phlebotomist III

Northwest Community Hospital
05.2016 - 05.2020
  • Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
  • Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
  • Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
  • Assisted in streamlining the specimen processing workflow for increased efficiency and reduced wait times for patients.
  • Provided support to laboratory staff, facilitating prompt analysis of collected samples for expedited results delivery.
  • Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
  • Epic Super User and Trainer
  • Nursing Homes, Draw Sites, Outpatient, Inpatient, Point of Care Machines, ICU, Pediatrics.
  • Processing all types of specimens (Urine, Blood, Stool, Swabs, etc)
  • Drawing over 80+ patients a day
  • Prioritizing time well in order to do Stats, timed draws, heel sticks, and PKUs.
  • Extensive knowledge with ECW, LabCorp, Beacon, SunQuest, Client Services, Northwest Clinical Reference Labs, Order Entry, ICD Codes, Scheduling, GoPath, Insurance Verification, etc.
  • Some knowledge with Hematology Machines and Chemistry Analyzers.
  • Trained in Histology by Manager of Lab to make sure specimens were put in correct formalin containers, labeled correctly, dated correctly and all paperwork was documented and entered correctly. Also put in charge of scheduling for Histology.
  • Extensive knowledge in OB/GYN offices.
  • Performing nasal and throat swabs.
  • Updating Patient insurances.
  • Manually entering patient information, diagnosis codes, and making appointments for patients.
  • Assisting in interviewing, hiring and training new staff.
  • Increased patient satisfaction rates through consistent delivery of professional phlebotomy services tailored to individual needs.
  • Continually sought opportunities for professional development by attending workshops, conferences, and staying up-to-date on industry best practices in phlebotomy techniques.
  • Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
  • Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
  • Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
  • Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
  • Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
  • Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
  • Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
  • Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
  • Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
  • Assisted in training and onboarding new phlebotomists.

Education

College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

High School Diploma -

Glenbard East High School
Lombard
05.2007

Skills

  • Venipuncture
  • Specimen Preparation
  • Specimen Labeling Procedures
  • Sample and Specimen Collection
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Patient Care
  • Specimen Handling
  • Venipuncture Expertise
  • HIPAA
  • Blood collection techniques
  • Professional demeanor
  • Continuous learning

References

Several References Upon Request.

Timeline

Phlebotomist

PPG LABS For Midwest Medical
10.2023 - Current

Histology Supervisor and Lead Phlebotomist

Community First Medical Center
05.2020 - 07.2021

Phlebotomist III

Northwest Community Hospital
05.2016 - 05.2020

College Of Dupage

High School Diploma -

Glenbard East High School

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Kassondra Costello