Lily VanHorn

Perform specimen testing including:

• Molecular assays involving Verigene Enteric Pathogen PCR, Cepheid Clostridium difficile toxin assay, HSV, VZV, and CMV PCR testing on VTM swabs and CSF with the Diasorin Simplexa.
• Removing positive blood culture vials from Bactec as well as gram staining, plating, and setting up EPlex PCR panels on positive vials.
• Bench work etiquette and working up tissue, routine, and sterile body fluid cultures involving use of MALDI-TOF and Vitek for drug sensitivities.
• Parasitology workloads including Cryptosporidium and Giardia testing on stool using Quik Chek immunoassay, thick and thin slide preparation and staining using Giemsa stain for blood parasite testing, and identification of Plasmodium species along with other blood parasites.
• Sending specimens to the Pennsylvania State Laboratory and other affiliated labs for additional testing and research purposes.
• QC and preventative maintenance practice for all benches and areas worked on.