LUIS FERNANDEZ
Bonsall,CA
Summary
Medical Laboratory Technician and lab lead with a background in high-volume clinical testing, specimen processing, blood-bank support, and LIS documentation. Led teams, maintained inspection readiness, and supported biosafety and quality controls while helping sustain readiness, compliance, and accurate reporting across shipboard and shore-based settings.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Department Leading Petty Officer / Laboratory Technician (Civilian: Laboratory Lead / MLT)
U.S. NAVY
San Diego, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Led shipboard laboratory operations for over 1,200 personnel; managed specimen workflow, test prioritization, LIS entries, and chain-of-custody to ensure timely and accurate clinical support. Processed 1,500+ clinical specimens supporting shipboard and shore clinic care; enforced documentation and QA controls. Maintained blood-bank readiness and training records, achieving 90% Individual Medical Readiness and 85% TCCC compliance to support operational readiness. Supervised and mentored 19 clinical technicians, coordinating with providers and senior medical leadership to enhance team capabilities and clinical outcomes.
- USS AMERICA (LHA 6)
- Supervised shipboard watchstanding and maintained operational readiness.
- Trained sailors on Navy procedures, safety rules, and daily tasks.
- Coordinated preventive maintenance on equipment and ship systems.
Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician / Walking Blood Bank Manager (Civilian: MLT / Blood-Bank Tech)
U.S. NAVY
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Supervised lab team of 27; processed routine, screening, and HIV serology tests for 1,149 personnel, supporting 500+ health assessments and 175 HIV tests. Improved Individual Medical Readiness from 83% to 92% through process improvements and documentation controls. Managed $400K+ in laboratory and emergency medical inventory; led walking blood bank procedures and trained 50 personnel.
- Performed clinical laboratory tests in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and urinalysis.
- Collected, labeled, and processed patient specimens following Navy medical protocols.
- Operated laboratory analyzers and maintained testing equipment aboard U.S. Navy medical facilities.
- Supported operations on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as a naval crew member.
Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician
U.S. NAVY
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Processed specimens, managed whole-blood logistics, and executed deployable lab operations; revised SOPs and developed training for blood operations. Coordinated acquisition and ensured accountability and readiness for $3.5M in medical equipment. Delivered laboratory support for large training events and facilitated medical screening operations.
- 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group
- Processed blood specimens in clinical laboratories to ensure accurate testing., urine, and tissue specimens in U.S. Navy clinical laboratories
- Performed hematology, chemistry, and microbiology testing for naval medical staff
- Maintained laboratory instruments and calibrated analyzers for shipboard medical readiness
Laboratory Department Leading Petty Officer / Medical Laboratory Technician
U.S. NAVY
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Led teams processing 60,000+ clinical specimens across six sites; prepared labs for CAP, IG, and FDA inspections (295 checklist items). Implemented virology SOPs and instrument upgrades enabling local COVID-19 testing capability. Managed blood depot; established Walking Blood Donor program, enhancing rapid availability of blood products. SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTSProcessed/supervised >109,000 laboratory samples across clinical and operational settings. Supported successful CAP, Medical Inspector General, and FDA inspections. Managed laboratory and emergency medical equipment inventories exceeding $3.9M. Trained staff, increasing competency and achieving national certifications while improving readiness metrics.
- Navy Medicine Readiness & Training Command, Sigonella, Italy
- Supervised watch teams on Navy vessels during operations and drills.
- Performed preventive maintenance on shipboard equipment and systems.
- Conducted safety inspections to support U.S. Navy readiness standards.
Education
Master of Science - Healthcare Administration
National University
La Jolla, CA07-2025
Bachelor's Degree - Health Sciences
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL08-2019
Associate of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
George Washington University
Washington, DC08-2015
Skills
- Clinical testing methodologies
- Specimen collection and processing
- Specimen chain management
- Laboratory information systems
- Blood bank operations
- Quality assurance
- Quality control processes
- Inspection readiness
- Laboratory operations management
- Chemistry specialization
- Coagulation studies expertise
- Urinalysis testing proficiency
- Clinical and point-of-care testing
- Inventory management
- Biosafety and OSHA compliance
- Staff training
Personal Information
- Title: LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
- Availability: Available for immediate transition to civilian MLT roles; willing to relocate.
Certification
- Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP)
- Phlebotomy Technician (NHA)
- Medical Assistant (NHA)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Instructor
- OSHA 30-Hour
AVAILABILITY
Available for immediate transition to civilian MLT roles; willing to relocate.
Timeline
Medical Department Leading Petty Officer / Laboratory Technician (Civilian: Laboratory Lead / MLT)
U.S. NAVY
01.2025 - Current
Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician / Walking Blood Bank Manager (Civilian: MLT / Blood-Bank Tech)
U.S. NAVY
01.2024 - 01.2025
Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician
U.S. NAVY
01.2021 - 01.2024
Laboratory Department Leading Petty Officer / Medical Laboratory Technician
U.S. NAVY
01.2017 - 01.2021
Master of Science - Healthcare Administration
National University
Bachelor's Degree - Health Sciences
The University of West Florida
Associate of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
George Washington University