Tatiana Chacon
James A. Haley VA Hospital
Tampa,Fl
1
Certification
19
years of professional experience
Meticulous and methodical Histotechnologist with strong laboratory background and expertise in preparing histological samples. Skilled in quality control, safety practices and documentation with strong focus on preventing medical errors and sample contamination.
Work History
Histotechnologist GS-11
4 Years 9 Months- Performs all routine histology procedures including embedding, microtomy, frozen sections, H&E staining, Immunohistochemistry and Special Staining.
- Performs immunohistochemistry stains (IHC), direct immunofluorescence (DIF), using appropriate controls and multiple detection techniques.
- Conducted accurate gross examination and dictation of gastric, gyn, and urological biopsies to ensure precise diagnostic results.
- Prepared reagents, antibody dilutions, and formulas.
- Monitors and maintains quality control of equipment and procedures in histology section.
- Operates, troubleshoots and maintains Benchmark Ultra IHC and Special Stain instruments.
- Prepared STAT fresh kidney biopsies, evaluating quality and quantity of cortical tissue, and grossed samples into proper fixatives for routine paraffin, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopic examination.
- Prepare samples to be sent to reference laboratories. Maintains integrity of patient samples throughout transit. Monitors return of results and can investigate any unexpected delays in turnaround time.
- Trained and coached new staff to meet competency requirements established by regulatory directives.
- Collected statistical and administrative data for laboratory performance evaluation.
- Helped track and manage inventory to ensure availability of essential lab materials.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety standards in laboratory workspaces. Practice and implementation of laboratory infection control policies.
- Organizes, coordinates, and prioritizes simultaneous work assignments, completing all work within designated timeframes.
Field Application Specialist Tissue Division
1 Year 3 Months- Implemented Roche IHC and HE stainers, serving as primary liaison and customer service representative to enhance client satisfaction.
- Implementation of Roche IHC and HE stainers. Primary liaison and customer service representative.
- Customer trainer for equipment, applications and systems.
- Contributed to sales revenue by identifying new product opportunities for clients, including reagents, primary antibodies, and software solutions.
- Managed customer relationships across large territory, executing responsibilities independently to ensure effective support.
- Organized and prioritized tasks to optimize work schedule. and travel and expense reports.
Histology/IHC/Renal Lab Supervisor
3 Years 4 Months- Managed daily operations of the Histology laboratory and supervised technical and support staff of anatomical pathology.
- Made staffing decisions and conducted interviews. Trained new staff and performed probationary and annual evaluations.
- Monitored quality and ensured acceptable levels of analytic performance on all Histology work. Documented and implemented corrective action.
- Troubleshooting of staining and tissue quality issues. Addressed technical problems with all laboratory equipment. Placed service calls and communication with manufacturers of laboratory equipment.
- Evaluated competency of testing personnel.
- Upheld quality control standards within CAP, NYS and CLIA guidelines.
- Effectively coaches and counsels employees on productivity. Handled personnel issues and resolved conflict constructively.
- Effective communication and collaboration with pathologists. Addressed needs and integrated strategies with Director of Pathology and Quality assurance department.
- Coached and counseled employees on productivity; addressed personnel issues and resolved conflicts constructively.
- Managed overall laboratory safety and maintained quality control records.
Histotechnologist
7 Years 9 Months- Grossing, embedding and microtomy of various tissue specimens to include gastric biopsies, skin excisions and gyn specimens.
- Executed high complexity testing including IHC, enzyme histochemistry, and special staining to ensure accurate diagnostic results.
- Prepared reagents, diluted antibodies, and formulated solutions for precise histological analysis.
- Operated and maintained Sakura, Ventana, and Leica instruments and tissue stainers, ensuring optimal performance for tissue processing.
- Responsible for reagent preparation, antibody dilutions and formulas.
- Performed frozen sectioning of tissue on cryostat. Electron microscopy processing and EM sections on Ultra microtome
Education
M.S. - Health Care Administration
B.S. - Health Science with Minor in Business
A.S Degree - Histotechnology
Skills
Lab safety
Workflow optimization
Administrative support
Quality control adherence
Regulatory compliance
Technical training
Certification
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certified as HT, HTL and QIHC. Licensed as Clinical Laboratory Supervisor in the state of Florida.
Personal Information
Title: HTL(ASCP) QIHC
Timeline
Histotechnologist GS-11
James A. Haley VA Hospital
01.2022 - CurrentRead More
Field Application Specialist Tissue Division
Roche Diagnostics
01.2020 - 04.2021Read More
Histology/IHC/Renal Lab Supervisor
NYU Langone Medical Center
11.2015 - 03.2019Read More
Histotechnologist
Bostwick Laboratories
02.2008 - 11.2015Read More
Florida State College at Jacksonville
A.S Degree from Histotechnology
Read More
Long Island University
B.S. from Health Science with Minor in Business
Read More
St. Joseph’s University
M.S. from Health Care Administration
Read More