About Us

Who is Lab Connections?

Lab Connections offers a wide variety of on-demand quality assurance services for Medical Lab Administration

Lab Connections Quality Assurance Services provides a comprehensive solution designed to address the challenges faced by Medical Laboratory Scientists. We work to ensure accurate test results to minimizing patient risk. We provide a systematic approach to identify, analyze, and mitigate potential errors within laboratory processes, thereby enhancing overall quality control measures. We focus on issues that have arisen from reduction in workforce and expertise due to the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting phenomenon of mass retirement.

Why Trust Lab Connections?

Our People Have Real-World Experience

We are actual experienced Medical Lab professionals with over 50 years of collective experience in the operation, management and development of Laboratory services for modern medical facilities operating under CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments), CAP (College of American Pathologists), COLA and Joint Commission (JCO) standards.

We comprise a team of ASCP MLS/MT professionals, each with specialized expertise in various technical laboratory departments. Our primary goal is to support Medical Lab Managers grappling with the evolving regulatory landscape amidst economic pressures. Whether you need remote or on-site assistance, we stand ready to help you tackle ongoing compliance issues. With our collective wealth of experience, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs. Let us guide you through the intricacies of your QA Plan and alleviate any operational burdens you may face

Meet the Team

April German

Quality Assurance Director

Westgard Sigma-Metric Quality Control Manager Certification

Professional Background and Experience

MLS (ASCP)^CM
ASCLS Member and Advocate
Westgard Sigma-QM
Clinical Laboratory Technologist License by University of the State of New York Education Department Office of the Professions
Quality Assurance Management
Real-world Technical Supervisor experience in Medical Laboratory
Expert knowledge of Bio-Rad Unity software
Certified in VITROS technology with an established relationship with Ortho field technicians and analyte experts
Former Medical Laboratory Traveler with extensive experience with multiple Laboratory Information Systems, analyzers, and policy and procedures
CLIA Certificate of Registration
CLIA Certificate of Compliance
CAP, COLA, Joint Commission Certificate of Accreditation
Quality Management Coach

Educational Background:

BS in Biochemistry
BS in Biotechnology
National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program in the field of Genetics
ADLM (formally AACC) Certification in Practical Approaches to Quality Control in The Clinical Laboratory
Westgard Basic Quality Control Practices
Westgard Six Sigma Metrics

Leitha Boutwell

Chief Operating Officer

Professional Background and Experience

MLS (ASCP)
Senior Operations & Training Leader – Laboratory Management & Technical Supervision
Regional Laboratory Operations Management (Multi-site oversight, startup & expansion)
Laboratory Manager & Technical Supervisor – CLIA / DNV / Regulatory Compliance
Performance Improvement & Profit Optimization (Revenue growth 191%+, margin expansion 20% → 40%+)
Laboratory Startup & Expansion (Opened 7+ new locations; acquired & implemented new analyzers)
Workforce Stabilization & Culture Transformation (Converted 70% traveler staffing to 100% FTE team)
Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS) Implementation & IT Strategy
Outreach & Inreach Program Development (80K+ tests/month operations oversight)
Operational Budgeting, Cost Control & Revenue Optimization
Laboratory Consulting & Technology Integration

Educational Background:

Bachelor of Science (BS), Microbiology – University of Alabama
Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), ASCP

Ashley Clark

Microbiology Expert

Professional Background and Experience

MT (ASCP)
Expert in Microbiology
Expertise in Documentation
- Policy and Procedures
- Quality Control
- Competency Verification
Lead Team member for CAP inspections

Educational Background:

BS in Biology
- Minor in Chemistry
- Minor in Medical Technology

Leanna Harrison

Quality Assurance Associate

Professional Background and Experience

MLS (ASCP)CM
Expert in Microbiology
Real World Supervisor/
Point of Care Coordinator experience

Educational Background:

BS Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Cassandra Garner

Grant Coordinator

Professional Background and Experience

Human Genetics Clinical Research Assistant
Expert in Clinical Research and Writing
Expert in Grant Writing and Review
Emphasis on Lymphocytic Leukemia Identification

Educational Background:

MS Genetics
Best Molecular Biology NSF Grant Proposal
Genetics Society of America Award for Outstanding Research Presentation
Published in Blood Cancer Journal
BS Biology
Suma cum laude in Biology
Dean’s list
Cocalina Scholarship
Donald Caughran Memorial Endowed Scholarship
DuPont Award for Outstanding Research Presentation
UNM’s Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation

Aaron Mayfield

Technology Coordinator

Professional Background and Experience

Over 25 years experience in the IT industry
Currently serve as network architect and strategist, Senior Network Engineer and Practice Lead for leading cloud provider
Zealous adopter of Free and Open-Source Software and heavily utilizer of linux-based systems
Extensive experience with a wide array of WAN and LAN networking technologies

About Us

Who is Lab Connections?

Who is Lab Connections?

Lab Connections offers a wide variety of on-demand quality assurance services for Medical Lab Administration

Why Trust Lab Connections?

Our People Have Real-World Experience

Meet the Team

April German

Quality Assurance Director

Leitha Boutwell

Chief Operating Officer

Ashley Clark

Microbiology Expert

Leanna Harrison

Quality Assurance Associate

Cassandra Garner

Grant Coordinator

Aaron Mayfield

Technology Coordinator

The Future of Laboratory Competency is Here