Regional Events
The ARUP Institute for Learning is committed to supporting educational events that advance the practice of laboratory medicine and improve quality patient care by providing guest speakers at local and regional meetings. Listed below are the current events where the Institute for Learning is providing sponsored speakers.
DetailsArchana M. Agarwal, MD
Laboratory Diagnosis of Thalassemias and Hemoglobinopathies
Hemoglobinopathies are a group of common, inherited disorders of hemoglobin resulting in either the synthesis of structurally abnormal globin subunits or a reduced synthesis of structurally normal globin subunits. Hemoglobin, a tetramer of two alpha and two beta or beta like globin chains found in red blood cells, combines reversibly with oxygen and is the oxygen transporter of the body. They are among the most common genetic disease, with 7% of the world's population carrying a hemoglobin mutation. Among these disorders, sickle cell syndromes and thalassemias constitute major public health problems. Most of the laboratories use a combination of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), molecular analysis and mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of thalassemias. Definite identification of hemoglobinopathies can be achieved by a stepwise algorithmic approach, starting with a detailed clinical history, HPLC and molecular analysis. Family studies are also very useful in certain scenarios.
This presentation will review the pathophysiology of common hemoglobinopathies, different diagnostic tests available for most common hemoglobinopathies and recent advances in the field. It will also discuss briefly the clinical course of the common disorders. At the end few case examples will be given.
Update in Red Blood Cell Membrane Disorders
Hemolytic anemias due to abnormalities of the erythrocyte membrane comprise an important group of inherited disorders. These include hereditary spherocytosis (HS) hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) and hereditary pyropoikilocytosis (HPP). These disorders are characterized by clinical, laboratory and genetic heterogeneity. HS is the most common inherited anemia in individuals of northern American descent affecting approximately 1 in 1000-2500 individuals depending on the diagnostic criteria. The clinical heterogeneity of these disorders range from in-utero transfusion of blood to well compensated anemia. This presentation will address the different types of RBC membrane disorders. Pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques and upcoming newer technologies will also be covered.
Brian R. Jackson, MD, MS
Analyzing Test-Ordering patterns
This presentation will review some of the lessons learned over the years of administering a reference laboratory-based utilization analysis program. It will cover a variety of examples of practice variation, and will suggest practical approaches that laboratories can emulate for identifying which tests are misused and overused.
Improving Utilization of Lab Tests
This presentation will review a variety of mechanisms available to laboratories for improving physician use of diagnostic tests. These include physician-side examples such as education, as well as laboratory-side examples such as test menu management and IT tools. Success stories from other hospitals will be presented.
Brian R. Jackson, MD, MS
Analyzing Test-Ordering patterns
This presentation will review some of the lessons learned over the years of administering a reference laboratory-based utilization analysis program. It will cover a variety of examples of practice variation, and will suggest practical approaches that laboratories can emulate for identifying which tests are misused and overused.
Improving Utilization of Lab Tests
This presentation will review a variety of mechanisms available to laboratories for improving physician use of diagnostic tests. These include physician-side examples such as education, as well as laboratory-side examples such as test menu management and IT tools. Success stories from other hospitals will be presented.
Joely Straseski, PhD, MS, MT(ASCP), DABCC
Laboratory Assessment of Renal Function
Kidney disease is a public health concern that continues to grow. With diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease as risk factors, it doesn’t appear that the incidence rate will be decreasing anytime soon. Common laboratory tests that are critical for the diagnosis of renal insufficiencies will be reviewed and their usefulness examined. In addition, newer markers of renal disease will be discussed, including cystatin C and revised glomerular filtration rate equations such as CKD-Epi. Issues with current creatinine measurements including specificity, standardization and traceability will also be reviewed.
Joely Straseski, PhD, MS, MT(ASCP), DABCC
The Delta Check in Action: An Essential Quality Improvement Tool
Discrepant results are often identified by delta check alerts. Delta checks compare current laboratory results to previous results; if the difference between the two values exceeds predetermined biological limits (within a predetermined length of time), a technologist is alerted and the discrepancy can be investigated further. Causes of discrepant laboratory results include both preanalytical and analytical issues, and true biological changes occurring within the patient.
Many preanalytical issues cannot be detected by traditional QC methods, leading to the possible reporting of erroneous laboratory results. The wrong result compromises patient care by leading to inappropriate diagnoses or treatment. Delta check alerts provide an additional means to identify these types of problems, in addition to alerting health care providers to true changes in their patient’s condition.
This presentation will highlight current methods used to determine delta check limits, tips for implementing a systematic investigation of discrepancies, and clinical implications of reporting discrepant results. Case studies will be used to demonstrate relevant examples.
Chérie V. Petersen
Communication Skills: How “Connected” Are You?
In the laboratory, communicating with co-workers, other health care providers, and patients is essential to quality patient care. Utilizing effective and proper communication skills becomes imperative when considering patient outcomes and enhancing professional relationships with those critical to the patient care equation. Today, technology has added vast new resources to our communication arsenal; however, there are questions as to whether these new tools truly allow us to be more connected, mentally-present, and improved as communicators. It’s quite possible, that in the professional environment, things like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Skype, FaceTime, Instagram, email, and the like are causing distractions and a false sense of communication effectiveness. When customers are polled as to why they stopped doing business with a particular organization, 68% cite a perception of indifference whereas only 23% cite pricing and product quality. Is it possible that this perception of indifference has anything to do with proper communication skills which tend to make people truly feel connected and appreciated? This session will discuss barriers and distractions to effective communication and will provide a review of the necessary components of communication that are critical to being mentally-present and connected.
Chérie V. Petersen
Communication Skills: How “Connected” Are You?
In the laboratory, communicating with co-workers, other health care providers, and patients is essential to quality patient care. Utilizing effective and proper communication skills becomes imperative when considering patient outcomes and enhancing professional relationships with those critical to the patient care equation. Today, technology has added vast new resources to our communication arsenal; however, there are questions as to whether these new tools truly allow us to be more connected, mentally-present, and improved as communicators. It’s quite possible, that in the professional environment, things like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Skype, FaceTime, Instagram, email, and the like are causing distractions and a false sense of communication effectiveness. When customers are polled as to why they stopped doing business with a particular organization, 68% cite a perception of indifference whereas only 23% cite pricing and product quality. Is it possible that this perception of indifference has anything to do with proper communication skills which tend to make people truly feel connected and appreciated? This session will discuss barriers and distractions to effective communication and will provide a review of the necessary components of communication that are critical to being mentally-present and connected.
Khosrow Shotorbani, MBA, MT(ASCP)
Is the Current Lab Business Model at a Strategic Inflection Point?
Monoclonal gammopathies are diagnosed by a triad of criteria including clinical symptoms of the disease, bone marrow analysis and clinical laboratory testing. Protein electrophoresis and immunofixation in serum and urine and the most common tests in clinical laboratory for diagnosis of monocloncal gammopathies. More recently, serum free light chain testing has become an important tool for diagnosis and prognosis of these conditions. The indications and limitation of these clinical laboratory tests will be reviewed in this presentation.
Khosrow Shotorbani, MBA, MT(ASCP)
Is the Current Lab Business Model at a Strategic Inflection Point?
Monoclonal gammopathies are diagnosed by a triad of criteria including clinical symptoms of the disease, bone marrow analysis and clinical laboratory testing. Protein electrophoresis and immunofixation in serum and urine and the most common tests in clinical laboratory for diagnosis of monocloncal gammopathies. More recently, serum free light chain testing has become an important tool for diagnosis and prognosis of these conditions. The indications and limitation of these clinical laboratory tests will be reviewed in this presentation.
Anne E. Tebo, PhD
Laboratory Evaluation of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune systemic disease characterized by diverse clinical manifestations and autoantibody production in genetically susceptible individuals. This presentation will address the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical features, classification, and recommendations for laboratory evaluation of disease.
Adam Bidegary, MBA, MS-IO
Communicating the Why: Developing Millennial Employees
Like employees from any generation, Millennials want to succeed. The Millennial generation is focused on performance and with the right mix of communication and performance management tools, this generation can be the driving force within any organizational setting. Communication styles and methods are often quite different from other generational norms, however once understood this communication diversity unlocks innovation, creativity, and performance across generational boundaries.
David R. Hillyard, MD
Dawn of a New Era in the Assessment and Treatment of Hepatitis C
The discovery of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) as the cause of non-A non-B hepatitis more than two decades ago revealed its enormous contribution to serious liver disease worldwide. Very recent advances in therapy now offer the possibility of a cure for most of the many millions of chronically infected individuals. This presentation will review recent advances in the assessment and treatment of HCV. An overview of treatment approaches with current and next generation anti-HCV drugs will be presented along with the impact of advanced laboratory methods used to assess likelihood of treatment response and to guide therapy. In addition, the important role of host genetics for viral clearance and its potential role in patient management will be considered.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
The enormous potential of emerging infectious agents to impact public health has long been recognized and has spawned an increasingly sophisticated biotechnology for surveillance and rapid response. Public health efforts have become even more critical in a rapidly globalizing world. This presentation will review important categories of emerging infectious disease with specific examples of past and potential future threat. The role of the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) as well as local health care institutions will be considered. The exciting potential for new technologies to advance readiness will also be discussed.
Chérie V. Petersen
Communicating When There Is Potential for Conflict
How often have you wanted to discuss an issue with someone at work but avoided the conversation because you didn’t want to cause or engage in conflict? Or maybe you’ve brought up an issue that was seemingly insignificant, only to have it cause unintended conflict?
There are a variety of possible outcomes given the above circumstances: You internalize your stress and frustration; you discuss your concerns with others rather than confronting the person, potentially creating gossip; you engage the person, and the conversation doesn’t go well, so you become discouraged or angry; your behavior toward the person becomes passiveaggressive; or you completely withdraw.
Fortunately, these negative outcomes can be avoided altogether if the situation is approached with thoughtful consideration and a positive strategy.
This course outlines a three-part strategy that illustrates how to handle situations where the potential for conflict exists. Participants will have the opportunity to apply the strategy and learn for themselves how to facilitate more satisfying outcomes when dealing with the potential for conflict.
Communication Biohazard
The laboratory plays an invaluable and enormously significant role in health care. Laboratory professionals posses highly specialized expertise, experience, and skills, which are the cornerstone of optimal patient care. Approximately 75 to 85 percent of the diagnostic information used in treating a patient during an episode of care comes from laboratory information; this same data comprises 90 to 95 percent of the patient’s medical record. Amazingly, the laboratory provides this tremendous contribution to patient care for only 3 to 5 percent of the total health care cost. There is no greater, more cost-effective service being provided in health care today. The laboratory provides the greatest value proposition, meaning the relationship between quality and price, in health care.
Considering the impact of the laboratory’s value contribution to patient care, awareness of communication issues is more important than ever. Laboratory professionals are experts in their field; however, at times the delivery, or packaging, of their expertise can sabotage the actual value. This session engages participants with an energetic, focused, interactive, and humorous approach, which uncovers and explores some of the communication biohazard that can be pervasive within any laboratory. Attendees will have the opportunity to identify some of the communication pitfalls that occur all too frequently while developing appropriate communication strategies to align their communication delivery methods with the value of their expertise.
Kristina A. Roberts, PhD
Genetic Testing in the Clinical Laboratory: Techniques and Testing Strategies
This session will detail the types of molecular genetic tests currently available in the clinical laboratory, using cystic fibrosis testing as an example. Targeted mutation analysis, full gene sequencing, and deletion/duplication analysis will all be described. Integration of these technologies into a comprehensive testing algorithm will also be discussed.
Frederick G. Strathmann, PhD, DABCC (CC, TC)
Past, Present and (one) Possible Future of Pain Management Testing in the Clinical Laboratory
A brief overview of the evolution of the pain management field and the efforts of the clinical laboratory to support needed testing will be provided. In addition, common issues surrounding current methods of laboratory testing to support pain management will be discussed as well as the development of new, alternate strategies for testing.
Jackie Lohdefinck, SPHR
Leadership Across Generations: Understanding How to Leverage the Differences
Accountable Leadership: Managing and Motivating Difficult Employees
Joely Straseski, PhD, MS, MT(ASCP), DABCC
The Delta Check in Action: Causes and Consequences of Discrepant Laboratory Results
You check a patient’s sodium on Monday and it is 145 mEq/L. You check it 4 weeks later and it is now 154 mEg/L. What caused that change? Is the patient ill? Is this a normal fluctuation over time? Is the patient on corticosteroids? Or was the patient simply dehydrated? All are viable explanations for the discrepancy observed between these laboratory values. Discrepant results are often identified by delta check alerts. Delta checks compare current laboratory results to previous results; if the difference between the two values exceeds predetermined biological limits (within a predetermine length of time), a technologist is alerted and the discrepancy can be investigated further. Causes of discrepant laboratory results include both preanalytical and analytical issues, and true biological changes occurring within the patient. Many preanalytical issues cannot be detected by traditional QC methods, leading to the possible reporting of erroneous laboratory results. The wrong result compromises patient care by leading to inappropriate diagnoses or treatment. Delta check alerts provide an additional means to identify these types of problems, in addition to alerting health care providers to true changes in their patient’s condition.
This presentation will highlight current methods used to determine delta check limits, tips for implementing a systematic investigation of discrepancies, and clinical implications of reporting discrepant results.
Elaine Lyon, PhD
A Clinical MDx Laboratory’s Transition to the Molecular Pathology Codes
Molecular pathology codes were introduced to increase transparency of the laboratory testing performed. How are laboratories approaching the new molecular pathology coding system? While many codes have simplified and achieved the transparency desired, questions still exist in fitting tests into the coding descriptions. In this case study, one laboratory’s experience in implementing the new system will be presented. Examples of coding, questions that have arisen and information laboratories can provide to help coverage decisions will be presented.
Joe Miles, MT(ASCP), MHS
Preparing Your Laboratory for the New Normal
The passage of the Affordable Care Act and the development of Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) have placed a spotlight on the importance of meaningful clinical data accessible to healthcare providers at the point of patient care. The HITECH Act has provided an engine for the deployment of electronic medical records through financial incentives to hospitals and physicians who adopt EHR technologies. Because medical laboratories generate a large percentage of the clinical information utilized in diagnosis and treatment decisions and represent a common and universally recognized touch point between physicians and health systems, they have been propelled into a position of prominence. At the same time, hospitals and health systems are fostering closer relationships with their physician communities through practice ownership and management agreements. These relationships and the development of integrated delivery models, such as ACOs, have increased the likelihood of health system laboratories becoming the primary laboratories in order to consolidate and distribute clinical information across the full continuum of care. With these developments laboratories are facing new challenges to provide convenient patient outlets, connectivity to a variety of provider sites, and transparency and customer service common to other consumer industries.
Joe Miles, MT(ASCP), MHS
TThe Diagnosis of Acute Leukemia: Fitting the Pieces Together
The passage of the Affordable Care Act and the development of Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) have placed a spotlight on the importance of meaningful clinical data accessible to healthcare providers at the point of patient care. The HITECH Act has provided an engine for the deployment of electronic medical records through financial incentives to hospitals and physicians who adopt EHR technologies. Because medical laboratories generate a large percentage of the clinical information utilized in diagnosis and treatment decisions and represent a common and universally recognized touch point between physicians and health systems, they have been propelled into a position of prominence. At the same time, hospitals and health systems are fostering closer relationships with their physician communities through practice ownership and management agreements. These relationships and the development of integrated delivery models, such as ACOs, have increased the likelihood of health system laboratories becoming the primary laboratories in order to consolidate and distribute clinical information across the full continuum of care. With these developments laboratories are facing new challenges to provide convenient patient outlets, connectivity to a variety of provider sites, and transparency and customer service common to other consumer industries.
David G. Grenache, PhD
The Clinical and Analytical Complexities of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Tests
Tests for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are usually performed to diagnose suspected pregnancy. However the clinical uses of hCG have become more varied and complex as the molecular heterogeneity of the hormone has been elucidated. This presentation addresses the clinical uses of hCG tests in pregnancy, malignancy, and Down syndrome. Causes of false-positive and false-negative results and persistently low concentrations of hCG are discussed.
Cherie V. Petersen
Empowered Communication Through Behavior-Style Identification
Laboratory Professionals are detailed-oriented people: They write and follow procedures extraordinarily well; they have phenomenal critical-analysis skills; and they are obsessive about quality issues– these skills form the foundation for the laboratory’s outstanding contribution to patient care. However, many laboratory professionals admit that communication skills don’t come as easily for them as the others do and that communication skills definitely weren’t taught as part of their formal technical training. Being comfortable, capable, and competent with communication skills and techniques make a dramatic impact on job satisfaction, productivity, and effectiveness. Good communication skills are key in developing positive working relationships with co-workers and many other healthcare providers. In an effort to deliver exceptional patient care, using Maslow’s theory of behavioral-style classification, participants will have the opportunity to assess their own behavioral style and learn how to adapt their interaction style using a variety of scenarios and methods.
Jo D Fontenot, MS, MT (ASCP)
Employee Mentoring: Fostering a Culture of Contribution
This lecture will describe the roles of a mentor and protégé. It will evaluate the responsibilities of each member of the partnership to ensure cross functional development within the organizations. It will describe strategies to use when setting up a successful mentoring program.
Improving Employee Retention: Strategies that Work
Strategic employee turnover can often be healthy for a laboratory environment. However, excessive employee turnover is expensive, not only monetarily, but can also negatively affect productivity, quality of testing and employee morale. This session will cover alternative approaches to retention that is not based entirely on financial reimbursement but rather on a systematic employee based approach. Our approach was to identify the root causes of turnover and incorporated employee involvement not only in the identification of the cause, but in the implementation of solutions.
David G. Grenache, PhD
The Laboratory’s Role in Reproductive Endocrinology
Reproductive endocrinology is a branch of medicine that identifies and treats infertility in both men and women. The laboratory plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of infertility. This presentation will review the physiology of human reproduction and describe the tests that are used in the management of the infertile patient.
The Analytical and Clinical Complexities of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Tests
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is most often used as a biomarker for diagnosing intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies but it also has clinical utility in oncology applications. hCG exists in many different molecular forms and this variation influences both its clinical utility and its detection and measurement by qualitative and quantitative hCG assays. In order to appropriately utilize hCG tests and interpret their results, both physicians and laboratorians need to be aware of the strengths and limitations of hCG immunoassays.
Lucinda Manning, BA, MT(ASCP), RN
When Professionals Meet: Bridging the Gap Between the Laboratory and Nursing
Ms. Manning will give a comparison of the differences in learning in the laboratory and nursing professions. She will share personal examples of the struggles each profession has in understanding each other. She will also discuss practical ways to bridge the gaps in understanding between the two professions. If time permits, there will be a discussion on the issues you may be facing within your own organizations in regards to the laboratory/nursing interactions and ways to enhance those relationships. Ms. Manning encourages the audience to be interactive and to share problems as well as best practices and successes in bridging the gap between these two professions.
Jerry W. Hussong, DDS, MD
The Diagnosis of Acute Leukemia: Fitting the Pieces Together
This lecture will review the WHO Classification of Acute Leukemias. There will be an emphasis on putting together the morphologic findings along with the ancillary study results (flow cytometry, cytogenetics, molecular) in establishing a diagnosis of acute leukemia. Both acute myeloid leukemias and acute lymphoblastic leukemias will be discussed.
Leslie Hamilton
Effective Management of Your Workforce
Lucinda Manning, BA, MT(ASCP), RN
When Professionals Meet: Bridging the Gap Between the Laboratory and Nursing
Ms. Manning will give a comparison of the differences in learning in the laboratory and nursing professions. She will share personal examples of the struggles each profession has in understanding each other. She will also discuss practical ways to bridge the gaps in understanding between the two professions. If time permits, there will be a discussion on the issues you may be facing within your own organizations in regards to the laboratory/nursing interactions and ways to enhance those relationships. Ms. Manning encourages the audience to be interactive and to share problems as well as best practices and successes in bridging the gap between these two professions.
