Largest organization for medical laboratory professionals and pathologists to meet in Chicago

CHICAGO – Oct. 28, 2009 –When a large pandemic like the H1N1 outbreak occurs, what happens behind the scenes in the laboratory to maintain accuracy and patient safety? When a person finds out they have the genetic makeup for cancer, what are the options? How do forensic pathologists recognize certain wounds and how do they go about working with attorneys in these matters? Is the Pap smear doomed?
These and other medical laboratory questions will be explored at the 2009 American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Annual Meeting, scheduled from Oct. 28 – Nov. 1. at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Chicago.

Swine Flu Update
Christine Ginocchio, PhD, MT(ASCP), will discuss her laboratory’s emergency preparedness program for effectively dealing with the sudden surge of testing for the H1N1 virus. She will describe the events of the spring swine flu outbreak in the Queens, N.Y., area and the various diagnostic tests for the virus as the next influenza season gets under way.
Presenter: Christine C. Ginocchio, PhD, MT(ASCP). Location: Mississippi – Level 2, Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:15 – 6p.m.

Gene Patent Law
Joanna Rudnick, Chicago-based film director, will share her personal story of testing positive for the BRCA genetic mutation associated with breast and ovarian cancer. Sharing highlights of her Emmy-nominated documentary, “In the Family,” she will take the audience on her painful, yet important journey of discovery and tough medical decisions related to her status. She will also share her thoughts on BRCA 1 and 2 patents, which the ASCP opposes as plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought about by the American Civil Liberties Union against Myriad Genetics and the U.S. Patent Office. More information on her film and nomination can be found here.
Presenter: Joanna Rudnick. Location:Huron – Level 2, Friday, Oct. 30, 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Forensic Science
Bullet wounds and blunt or sharp impact injuries all have distinctive patterns. Forensic pathologists must continuously educate themselves on these wound patterns in order to successfully do their jobs. Gregory G. Davis, MD, FASCP, a professor of forensics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, will provide key information on successfully retaining organs during an autopsy, recognizing wound patterns, and communicating effectively with attorneys.
Presenter: Gregory G. Davis, MD, FASCP. Location: Chicago 10 – Level 4, Thursday, Oct. 29 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Other hot topic sessions at the meeting include:
Great Global Epidemics: Malaria, Q Fever, and Cholera – An in-depth look at the identification, spread and retention of these tropical diseases presented by world-renowned scientist Robin A. Cooke, MD. As ASCP works to stop the spread of disease in resource-poor nations through laboratory strengthening programs, Dr. Cooke’s presentation of important scientific discoveries about these diseases will provide insight into the fight against them.
Presenter: Robin A. Cooke, MD, FRCPA, FRCPath. Location: Chicago 6/7, Level 4, Friday, Oct. 30, 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Pap Smear Future: Point and Counterpoint – Experts in women’s health will discuss and debate the controversy on the future of the Pap smear in light of the development of human papillomavirus (HPV) screening tool for cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. Two presenters will assert their cases for either moving away from cytology-based (Pap-based) cervical cancer screening or maintaining cytology-based screening.
Presenters: R. Marshall Austin, MD, PhD, and Isam-Edin A. Eltoum, MD, FASCP. Location: Ontario, Level 2, Friday, Oct. 30, 2:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Injuries That Affect the Entire Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract – Toxic and other effects of drugs, cell disorders and lymph and collagenous inflammations can all shape diagnosis of GI tract injuries. Listen in as speakers discuss key issues in this area.
Presenters: Alexandros Polydorides, MD, PhD and David Lewin, MD, FASCP. Location: Sheraton 4, Level 4, Saturday, Oct. 31 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Visit the ASCP 2009 Annual Meeting Web site for more information on the programs and the organization.

Founded in 1922, ASCP is a professional society with 130,000 member pathologists, pathologists’ assistants, residents, laboratory professionals and students. Based in Chicago, the ASCP provides excellence in education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of patients, pathologists, and laboratory professionals. Visit ASCP’s Web site at www.ascp.org.