MARIA-ELENA R. TOLEDO
Torrance,CA
Summary
Dedicated Clinical Laboratory Scientist with specialized expertise in Blood Bank operations, poised to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic healthcare team. Proven track record of upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance in laboratory practices, while managing complex testing procedures and prioritizing patient care. Strong analytical skills and a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development ensure the delivery of accurate results in fast-paced environments. Passionate about utilizing extensive knowledge in Transfusion Medicine to enhance patient outcomes and drive organizational success.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Transfusion Medicine
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
12.2009 - Current
- Perform daily QC on reagents and instruments.
- Perform and train new hires on operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the Echo-Lumena, and Neo-Iris.
- Perform all pretransfusion testing to ensure compatibility of blood products to the patients
- Resolve antibody problems and other complex serological issues.
- Collaborate with other transplant teams to ensure that patients meet immunologic safety criteria before, during, and after transplants on a timely manner.
- Coordinate with Apheresis team to support RBC exchange procedure for sickle cell patients.
- Tests, orders, and prepare phenotypically matched-RBC units for sickle cell patients.
- Lead the massive transfusion protocol and activation in cases of trauma and disaster situations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact during the night shift for Santa Monica and West Valley Blood Banks.
- Coordinate and facilitate referral testing for complex samples, antibody identification, or other specialized testing that requires inter-site collaboration.
- Provide real-time assistance to Santa Monica and West Valley laboratories regarding protocol clarifications, SafeTrace TX troubleshooting, and instrument malfunctions or error resolution.
- Guide night shift staff at Santa Monica and West Valley locations in following standard operating procedures and ensuring documentation is accurate and compliant.
- Escalate unresolved technical or system issues to appropriate day shift leadership or IT support teams with proper documentation.
- Observe annual competency assessments and mentor new hire CLSs
- Assist with instrument validation and wrote SOPs for routine maintenance for the Neo-Galileo.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks especially during trauma cases and liver transplants
- Demonstrates ability to learn new tasks quickly, and retain long term knowledge
- Demonstrates willingness to go beyond expectations of my current job description
- Ability to work as a team member and to assume leadership role as neededMentored junior staff on laboratory protocols and best practices.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist, Per Diem
Providence Little Company of Mary
01.2018 - Current
- Receive and process patient specimens.
- Verify patient/sample identity and check for proper sample integrity.
- Run and review QCs; document and resolve out-of-range results.
- Perform proficiency testing and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting on analyzers.
- Recognize instrument malfunction and take appropriate action.
- Assist in Hematology and Urinalysis analyzers validation.
- Conduct manual, automated, and complex tests in Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Chemistry, STAT Micro, and Immunohematology to ensure accurate patient diagnoses.
- Review and validate test results before releasing to the LIS.
- Recognize critical values and follow protocols for immediate provider notification
- Mentor junior staff on laboratory procedures and safety regulations.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist
SANTA MONICA-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
06.2008 - 12.2009
- Rotated in Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Chemistry, Blood Bank, and Stat Microbiology departments
- Processed specimens for testing, and performed analysis
- Trained to operate, perform maintenance and troubleshoot on Olympus AU640, Osmometer, Stratus and BNP instruments in Chemistry
- Trained to operate, perform maintenance and troubleshoot on XE2100, CA1500, Stago, Mini-Vidas, CL200, and The Little Instrument in Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis departments respectively
Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist
UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
10.2004 - 06.2008
- Rotated in Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Hemoglobin A1c, and Hemoglobin Fractionation departments
- Strong background in performing abnormal differential counts
- Trained to operate, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot on the following equipments:
- SE2500, SP100, XE2100 and Sedimat in Hematology
- LX20 and Olympus 5421 in Chemistry
- Dimension RxL Max (intended for Cardiac Markers)
- CA1000, CA560, and Stago Diagnostica in Coagulation
- AX428 to IQ200 in Urinalysis
- Bio-Rad Variant II in Hemoglobin A1c and Hemoglobin Fractionation
- Trained to perform Sweat Chloride detection
- Assists Oncologists in performing Bone Marrow procedures and specimen processing
- Used Meditech as an LIS
- Trained to release units of blood for Bowyer Oncology Clinic patients
Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist
SANTA MONICA-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
07.2002 - 10.2004
- Rotated in Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, and Stat Microbiology departments
- Processed specimens for testing, and perform analysis
- Trained to operate, perform maintenance and troubleshoot on Beckman CX7 Delta, Osmometer, Star ACA, Stratus and BNP instruments in Chemistry
- Trained to operate, perform maintenance and troubleshoot on SF3000, CA1500, MLA 900 & 800, Mini-Vidas, CL200, and The Little Instrument in Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis departments respectively
Hospital Laboratory Technician
SANTA MONICA-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
03.2001 - 07.2002
- Processed specimen for testing, batch specimens to different UCLA Laboratories and other reference laboratories
- Performed CX7, Star ACA, and Stratus preventive maintenance in Chemistry
- Performed SF3000, CA540, Mini-Vidas, and CL200 preventive maintenance in Hematology, Coagulation and Urinalysis
- Trained to operate the Little Instrument for fetal Fibronectin analysis
- Ran Controls and loaded specimens on the above mentioned equipments
Continuing Education and Training Manager
Janssen Pharmaceuticals-Zuellig Division
02.1994 - 09.2000
- Developed and organized Continuing Medical Education and continuing professional development activities for healthcare professionals.
- Coordinated live events, symposia, and workshops based on approved learning modules.
- Worked closely with Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and Key Opinion Leaders to develop high-quality, evidence-based content.
- Identified and invited expert speakers for CME programs.
- Handled documentation for accreditation and certifications of participants.
- Developed training programs aligning with organizational goals to enhance employee performance.
- Led cross-functional teams to design and implement comprehensive onboarding processes.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify skill gaps and tailored training solutions accordingly.
- Mentored Medical Representatives, fostering their professional development and ensuring consistency in training delivery.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Centro Escolar University
Manila, PhilippinesSkills
- Adherence to safety standards
- Proficient in Immunohematology techniques
- Guide new employees
- Detail-oriented approach
- Collaborative teamwork
- Problem-solving abilities
Certification
- State of California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License July 2002
- Loni Calhoun CLS Educational Scholarship Awardee (UCLA) Jan. 2015
Timeline
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist, Per Diem
Providence Little Company of Mary
01.2018 - Current
Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Transfusion Medicine
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
12.2009 - Current
Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist
SANTA MONICA-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
06.2008 - 12.2009
Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist
UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
10.2004 - 06.2008
Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist
SANTA MONICA-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
07.2002 - 10.2004
Hospital Laboratory Technician
SANTA MONICA-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
03.2001 - 07.2002
Continuing Education and Training Manager
Janssen Pharmaceuticals-Zuellig Division
02.1994 - 09.2000
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Centro Escolar University
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