Linda Iheme
Cytotechnologist
Jersey City
Summary
Cytology professional with proven record in cellular analysis and diagnostic support. Known for meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in identifying cellular abnormalities. Valued team collaborator, adaptable to changing laboratory needs, and proficient in using advanced cytological techniques.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
Cytotechnologist
Lab Corp
08.2019 - Current
- Completed the Hologic Genius Digital Diagnostics System Review Station Training; currently utilizing AI-driven algorithms and volumetric imaging to enhance diagnostic accuracy for pre-cancerous lesions.
- Streamlined processes by implementing efficient slide preparation techniques, maximizing productivity without compromising quality.
- Assisted in decreasing false negatives by conducting thorough follow-up examinations on previous cases.
- Prepared educational materials for staff training sessions to ensure consistency in cytology knowledge across the team.
- Contributed to a team-focused environment through clear communication and cooperation with colleagues, enhancing overall laboratory performance.
- Reduced errors through diligent verification of patient information before analysis, ensuring proper specimen identification and handling.
- Improved laboratory efficiency with meticulous organization and timely completion of tasks.
- Collaborated with laboratory management to implement new technologies and procedures leading to increased efficiency and improved patient care.
- Maintained quality control standards by adhering to laboratory protocols and guidelines, ensuring reliable test results.
- Aided in the early detection of cancer by performing comprehensive screening of Pap smears and other body fluids.
- Promoted a safe working environment by maintaining cleanliness and compliance with all safety regulations within the laboratory setting.
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy by diligently reviewing and interpreting cytology specimens.
- Supported clinical decision-making by providing accurate reports on patient samples within established turnaround times.
- Mentored new Cytotechnologists joining the lab team, sharing expertise and best practices for successful integration into the workplace.
- Collaborated with pathologists to ensure accurate diagnoses, contributing to optimal patient care.
- Participated in case conferences to review complex cases with interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration for improved patient outcomes.
- Conducted research on emerging trends in cytotechnology; shared findings with colleagues to foster continued professional development.
- Actively participated in quality assurance initiatives aimed at improving overall laboratory performance.
- Increased lab proficiency through continuous education on current cytology practices and emerging technology advancements.
- Consistently updated personal knowledge of industry advancements and cytology best practices through attending conferences, workshops, and seminars.
- Provided clinical data and research findings to assist pathologists in composing reports.
- Maintained effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation or laboratory safety.
- Observed all defined lab protocols in regard to specimen processing and collection, maintaining standards to promote accuracy and precision in results.
- Adjusted, maintained or repaired laboratory equipment such as microscopes.
- Evaluated abnormal cell structures and consulted with pathologists to gain further data about identified features.
- Analyzed cell component color, size and shape to detect patterns and abnormal occurrences.
- Perform microscopic screening of gynecological specimens via ThinPrep automated imager to identify cellular abnormalities, cancer, and microorganisms.
- Cases both flagged and selected from the computer system based on the technologist’s workload percentage of quality control required from Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) are forwarded directly to the quality control employee for rescreen and final sign out.
- Accurately sign-out electronic formal reports on negative diagnosis and submit preliminary reports of abnormal, specific STD’s and positive diagnosis to pathologists for final sign-out.
- Participates in the monthly continued education credit slide reviews sent by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for both GYN and NON-GYN
Senior Cytotechnologist
CompHealth travel agency
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Performs routine screening of Gyn and Non-Gyn Cytology specimens.
- Results and electronically signs out appropriate Cytology reports.
- Assisted radiologists / pathologists with preparation of fine needle aspirations biopsy slides to determine immediate evaluation for adequacy.
- Follows established quality control measures and procedures.
- Resolves discrepancies and calls clinics / providers as needed.
- Shows commitment to providing quality service to all laboratory clients, both internal and external
- Demonstrates thorough knowledge and understanding of laboratory computer system as it is used in cytology.
- File cell blocks, Gyn and Non-Gyn slides
- Greenwich Hospital
Senior Cytotechnologist
Mount Sinai Hospital
09.2015 - 08.2022
- Perform microscopic screening of gynecological and non-gynecological specimens to identify cellular abnormalities, cancer, and microorganisms.
- Assist in training new cytotechnologist employees.
- Assist in training cytotechnologist students, fellows, and residents.
- Quality control cytotechnologist. Rescreen 10% of the cytotechnologist’s GYN cases.
- Assist pathologists with their outpatient FNA cases in preparing slides as well as staining and screening the slides along with the pathologists.
- Cases both flagged and selected from the computer system based on the technologist’s workload percentage of quality control required from Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) are forwarded directly to the quality control employee for rescreen and final sign out.
- Accurately sign-out electronic formal reports on negative diagnosis and submit preliminary reports of abnormal, specific STD’s and positive diagnosis to pathologists for final sign-out.
- Participates in the monthly continued education credit slide reviews sent by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for both GYN and NON-GYN
- Observing and assisting in Fine Needle Aspirations for obtaining specimens from various anatomic parts of the body and making initial assessment of adequate samples.
- Participate and completion of a hundred percent passing rate in the annual ASCP Gynecology cytology proficiency test.
Cytotechnologist
Bio-Reference
06.2014 - 01.2015
- Perform microscopic screening of gynecological and non-gynecological specimens to identify cellular abnormalities, cancer and microorganisms.
- Cases both flagged and selected from the computer system based on the technologist’s workload percentage of quality control required from Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) are forwarded directly to the quality control employee for rescreen and final sign out.
- Accurately sign-out electronic formal reports on negative diagnosis and submit preliminary reports of abnormal, specific STD’s and positive diagnosis to pathologists for final sign-out.
- Maintained daily report of specimen worksheets and number of cases (slides) per worksheet and total hours taken to screen and diagnose.
- Maintained daily report of total amount of abnormal or malignant cases (slides) submitted to pathologists at the end of each day.
- Maintained monthly report of the number of daily cases screened, hours screened, number of cases manually screened and the number of cases screened from the ThinPrep Imager.
- Completion of the ASCP annual Gynecology cytology proficiency test.
- Completion of the College of American Pathologist ten GYN or NON-GYN re-educational slides
- Participation in Cytology related conference to acquire hours needed for the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).
- Hologic ThinPrep imaging certified.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Clinical Laboratory sciences: Cytotechnology
Rutgers University School of Health-Related Professions
Scotch Plains, NJ10-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Biology/Psychology
Bloomfield College
Bloomfield, NJ05-2009
Master of Science - Medical science
Southern California University of Health Sciences
Whittier, CA12-2003
Skills
- Effective interpersonal communication abilities
- Analytical problem solving
- Problem-solving skills
- Collaborative team player
- Proficient in cell staining methods
- Training and development
- Detail-oriented analysis
- Detailed microscopic analysis
- Diagnostic accuracy
- Specimen handling
- Data management
- Continuing education
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of seven staff members.
Affiliations
- CT (ASCP) Board Certified
- American Society of Cytopathology
- American Society of Cytotechnology
Certification
CT (ASCP) Board Certified-15634
Timeline
Senior Cytotechnologist
CompHealth travel agency
09.2022 - 07.2023
Cytotechnologist
Lab Corp
08.2019 - Current
Senior Cytotechnologist
Mount Sinai Hospital
09.2015 - 08.2022
Cytotechnologist
Bio-Reference
06.2014 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Clinical Laboratory sciences: Cytotechnology
Rutgers University School of Health-Related Professions
Bachelor of Arts - Biology/Psychology
Bloomfield College
Master of Science - Medical science
Southern California University of Health Sciences
CLINICAL ROTATIONS
Quest Diagnostics; Teterboro, NJ 06/19/13 to 07/26/13
- Nongynecologic and Gynecologic Cytology (screen and diagnose about 30-40 conventional and Thin Prep-prepared slides)
- Training in the Hologic ThinPrep imaging system
St. Joseph; Paterson, NJ Student Rotation 05/13 to 05/25/13
- Nongynecologic Cytology (screen and diagnose about 30-40 conventional and Thin Prep-prepared slides)
- Observe in Fine Needle Aspiration procedures.
- Observe in Esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures.
- GYN, NON-GYN and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (screen and diagnose conventional and Thin-Prep prepared slides)
- Participated in the College of American Re-education slide exams.
University Medicine Dentistry of New Jersey; Newark, NJ Student Rotation 01/13 to 02/13
- Gynecologic Cytology (screen and diagnose about 30-40 conventional and Thin Prep- prepared slides)
St. Michael’s; Newark, NJ 11/13 to 12/13
- Learned and participated in smearing and staining patients’ specimens in diff quick and Papanicolaou’s staining method.
- Screened gynecological slides.
- Observed in FNA techniques.
UMDNJ: Scotch plains, NJ
- Student Council Representative 09/13-06/13
- Raised winter coats for the less fortunate.
- Participated in a one to two mile walk for cancer.
AWARDS
Outstanding Service Award (School of Health-Related Professions, Cytotechnology Program- May 2013)
Volunteer:International Cervical Cancer Foundation (INCCA)
Volunteer Cytotechnologist | CerviCusco | Cusco, Peru | [10/16 - 10/16]
- Performed high-volume liquid-based cytology screenings and diagnostic evaluations during remote medical campaigns, expanding access to critical preventive care for indigenous populations throughout the Peruvian Andes.