Medical Laboratory Scientist

Nicholas J. Costello, MLS (ASCP)CM

Address: **** ****** ***** ***** #****, San Marcos, Texas 78666

Phone: 512-***-****

Email: *********@*****.***

Qualifications Profile

Experienced laboratory professional with leadership qualities and proven technical ability

Extensive training with complex medical diagnostic equipment in highly regulated work environments

Problem solver, with excellent ability to multitask and effectively communicate complex scenarios

In-depth understanding of FDA, OSHA, CAP and CLIA guidelines, including cGMP

Professional Experience

Grifols - San Marcos, TX

Testing Technologist September 2013 – Present

Ensure the health of donors and the safety of donor plasma by performing high–volume serologic testing

Utilize the optimal processes, communication methods, and documentation practices needed to meet FDA regulations and exceed

compliance in a worldwide market

Instrumentation: Ortho Summit System, Abbott Prism, Helena SPIFE systems, Grifols Triturus

Laboratory information system: Aurora AccLaIM (Stratec)

Austin Regional Clinic - Austin, TX

Medical Technologist III (prn) August 2012 – October 2015

Exemplified expertise in hematology, clinical chemistry, coagulation, and urinalysis in performing high-volume testing in an

organized and timely manner

Delivered accurate test results within established turnaround times above 90%

Instrumentation: Siemens Vista 1500 & Immulite 2000, Beckman LH 750, ACL Elite Pro

Laboratory information system: Orchard Harvest LIS

St. David's South Austin Medical Center - Austin, TX

Shift Supervisor April 2013 – September 2013

Planned and delegated nightly workflow to achieve above 95% productivity

Coordinated a team of technologists and phlebotomists to guarantee all duties are completed with timeliness and prioritized

appropriately

Instrumentation: Siemens Vista 1500, Haemonetics TEG 5000, Beckman Coulter LH 750 & Iris iChem Velocity

Laboratory information system: Medical Information Technology (MEDITECH)

Seton Family of Hospitals - Austin, TX

Medical Technologist II September 2008 – April 2013

Demonstrated proficiency in all areas of a complete medical laboratory including blood bank

Assisted multiple acute care hospitals by exhibiting capacity to self-start, adapt, and quickly learn numerous complex instruments

Reduced average turnaround time of troponin levels by 37% through streamlining the processing, testing, and reporting of cardiac

enzymes at Seton Williamson Hospital

Served as laboratory safety officer and Environment of Care committee member at Seton Northwest Hospital

Instrumentation: Beckman Coulter Unicel DxC 600i Synchron & Access2, Sysmex XT-1800i, Stago and ACL coagulation instruments

Laboratory information systems: Sunquest, Misys, Mediware Transfusion Software (HCLL)

The University of Texas at Austin–College of Pharmacy - Austin, TX

Research Assistant/Undergraduate Research September 2003 – January 2006

Explored the catalytic mechanism of dimethylargininase (DDAH); a significant enzyme in blood pressure regulation, cell signaling, and

progression of vascular disease

Engineered variant DDAH enzymes through site-specific mutagenesis of active site residues

Performed kinetics testing of variant DDAH enzymes with different substrates

Developed a new assay for trapping intermediate structures formed during DDAH catalysis, which supported our hypothesis of a

covalent interaction with substrate

Education and Credentials

Bachelor of Arts in Biology: December 2004

The University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX

Medical Laboratory Scientist– American Society for Clinical Pathology: September 2008

Austin State Hospital Program in Medical Laboratory Science - Austin, TX

Awards and Honors

UT College of Natural Sciences Honors Day Award: September 2004

University Cooperative Society Undergraduate Research Fellow: September 2004

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society: May 2000 – September 2001

Dean’s list: Spring 2000, Fall 2000, Spring 2001

Publication

Stone, E.; Costello, N.; Fast, W. (2005). Characterization of a transient covalent adduct formed during DDAH catalysis. Biochemistry,

44(18), 7069-7078.

Technical acumen

Clinical Chemistry

ELISA, PCR, TMA, ISE, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis (DNA, serum protein), chromatography (HPLC, TLC, affinity), site-specific

mutagenesis, DNA/ RNA manipulation & purification, enzyme kinetics, reagent management

Immunohematology

Collection procedures, tube testing, gel cards, antibody panels, multiple antibody crossmatch, warm auto antibodies, cold

alloantibodies, massive transfusion protocol, plasma exchange, elution, fetal bleed screen, RhIg indications, neonatal requirements,

immunocompromised indications, product storage, inventory management

Hematology

Peripheral blood smear, white cell differential, cell morphology, staining techniques, hemocytometer usage, erythrocyte sedimentation

rate, identification/differentiation of anemia, myeloproliferation, myelodysplasia, blood parasites

Coagulation

Mixing studies, platelet mapping, comprehensive whole blood hemostasis

Microbiology

Sterile processing, gram staining, culture setup

Community service

Pet Therapy; Hays Nursing and and Rehabilitation Center (San Marcos, TX): February 2016 – Present

Patient Care; Seton Northwest Hospital E.R. (Austin, TX): July 2010 – April 2013

Underprivileged Youth Assistance; Heart House (Austin, TX): May 2002 – May 2003

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