5752     Laboratory Evaluation of Anticoagulant Therapy
8:30 am - 4:00 pm         6.0 CMLE Credits

Larry Smith, PhD, SH(ASCP)CM;HCLD(ABB)
Director, Coagulation Laboratory,  Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; Adjunct Professor, UMDNJ, Newark, NJ

With the aging of the U.S. population, thrombophilia—a serious and complicated disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality that requires anticoagulant therapy—is likely to increase. In an era when so many new anticoagulants are being developed, the role of the laboratory will continue to be central to quality patient care.

This workshop will include a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the assays currently in use to monitor treatment. Additionally, pre- and post-analytical factors that may affect interpretations of these assays are highlighted and emphasized. You'll gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanism of action of heparin, oral anticoagulant therapy, and direct and indirect thrombin inhibitors. Plus, you'll gain the knowledge that you need to improve your practical skills and insights into this high-impact section of the laboratory.

Following this workshop, you will be able to:

• Discuss venous thromboembolism and the significance of anticoagulant therapy in treating this disorder.
• Describe the mechanism of action of heparin, oral anticoagulant therapy, and direct and indirect thrombin inhibitors.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the assays currently used to monitor anticoagulant therapy.
• Discuss the variables that affect interpretation of these assays.

6888 Blood Bank Challenges: Intermediate 
8:30 am - 4:00 pm         6.0 CMLE Credits

Christine Pitocco, MS, MT(ASCP)BB
Clinical Assistant Professor, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
 

"Time-critical, challenging, demanding, stressful" ---describes your work in the blood bank, whether you are a full-time blood banker, a generalist, or a supervisor. This information-filled presentation will provide practical information and problem solving strategies in various blood bank situations to boost your confidence every day or whenever you rotate through the blood bank. Case studies will reinforce the information presented throughout.
 
 
Following this workshop, you will be able to:

• Evaluate the different blood banking techniques available for dealing with complex serological problems.
• Discuss blood group systems. 
• Recognize and resolve complex antibody identification in the blood bank.
• Utilize the knowledge gained from representative case studies.

5898 A Look at Blood Smears Utilizing Real Time Microscopy
8:30 am - 4:30 pm 6.5 CMLE Credits

Gene L. Gulati, PhD, SH(ASCP)DLM
Associate Director, Hematology Laboratory, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital; Clinical Professor of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA

While automation has taken over the mundane task of performing differentials on normal blood specimens, you’re left with the important task of reading abnormal blood smears. But, do you need help in recognizing and identifying abnormal findings in a blood smear without asking for assistance from your more experienced peers? Attend this unique workshop to increase your morphology skills, make yourself more valuable in the workplace, and contribute to optimum patient care. You’ll participate in identifying the abnormal erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets of the various hematological disorders while viewing representative blood smears, projected on a large screen by video microscopy.

Following this workshop, you will be able to:

• Recognize and classify abnormal erythrocytes (RBC).
• Identify and distinguish between abnormal leukocytes (WBC).
• Detect platelet abnormalities.
• Determine other significant findings in a blood smear.

“Dr. Gulati is an excellent speaker. Very hands-on and makes it 'real' for the participant. Question and answer session most helpful.”

7422 GramStainology: Gaining Proficiency in Diagnostic Interpretation and Results Reporting
8:30am – 4:30pm 6.5 CMLE Credits

Linda Zuchowski, MT(ASCP)SM
Microbiology Manager, Quest Diagnostics Laboratory, Lenexa, KS, St. Louis, MO and Denver, CO

Are you a generalist required to read gram stain smears on alternate shifts? Or someone who wants to improve your expertise in this critical area of laboratory medicine? If so, this workshop is perfect for you! This workshop is designed for generalists required to read gram stain smears or anyone who wants to improve their expertise in this critical area of laboratory medicine. Quality gram stain results depend on quality specimens and, especially, technical expertise. You will be amazed at the significant role that gram stain reports play in determining the extent of the culture workup. Plus, by providing accurate, consistent gram stain results, you can contribute to improved and more cost-efficient patient care by preventing the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Topics will include specimen collection, quality smear preparation (tips and limitations), correcting poor smear quality, characterization of host cells and bacteria, case studies, slide practicals, and more.

Following this workshop, you will be able to:

• Enumerate and characterize cellular elements on gram-stained smears. 
• Report bacterial elements accurately to the probable genus level. 
• Utilize an algorithm to report mixed flora. 
• Calculate Q-score on sputum and evaluate specimen acceptability. 
• Achieve greater expertise in performing and reporting gram stains.

“I gained more confidence and will put more detail in gram stain report!”

9335 The Art of Phlebotomy
8:30 am - 4:30 pm 6.5 CMLE Credits

Marilyn Singleton McCain, MBA, H(ASCP)
Phlebotomy Manager, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA

A phlebotomist is a crucial participant in patient care, setting the standard for result quality and patient satisfaction. Being a good phlebotomist is an art based on multifaceted knowledge and skills. Designed for all healthcare professionals involved in practicing or teaching phlebotomy, this workshop will provide you with the up-to-date, practical information you need to combine phlebotomy art and skill into the highest quality patient care. First, you’ll hear a presentation on the latest guidelines and regulations from NAACLS, CLSI, and OSHA, which will highlight the need for constant awareness of patient and personal safety. You’ll learn about safety devices, bloodborne pathogens, and more. You’ll participate in a discussion of appropriate, confidence building customer service and communication techniques. You’ll hear about critically important topics, including preanalytical preparation and pitfalls, age-specific venipuncture procedures, and handling adverse reactions to venipuncture. Topics will also include legal and risk management issues, new equipment, and the phlebotomist’s increasing responsibilities in point-of-care testing.

Following this workshop, you will be able to:

• Describe and apply the CLSI guidelines to venipuncture collection.
• Explain the measures and actions necessary to ensure safe practices in phlebotomy, including the newest safety devices.
• Identify and resolve preanalytical problems before venipuncture.
• Utilize customer service and communication techniques for improved patient and staff interaction.
• Manage patient situations and age-specific venipunctures with assurance.

“My knowledge was upgraded and the new standards and policies are good to know while practicing.”

9015 Improving Quality: QC is More than Statistics!
8:30 am - 4:00 pm 6.0 CMLE Credits

Sharon L. Ehrmeyer, PhD, MT(ASCP)
Director, MT/CLS Program; Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

Are you a new supervisor or manager faced with developing or rejuvenating your laboratory’s QC program? Are you wondering which QC rule to select to meet quality goals and regulatory requirements, how to fit method validation data into quality needs and QC rule selection, how to interpret and respond to QC data including out-of-control situations, and how to fit all this information into a total quality assessment process to better ensure quality test results? Are you wondering what risk management and EQC are all about? This interactive workshop will provide you with information and tools to understand the important elements of an effective QC program and to transform your current practices into valuable resources for ensuring quality test results. In addition, you’ll gain an overview of risk management and EQC. Audience participation, case studies, and exercises will reinforce the information presented.

Following this workshop, you will be able to:

• Describe the key components of an effective quality control program.
• Compare and contrast current QC approaches to determine appropriate QC for your testing situation.
• Apply collected method performance validation data to QC rule selection.
• Evaluate and appropriately respond to QC data for corrective actions.
• Examine current QC practices and transform them, if necessary, to valuable improvement activities for ensuring quality test results.

“Understanding QC better and its appropriate use. Finally, a clear explanation of Westgard rules and how to apply them.”