Natalee Diaz, MLT ASCP

• Used Meditech LIS to verify and report results, including prompt notification of critical values to healthcare providers according to lab policy.

Chemistry

• Worked with the Siemens Atellica chemistry analyzer for routine and STAT testing.
• Used Atellica Data Manager (ADM) and Meditech LIS to review, verify, and result patient data accurately.
• Performed routine quality control (QC) and calibrations to maintain instrument accuracy and compliance.
• Reported critical results to clinical staff promptly and documented according to lab protocol.
• Handled add-on test requests, organized sample filing, and prioritized workflow during busy periods.
• Performed and resulted qualitative and quantitative hCG testing for pregnancy assessment.

Hematology

• Performed peripheral blood smears and manual differentials to assist in the identification of abnormal cells and hematologic disorders.
• Conducted urinalysis and examined urine and body fluids microscopically for diagnostic evaluation.
• Operated the Sysmex hematology analyzer and Siemens coagulation analyzer for routine CBC and coagulation testing.

Blood Bank

• Performed ABO/Rh typing and antibody screening using the manual tube method; conducted antibody identification panels as needed.
• Completed crossmatches and issued compatible blood products for transfusion.
• Participated in Massive Transfusion Protocols (MTPs) and processed emergency blood releases according to hospital and regulatory protocols.
• Maintained strict adherence to patient identification and sample verification procedures to ensure transfusion safety.
• Performed fetal bleed screening and assesed Rhogam eligibility for postpartum patients.
• Order and receive blood product inventory, ensuring stock levels meet daily and emergency demands.
• Complete blood product check-in, labeling, and storage according to Canadian Blood Services (or relevant supplier) guidelines.
• Perform ROM (Rupture of Membranes) testing.
• Conduct serologic testing, including HIV, and performing RPR testing for syphilis screening.

Microbiology

• Provided critical after-hours support for the Microbiology department during night shifts to ensure uninterrupted diagnostic services.
• Performed rapid respiratory testing, including RSV, Influenza, and COVID-19 assays.
• Monitored and maintained the blood culture analyzer; plated positive blood cultures, performed Gram stains, and initiated organism identification procedures.
• Processed vaginal and genital swab specimens, including plating and Gram staining.
• Utilized the Verigene system for rapid identification of pathogens.

• Completed focused rotations in Clinical Chemistry and Blood Bank, gaining experience in diagnostic testing, equipment operation, and transfusion medicine protocols.
• Operated the Atellica Analyzer to perform high-throughput chemistry testing. ensuring accuracy and timely reporting of assays such as ionized calcium, serum HCG, BMP, CMP, A1C, and osmolarity.
• Performed specimen preparation procedures, including centrifugation, labeling, and sample filing, following strict laboratory protocols.
• Utilized Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) for test ordering and result entry.
• Maintained laboratory equipment and managed reagent inventory in alignment with quality control (QC) and preventive maintenance standards.
• Operated the Ortho Vision Swift analyzer for automated blood typing and antibody screening; also performed manual blood grouping and antibody ID procedures to support safe transfusion practices
• Conducted Kleibauer-Betke (KB) stain to assess fetal-maternal hemorrhage, assisting in clinical decision-making for obstetric care.
• Assisted in blood product inventory management checking in, labeling, and tracking blood bags for proper storage and documentation.
• Collaborated with the blood bank team to uphold regulatory compliance, ensuring safe handling, crossmatching, and transfusion procedures.
Maintained a graded academic journal with daily entries documenting clinical tasks, learning outcomes, and reflections.

• Completed comprehensive rotations in Microbiology and Hematology.
• Gained hands-on experience in diagnostic testing, quality assurance, and specimen processing under licensed medical technologists.
• Performed and interpreted Complete Blood Counts (CBCs) and coagulation assays including D-Dimer, Fibrinogen, PT, PTT, and Thromboelastography (TEG).
• Conducted microbiological procedures: streaking, culturing, and organism identification (bacteria, fungi, and parasites).
• Assisted with diagnostic testing such as COVID-19, RSV, influenza, pregnancy tests, and ROM Plus for membrane rupture.
• Ensured adherence to strict lab protocols, safety guidelines, and sterile technique to maintain a controlled testing environment.
• Maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment; monitored supply levels to support efficient workflow.
• Documented and reported test results accurately in compliance with CLIA and HIPAA standards.
• Kept a detailed academic journal of daily lab activities and reflections as part of graded coursework.