Participants learn a systematic approach to distinguishing the morphologic differences in benign, reactive, and malignant body-fluid cells. Case-history presentations illustrate changes in cell populations, with examples of various benign, reactive, and malignant conditions.

This session looks at emerging issues and complications in the coagulation laboratory. It includes information that has been obtained from proficiency testing and field studies. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate some of the challenges that coagulation laboratories face regarding patient results in the presence of these treatments, as well as the impact of their coagulation reagents.

This session describes steps made by an integrated health-care delivery system to develop testing algorithms that not only streamline workflow and improve test utilization but, most importantly, improve patient care. We will review the who, what, why, and how of developing test algorithms. We will also provide strategies and data specific to microbiology, hematology, and coagulation best practices.

In 2017, the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) approved a proposal for a new guideline to address the validation of assays performed by flow cytometry. Practical instructions are given for pre-examination-phase activities: specimen requirements, reagent evaluation, instrument qualification and standardization, and assay optimization and validation. There is guidance for examination-phase activities such as instrument monitoring and quality-control procedures. Best practices for postexamination activities, such as data review, reporting, storage, and retention, are described. This presentation reviews the key elements of the CLSI proposal and provides real-life examples of how its elements could affect flow cytometry in the laboratory.