Melissa L. Tarrance
Huntsville,AL
Summary
Professional phlebotomist with strong focus on quality and precision in blood collection and specimen handling. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare teams, adapt to dynamic environments, and maintain patient comfort and safety. Known for excellent venipuncture skills, thorough knowledge of laboratory procedures, and reliability in meeting diverse clinical needs.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Traveling Phlebotomist
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions
Sunrise, FL
03.2020 - Current
- Collected blood specimens with precision, adhering to safety protocols and infection control standards.
- Maintained accurate records of specimens collected, enhancing data integrity for laboratory analysis.
- Provided exceptional patient care by explaining procedures and addressing concerns during blood draws.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to coordinate testing schedules and optimize workflow efficiency.
- Trained junior phlebotomists on best practices in specimen collection and handling techniques.
- Implemented quality control measures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards in blood collection processes.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
- Performed venipunctures and capillary draws, ensuring patient comfort and minimizing complications.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers
- Process Covid-samples for Virology.
- Serology 1 Testing for Igg on patients for Department of Health Customer Service, verified patient clinical information
Phlebotomist
Innova Primary Care
Huntsville, Al
01.2025 - 10.2025
- Blood collection, processing, scheduling, stocking, order entry, filing
- Collected and processed blood specimens for diagnostic testing, ensuring accuracy and quality control.
- Maintained sterile environments by adhering to safety protocols and infection control measures.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Led initiatives to optimize inventory management of phlebotomy supplies, reducing waste and costs.
- Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
- Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
- Actively engaged with patients to educate them on proper post-draw care, reducing potential complications and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
PSR 111, Floater, Trainer
Quest Diagnostics, Inc Phlebotomist
07.2001 - 03.2020
- Mentored junior trainers, fostering skill development and promoting best practices in blood collection techniques.
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new employees, reducing time to competency in essential phlebotomy skills.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify training needs, resulting in targeted educational initiatives for staff improvement.
- Facilitated hands-on training sessions, ensuring proficiency in blood collection techniques and safety protocols.
- Evaluated trainee performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Evaluated new equipment purchases for efficacy in improving training outcomes while adhering to budget constraints.
- Maintained a safe, organized, and well-stocked learning environment for efficient hands-on training sessions.
- Implemented a comprehensive assessment system to track student progress and identify areas in need of additional support.
- Provided one-on-one coaching for students struggling with specific phlebotomy techniques, leading to improved skill levels.
- Processes Payments
- Collect payment for patients
- Filed Insurance Claims
Phlebotomist
LabCorp of America, Montgomery-Phlebotomist
01.1999 - 07.2001
- Perform chain of custody drug screen, perform paternity testing, made phlebotomy house calls, customer service, input patient orders, perform phlebotomy
- Streamlined specimen handling procedures, reducing turnaround times for test results.
- Implemented new tracking systems for specimen management, increasing efficiency in workflows.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Ensured uninterrupted service by properly maintaining phlebotomy equipment, including centrifuges, needles, and tourniquets.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
- Assisted in streamlining the specimen processing workflow for increased efficiency and reduced wait times for patients.
- Supported quality assurance efforts by diligently documenting all relevant information during the collection process, ensuring accurate test results for patients and providers alike.
- Conducted blood drives in collaboration with local organizations, increasing community engagement and blood donations.
- Monitored patients for adverse reactions post-venipuncture, ready to provide immediate care if needed.
- Enhanced patient experience by performing blood draws quickly and efficiently.
- Contributed to maintenance of patient records, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information was available for healthcare providers.
- Trained new phlebotomists in proper blood collection techniques and safety protocols, elevating overall quality of care.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
Phlebotomist/ Cytology Lab Assistant
Alabama Reference Laboratory, Montgomery
01.1993 - 01.1999
- Manage physicians standing orders, perform breath alcohol test, phlebotomy, duties included but were not limited to receiving and opening packages of specimens sent from doctor’s offices/hospitals ensuring that all information for the patient (s) Is correct upon delivery
- Collected blood samples from patients using sterile techniques to ensure safety and accuracy.
- Maintained accurate patient records in compliance with laboratory standards and regulations.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance sample integrity and minimize errors.
- Increased patient satisfaction rates through consistent delivery of professional phlebotomy services tailored to individual needs.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
- Conducted venipuncture and other CT procedures.
- Collected, labeled, and processed blood samples for variety of tests, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to laboratory.
- Participated in continuous education programs to stay updated on latest phlebotomy techniques and safety standards.
- Enhanced team collaboration by participating in regular meetings to discuss improvements in phlebotomy practices.
- Adapted to diverse patient needs by employing variety of blood collection techniques.
- Identified veins suitable for venipuncture with precision, minimizing discomfort for patients.
- Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Verified proper storage and transportation of specimens to laboratories.
- Performed venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
Education
Diploma -
J.O. Johnson
Huntsville, Alabama01.1985
Skills
- Safe driving practices
- Organizational growth
- Blood collection techniques
- Patient care
- Maintaining confidentiality
- HIPAA compliance
- Flexible scheduling
- Valid Driver's license
- Adaptable to change
- Specimen handling
- Infection control protocols
- Insurance verification
- Venipuncture expertise
- Medical terminology
- OSHA standards
- Pediatric phlebotomy
- Healthcare regulations
- Geriatric phlebotomy
- Lab equipment operation
- Phlebotomy certification
- Proper labeling
- Patient identification
- Communication proficiency
- Venipuncture
- Sample and specimen collection
- Specimen labeling procedures
- Patient confidentiality
- Health and safety
- Patient support
- Data entry
- HIPAA
- Infection control
- Quality control
- Paperwork processing
- Quality assurance
- Specimen preparation
- Emergency response training
- Patient assessment
- Diagnostic testing
- Hemoglobin testing
- Medical records management
- Medical records maintenance
- Venipuncture and capillary puncture
- Blood collection
- Specimen collection and storage
- Butterfly venipuncture
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Electronic health records
- Finger stick method
Certification
- BLS/CPR with First Aid
- Certification: NHA
Timeline
Phlebotomist
Innova Primary Care
01.2025 - 10.2025
Traveling Phlebotomist
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions
03.2020 - Current
PSR 111, Floater, Trainer
Quest Diagnostics, Inc Phlebotomist
07.2001 - 03.2020
Phlebotomist
LabCorp of America, Montgomery-Phlebotomist
01.1999 - 07.2001
Phlebotomist/ Cytology Lab Assistant
Alabama Reference Laboratory, Montgomery
01.1993 - 01.1999
Diploma -
J.O. Johnson