Tammy Wilson
Virginia Beach
Summary
Dynamic Histology Technician with proven expertise at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, recognized for enhancing diagnostic accuracy through meticulous slide preparation and staining. Skilled in embedding and troubleshooting equipment, I effectively managed tight deadlines while maintaining quality control, ensuring reliable test results and fostering a collaborative lab environment.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Histology Technician
Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
07.2011 - 01.2025
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by streamlining histology procedures and workflow.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy with meticulous attention to detail in slide preparation and staining.
- Maintained a high level of quality control, ensuring accurate and reliable test results for patients.
- Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Minimized infection risk by regularly cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment.
- Documented routine laboratory instrument maintenance and corrective actions.
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Completed complex histological procedures to prepare slides for analysis.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
- Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.
- Conducted tests correctly to obtain accurate results used to support patients' needs and diagnose conditions.
- Kept grossing room fully stocked with necessary supplies and equipment ready for use.
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards.
- Stayed current on changing procedures to offer expert support for histology laboratory activities.
- Assisted in troubleshooting equipment issues, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity levels.
- Trained new histology technicians, sharing best practices and improving overall team capabilities.
- Performed complex tissue embedding processes, preserving samples for future analysis or archival purposes.
- Managed workload effectively under tight deadlines, prioritizing cases based on clinical urgency.
- Conducted regular maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and functionality.
- Learned required upkeep and proper operating procedures for sophisticated equipment such as mass spectrometers.
Histology Technician
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
06.1997 - 07.2011
- Sorted specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and recorded all processes in pathology log.
- Dictated and grossed tissue samples obtained from multiple physicians' offices and medical facilities.
- Entered data on demographics, grossing descriptions, and clinical diagnosis into EMR.
- Retrieved pathological data and delivered pathologist's dictation tapes and surgical pathology requisitions to medical transcriptionists.
- Developed standard operating procedures for the histology lab, promoting consistency across all tasks.
- Collaborated with pathologists, providing essential information for accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Actively participated in internal audits and inspections resulting in consistent compliance with accreditation standards.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives within the laboratory resulting in reduced errors and increased efficiency.
- Organized inventory management systems to maintain adequate supplies and prevent stock shortages.
- Updated patient records accurately, ensuring timely communication of critical test results to healthcare providers.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies, learning new software platforms that improved workflow within the department.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities, staying current on industry advancements and trends.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings, offering valuable insights from a histological perspective.
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing proper specimen handling and processing techniques.
- Complied with all safety protocols and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe working environment in the lab.
- Compiled and maintained preventive maintenance and instrument performance check records according to schedule and regulations.
- Carried out specific tests and preparation requirements based on orders.
- Operated microtomes to section body tissues for microscopic examination.
- Kept laboratory equipment in good working order with regular maintenance.
- Cut body tissue sections for microscopic examination using microtomes.
- Embedded tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrated tissue specimens with wax.
- Used glass slides to mount tissues for tests.
- Readied specimens with use of embedded or infiltrated paraffin wax.
- Maintained laboratory histologic manuals to standardize procedures.
- Improved visibility of cells with use of dyes and other chemicals.
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by streamlining histology procedures and workflow.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy with meticulous attention to detail in slide preparation and staining.
- Maintained a high level of quality control, ensuring accurate and reliable test results for patients.
- Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Minimized infection risk by regularly cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment.
- Documented routine laboratory instrument maintenance and corrective actions.
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Completed complex histological procedures to prepare slides for analysis.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
- Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards.
- Managed workload effectively under tight deadlines, prioritizing cases based on clinical urgency.
Education
Histotech Certification - Histology
Sentara
Norfolk, VA04.2005
Skills
Embedding
Cutting tissue sections multiple thickness
Staining to include special stains and IHC
QC of all slides
Trouble shooting equipment
Timeline
Histology Technician
Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
07.2011 - 01.2025
Histology Technician
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
06.1997 - 07.2011
Histotech Certification - Histology
Sentara
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