Tom Peterson
San Diego,CA
Summary
Laboratory professional with 20+ years of experience handling human tissue and biological specimens in regulated medical environments. Extensive background in tissue recovery, anatomical assessment, specimen labeling verification, chain-of-custody documentation, and SOP compliance. Experienced in high-volume, time-sensitive workflows requiring accuracy, regulatory adherence (CAP, OSHA, CLIA-aligned standards), and effective coordination with multidisciplinary medical teams. Prepared to contribute to gross room operations, frozen section support, accessioning, and pathology workflow management.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Eye Bank Technician
San Diego Eye Bank
San Diego, CA
01.2022 - Current
- Recover and prepare human corneal tissue and whole globes for transplant and research in compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
- Perform anatomical evaluation and physical assessment of tissue specimens (color, clarity, measurements, structural integrity).
- Ensure accurate specimen labeling, accession documentation, and chain-of-custody tracking using DonorTrac software.
- Coordinate with hospitals, pathology staff, and transplant teams to ensure timely specimen processing and shipment.
- Maintain inspection-ready documentation consistent with CAP- and FDA-regulated tissue standards.
- Conduct routine equipment checks and maintain sterile technique in controlled environments.
Per Diem Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Specialty Hospital
San Diego, CA
01.2016 - Current
- Support surgical and oncology departments in high-volume specialty hospital environment.
- Assist with specimen collection, labeling verification, and preparation for diagnostic laboratory testing.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure correct requisition and specimen matching.
- Adhere to infection control procedures and laboratory safety standards.
- Coordinate communication between clinical teams and diagnostic laboratory services.
Tissue Recovery Technician
UCSD LifeSharing
San Diego, CA
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Performed surgical recovery of musculoskeletal tissue, vessels, and skin for transplant and research under medical supervision.
- Conducted physical examination and documentation of tissue characteristics including measurements, condition, and anatomical features.
- Assisted in dissection and mechanical tissue preparation procedures under established protocols.
- Ensured accurate specimen identification, labeling, and preparation for laboratory processing and shipment.
- Collaborated with pathology and laboratory staff to support downstream specimen evaluation.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards and documented deviations when necessary.
Lab Assistant / Veterinary Technician
Snake Pharm
San Diego, CA
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Process biological specimens for laboratory analysis, including plasma separation and ELISA testing.
- Prepare reagents and maintain laboratory equipment according to SOPs.
- Maintain detailed records in compliance with USDA and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure accurate specimen handling and documentation in a production-based laboratory environment.
Education
High School Diploma - Animal Health Technology Program
San Diego Mesa College
01.2003
High School Diploma - undefined
01.1993
Skills
- Surgical & Transplant Tissue Handling
- Specimen Accessioning & Order Verification
- Anatomical Tissue Identification & Assessment
- Frozen Section Workflow Exposure (Support Role)
- Tissue Preparation & Orientation Under Supervision
- Chain-of-Custody Documentation
- Slide & Specimen Tracking
- Regulatory Compliance (CAP, TJC, OSHA)
- Laboratory SOP Adherence
- Equipment Checks & Preventive Maintenance Documentation
- Inventory Management & Supply Ordering
- High-Volume Specimen Processing
- Clerical & LIS Documentation (DonorTrac)
- Interdepartmental Communication
- Formalin fixation principles
- Paraffin embedding workflow (theoretical knowledge)
- Frozen section workflow fundamentals
- Tissue orientation principles
- Microtomy fundamentals
- H&E staining principles
- Immunohistochemistry workflow (conceptual understanding)
- Quality control documentation
- Laboratory instrumentation maintenance
Timeline
Tissue Recovery Technician
UCSD LifeSharing
01.2023 - 01.2024
Eye Bank Technician
San Diego Eye Bank
01.2022 - Current
Lab Assistant / Veterinary Technician
Snake Pharm
01.2018 - 01.2021
Per Diem Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Specialty Hospital
01.2016 - Current
High School Diploma - undefined
High School Diploma - Animal Health Technology Program
San Diego Mesa College