Blake Pate

Background

About Blake Pate

Laboratory Operations Manager & Technical Lab Supervisor of the Forsyth County Public Health Laboratory, a High Complexity Laboratory. This position reports to the Community Health Services Administrator. Responsible for immediate and long term strategic planning for clinical diagnostic lab testing. Duties of the position include: the daily monitoring of all lab testing, maintaining all procedures, manuals and policies mandated by local, State, and Federal Entities. Ensures Sections strict compliance to all Testing personnel competency, quality control, quality assurance, and work place safety standards (mandated by CDC, COLA, CLIA, and OSHA ). Oversee scheduling of Lab personnel, Inventory, ordering, and Lab section budget. Complete all lab personnel evaluations and reviews, complete reporting and monitoring of all proficiency testing, all competency evaluations of Point of Care Testing staff (10-12) and Lab personnel (5). Oversight of section Budgets, Contracts, and specialized services is also required. Access various internal departmental system tools such as Rainbow budget sheets, and Performance Series software, Section technical reports, and County Measures.Led Lab Section thru many unit regulatory inspections, and certifications. Administrative duties of Lab Manager include functions such as: Contributing in Management Team meetings, Epidemiology Team meetings, Strategic Planning committees and teams, Clinic Flow Committees and teams, Lab and Clinics Quality Assurance. Advise on Rabies specimen processing and handling protocol. Implemented upgrades to keep on-site laboratory services relevant to 21st century technology. COVID-19 assay validation completed and testing is underway, Strong background in assay and lab systems validations. Unique background and advanced problem solving skills acquired while working closely over a 20 year period with Environmental Health, WIC, Preventive Health, Adult Internal Clinics and with the State Public Health Lab.