Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
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Perla Cerda

Houston,Texas

Summary

Dedicated and highly motivated professional seeking a challenging experience where I can apply my skills and experience in a new role. Committed to leveraging a proven history of education, experience, leadership, and strengths at the individual, team, and organizational levels.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Medical Laboratory Scientist

MD Anderson Cancer Center
02.2023 - Current
  • Assures quality testing and accurate test performance through operator training, competency assessment, device monitoring, device maintenance, and troubleshooting
  • Oversees IQCP, QA, QC review, and proficiency testing
  • Ensures compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies such as CLIA, CAP, CMS, and TJC for both waived and non-waived testing in the Point of Care department
  • Oversees and manages Point of Care analyzers used in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases at a 710-bed hospital
  • Conducts daily review of patient records using the EPIC EHR system
  • Implements corrective actions when necessary and verifies correct instrumentation operation while following implemented SOPs
  • Provides appropriate documentation and reports to managers, directors, and staff
  • Reviews test results daily using the Telcor QML data management and connectivity middleware system
  • Utilizes hospital laboratory informatics systems, EPIC Beaker, for logging and resulting test results, as well as creating reports
  • Performs data entry into middleware and hospital data informatics systems
  • Creates monthly quality control reports and Levey Jennings charts using Telcor QML and Excel
  • Works closely with the Point of Care lab manager and supervisor to construct and submit documentation and reports for approval
  • Reviews and revises SOPs as needed
  • Performs methodology and instrument validations, calibrations, and correlations on existing and new devices
  • Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste while maintaining adequate stock levels for uninterrupted lab operations.
  • Approves daily temperature and humidity monitoring reports to ensure compliance
  • Conducts weekly unit visits to ensure and implement compliance with CAP/CLIA/TJC accrediting agencies
  • Enhanced clinical efficiency through the development and execution of comprehensive staff training programs on point of care devices.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.

Medical Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Scientist

Houston Methodist Hospital
02.2017 - 02.2023
  • Performed routine and complex laboratory procedures with accuracy and precision, following standard procedures in the Chemistry and Hematology departments of a 2052-bed hospital
  • Conducted chemistry testing on Roche analyzers, Teg 500, ABL 90 Flex, Rotem, Verify Now, and P2Y12
  • Performed hematology testing on Sysmex XN 300 and SP-10 stainer, including manual differentials, manual cell counts on CSF and body fluids, sickle solubility tests, and used Centaur XP and BioRad II for hemoglobin A1c testing
  • Processed and ensured proper handling of specimens according to protocol
  • Reviewed and evaluated the accuracy of lab data and documented patient result using laboratory information system Softlab
  • Consulted with outside professionals and specialists about tests and testing results.
  • Recognized deviations from expected results in pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes
  • Assisted in the training of new staff members, ensuring proper knowledge transfer and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Prepared reagents and solutions, making readily available during testing for convenience.
  • Reduced error rates in testing procedures through careful attention to detail and adherence to established protocols.
  • Trained and supervised new laboratory staff to improve skills in laboratory procedures.
  • Troubleshot complex technical issues with laboratory equipment, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
  • Reduced turnaround time for critical tests by optimizing laboratory workflows.
  • Conducted routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science

University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio

Associate Degree - Medical Laboratory Science

San Jacinto College
Pasadena, Texas

Skills

  • Technical expertise in laboratory operations
  • Day-to-day laboratory management, including staff supervision, scheduling, and rotations
  • Extensive experience in training new hires
  • Investigation of safety reports and adherence of safety protocols
  • Proficient in following escalation processes and maintaining chain of command
  • Communication log management and documentation review
  • Assistance in leadership projects and administrative tasks
  • Support for department-based goals contributing to organizational success
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent Communication and multitasking
  • Onboarding new hires
  • Organizational Skills
  • Attention to Detail and active listening
  • Microsoft office, Zoom, WebEx, Excel
  • MSDS and infection control
  • Participate in data collection, preparation, submission for final review

Certification

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Technician

Languages

Spanish
Professional Working

Timeline

Medical Laboratory Scientist

MD Anderson Cancer Center
02.2023 - Current

Medical Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Scientist

Houston Methodist Hospital
02.2017 - 02.2023

Associate Degree - Medical Laboratory Science

San Jacinto College

Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science

University of Cincinnati
Perla Cerda