MELISSA J. PALMARES
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Laboratory Assistant II
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
03.2023 - Current
- Navigates Epic software to receive, confirm, or order tests for inpatient and outpatient specimens that arrive in the laboratory
- Receives, triages and distributes inpatient and outpatient specimens to appropriate departments within the core laboratory in a timely manner.
- Distributes specimens designated for other departments, including blood bank, microbiology, send-outs, pathology, and cytology.
- Performs routine maintenance on automated line.
- Verifies that each specimen meets the necessary criteria for eligibility in core laboratory testing.
- Centrifuges and/or aliquots blood, urine, and body fluid for laboratory testing in hematology, urinalysis, chemistry and reference departments.
- Utilizes verbal and written communication to coordinate inpatient blood draws with phlebotomists or nurses.
- Adheres to HIPAA regulations when dealing with confidential patient information.
- Communicates redraws with nurses and phlebotomists due to unsatisfactory conditions, such as clotting, hemolysis, or insufficient quantity.
- Assists physicians or nurses in canceling, modifying, or adding on orders.
- Relays critical results to outpatient doctors' offices or skilled nursing facilities.
- Collaborates with MLT/CLS professionals to address and resolve issues related to testing procedures and results.
- Provides assistance to couriers or other patrons that come into the laboratory or call with inquiries.
- Provides after-hours assistance in storing pathology, cytology, and send-out specimens.
- Assists with training new employees on laboratory procedures and techniques.
Genomics Laboratory Technician
Pathnostics
12.2021 - 01.2023
- Organized and processed upwards of 350 patient urine, semen, and rectal swab samples daily for antibiotic resistance testing.
- Followed protocol using chemical and physical extraction methods to extract DNA from urine samples, and Open Array RT-PCR to identify bacteria or viruses present in the urine.
- Extended knowledge of general laboratory equipment through daily use of QuantStudio, aspirators, and homogenizers.
- Cross-trained in COVID RNA extraction, RT-PCR, and urine culture plating.
- Aliquoted patient sample (nasal or rectal swab, urine) for RNA or DNA extraction.
- Performed routine laboratory maintenance and adhered to wearing PPE, among proper laboratory safety measures, to ensure a sterile and optimal laboratory environment.
- Maintained laboratory equipment by performing calibration checks and troubleshooting any malfunctions.
- Prepared solutions of reagents for use in experiments according to extraction method.
- Conducted quality control testing on incoming materials to ensure accuracy of results.
Front Office Assistant
Tangchitnob MD
West Covina, CA
11.2020 - 08.2021
- Greeted patients during check-ins for their appointments, and assisted in scheduling follow-up appointments during check out.
- Performed data entry of patient information into Allscripts EHR software.
- Coordinated meetings and lunches between providers and medical sales representatives.
- Verified insurance policies over the phone and online.
- Maintained a clean front office environment, including the waiting area.
- Exercised excellent customer service skills by scheduling appointments, answering inquiries over the phone from new and existing patients.
- Collected copays and account balance payments and updated account records.
- Processed payments from patients using cash, credit cards, or checks.
Education
UC San Diego Extended Studies
01-2023
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of California, Riverside
01-2020
Skills
- Familiar with use of laboratory equipment,
Microsoft Office, and Epic EHR software - Strong organizational and time-management
skills - Exceptional communication and
interpersonal skills - Ability to work independently and as part of
a team
- Detail-oriented and able to handle multiple
tasks simultaneously - Experience in DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR
and specimen processing - Knowledge in blood collection through venipuncture, finger sticks and heel sticks
Certification
- Basic Life Support, SureFire CPR - February 2024
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist) Trainee (TRL-02391575) - February 2024
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT-02439818), Phlebotomy Training Specialists - September 2024
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Research Laboratory Assistant, 05/01/20, 10/31/20
- Removed fish samples from formalin to obtain dry weight as data for later use in research.
- Labeled and organized fish mother and embryo samples.
- Prepared and aliquoted reagents used for DNA extraction.
- Used QIAGEN: DNeasy kit for spin-column based DNA extraction of fish mother and embryo tissue samples.
- Followed protocol including the use of basic laboratory techniques and machinery such as single and multi-channel pipettes, vortexes, incubators and centrifuges in order to extract the DNA for later use in PCR.
- Performed general laboratory maintenance in order to maintain an organized, sterile laboratory.
Timeline
Clinical Laboratory Assistant II
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
03.2023 - Current
Genomics Laboratory Technician
Pathnostics
12.2021 - 01.2023
Front Office Assistant
Tangchitnob MD
11.2020 - 08.2021
UC San Diego Extended Studies
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of California, Riverside
Similar Profiles
Nancy DePalmaNancy DePalma
RN High Risk LDRP and Antepartum at Hoag Hospital Irvine, Hoag Hospital Newport BeachRN High Risk LDRP and Antepartum at Hoag Hospital Irvine, Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
Laryssa OrtizLaryssa Ortiz
Emergency Medical Technician at Hoag Hospital Newport BeachEmergency Medical Technician at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
Mercy MunyuaMercy Munyua
Operating Room Assistant at Hoag Hospital Newport BeachOperating Room Assistant at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
Erica MarshallErica Marshall
Registered Nurse at Hoag Hospital Newport BeachRegistered Nurse at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
Maria HaackMaria Haack
Clinical Laboratory Assistant II at TriCore Reference LaboratoryClinical Laboratory Assistant II at TriCore Reference Laboratory