Laura Strout
Sheridan
Summary
Accomplished Lead Medical Technologist with a proven track record at Sheridan Veterans Health Administration, enhancing laboratory efficiency and patient outcomes through expert instrument calibration and strong interdepartmental collaboration. Achieved significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy and turnaround times, mentoring staff and leading quality control initiatives.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Medical Technologist
Sheridan Veterans Health Administration
02.2019 - Current
- Maintained patient confidence and protected hospital by keeping information confidential.
- Increased patient satisfaction by ensuring accurate and timely delivery of diagnostic reports to physicians.
- Oversaw inventory management within the lab, ensuring adequate supplies were available for all required tests while minimizing waste due to expiration or overstocking.
- Served as a liaison between the laboratory department and other hospital units, facilitating effective collaboration on shared initiatives or projects.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement within the lab team by encouraging open communication and constructive feedback among staff members.
- Contributed to the development of new testing methods, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes.
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by prioritizing tasks and coordinating with the medical team effectively.
- Provided support during accreditation and regulatory inspections, demonstrating the laboratory''s commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by streamlining workflow processes and optimizing equipment usage.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards through meticulous documentation and adherence to quality control protocols.
- Evaluated quality control within laboratory using standard laboratory test and measurement controls.
- Mentored junior technologists, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to learning and professional growth.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities, staying current with industry advancements and maintaining top-notch technical skills.
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis, and results reporting.
- Participated in evaluation of new laboratory techniques, products and instruments.
- Trained and oriented new medical technologists to perform and interpret tests.
Medical Technologist
Sheridan Veterans Health Administration
02.2004 - 02.2019
- Utilized chromatography techniques to separate and analyze blood samples for specific proteins.
- Prepared and analyzed blood, urine, and tissue samples to assist in diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
- Operated automated hematology analyzers to perform complete blood counts and differential counts.
- Conducted PCR testing to detect genetic mutations and infectious diseases.
- Specialized in microbiology techniques to identify bacterial and fungal infections.
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis, and results reporting.
- Contributed to the overall success of the laboratory by maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating strong teamwork skills in daily interactions with peers.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new Medical Technologists, fostering a positive learning environment for skill development.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care when interacting with patients during specimen collection processes.
- Operated, calibrated, and maintained sophisticated instruments and equipment to facilitate quality laboratory and patient care operations. In Coagulation and Urinalysis.
- Increased efficiency by troubleshooting equipment malfunctions and performing routine maintenance tasks as needed.
- Ensured timely reporting of critical results to healthcare providers, allowing for swift interventions in life-threatening situations.
- Ensured accurate diagnoses with thorough quality control procedures and diligent recordkeeping.
- Maintained required laboratory supplies inventory, and verified viability of supplies prior to use.
- Identified patient and labeled specimens with correct information to protect patient from adverse errors.
- Participated in evaluation of new laboratory techniques, products and instruments.
- Continuously sought opportunities for professional growth through participation in conferences, workshops, and relevant continuing education courses.
- Performed daily quality control checks to ensure reliability of laboratory results.
- Maintained laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring proper functioning and compliance with laboratory standards.
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry, and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
Medical Technologist
Sheridan Memorial Hospital
11.1991 - 02.2004
- Operated automated hematology analyzers to perform complete blood counts and differential counts.
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis, and results reporting.
- Contributed to the overall success of the laboratory by maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating strong teamwork skills in daily interactions with peers.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately performing and interpreting laboratory tests in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood bank departments.
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by efficiently processing specimens and maintaining optimal instrument performance.
- Employed microscopic techniques to collect and study blood samples to determine number of cells, morphology, and blood group, assessing compatibility for transfusion purposes.
- Participated in essential quality improvement programs to maintain accurate and timely laboratory testing and meet customer needs.
- Upheld regulatory compliance by adhering to all relevant laws, guidelines, policies, and procedures related to medical laboratory practice.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR06-1989
Skills
- Instrument Calibration
- Lab equipment calibration
- Interdepartmental collaboration
- Quality control data analysis
- Chemistry procedures
- Lab equipment maintenance
Certification
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Timeline
Lead Medical Technologist
Sheridan Veterans Health Administration
02.2019 - Current
Medical Technologist
Sheridan Veterans Health Administration
02.2004 - 02.2019
Medical Technologist
Sheridan Memorial Hospital
11.1991 - 02.2004
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Oregon Institute of Technology
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