Inside the Lab

While the rapid evolution of I-O continues to bring unprecedented change to the way cancer is treated, there are significant gaps impacting the laboratory team regarding the examination of resection specimens following neoadjuvant immunotherapy and staying abreast of advances in I-O biomarker testing. This episode discusses advances in I-O biomarker testing, advantages and limitations of some key I-O biomarkers, and practical ways that pathologists and laboratory professionals can improve their I-O biomarker testing workflows to optimize patient care. Topics discussed include: Recent advances in immune-oncology (I-O) biomarker testing Advantages and limitations of IO biomarkers Addressing challenges related to IO biomarkers Improving IO biomarker workflows Best practices for collaboration with the multidisciplinary cancer care team

The diagnostic paradigm for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has rapidly shifted in the last five years as fluid-based biomarker testing has emerged as a reliable, accurate, and accessible means to detect amyloid pathology when evaluating a patient for cognitive decline. This podcast is designed to help pathologists and laboratory professionals gain an understanding of plasma testing for markers such as Abeta40/42, P-tau181, and P-tau217 which are rapidly appearing in the commercial space and how healthcare providers have begun incorporating these tests into routine neurology practice. This podcast will help participants to understand the advantages and limitations of these assays as well as their potential application when a physician is evaluating a patient for AD.

Communicating imperative diagnoses effectively can often be a daunting challenge. It’s a crucial and delicate step that takes practice and know-how to do well and can be one of the most important actions taken with patients. That’s why a panel of experts have gotten together to discuss the current practices, gaps, and best practices for communication of urgent and significant/unexpected diagnoses in anatomic pathology.The Promoting Diagnostic Excellence by Improving the Communication of Urgent and Unexpected Diagnoses in Anatomic Pathology podcast is designed to support the collaboration with clinical partners as well as to notice actionable opportunities where the communication of urgent and significant/unexpected diagnoses in anatomic pathology may be improved.You will learn to:Understand current guidelines and practices for communication of urgent and unexpected diagnosis in anatomic pathology. Discuss high-priority communication barriers.Discuss best practices and recommendations for effective and timely communication of urgent and significant/unexpected diagnoses.

Women make up a majority of the workforce in pathology yet lag behind men in leadership roles. What are the consequences of this for women working in pathology today, and what can be done?  In this episode of Inside the Lab, Drs. Melissa Upton and Kimberly Sanford share a warm conversation in which they reflect on their long and varied careers, describe the unique challenges they faced over their careers, and discuss their accomplishments as trailblazers themselves. Our guests describe the value of finding mentors,  They also describe the opportunities for the future of pathology, particularly in the context of working in a multigenerational workforce with evolving expectations of workplace culture.

Although molecular testing offers promising opportunities for diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancers, prostate cancer has lagged behind other types of cancer. Recently, homologous recombination repair testing in prostate cancer has provided a means to achieving targeted treatments for patients as well as opening new avenues of collaboration between pathologists and oncologists.On this episode of Inside the Lab, hosts Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP are joined by Heather Cheng, a medical oncologist and associate professor of hematology and oncology at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Colin Pritchard, molecular pathologist and professor of laboratory science and director of the Genetics and Solid Tumors Laboratory at the University of Washington Medical Center.Our panelists discuss the current treatment landscape for prostate cancer and how HRR testing can improve patient outcomes in this context.Topics Covered  An introduction to metastatic prostate cancer testing, and what types of tests are standard of care, and the rationale for targeting prostate cancer using PARPKey findings from recent phase III randomized clinical trialsStandards for optimal testing in prostate cancer, particularly concerning sample sources and the choice between next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodscommon pitfalls or challenges in the arena of accurately reporting and interpreting findings from HRR testsPractical tips for optimal coordination among a multidisciplinary, cross-departmental team of healthcare providers and laboratory professionals when utilizing HRR testing in prostate cancer management.Connect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Dr. ChengDr. Cheng on LinkedIn Connect with Dr. PritchardDr. Pritchard Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. BrownMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Brown on Twitter ResourcesASCP Membership 2024Proposed FDA Regulation of Laboratory Developed TestsPublic Comment on the FDA’s Proposed RuleInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

As CRC affects younger and more diverse populations, emerging tests for CRC biomarkers provide enormous utility for diagnosis. However, misdiagnosis of CRC, shifting demographics of those afflicted with CRC, and patient unfamiliarity with symptoms create challenges in identifying CRC. In this episode of Inside the Lab, hosts Dr. Ali Brown and Lotte Mulder are joined by Dr. Melissa Taggart, a board-certified pathologist at MD Cancer Center and Karla Valencia, a laboratory manager at MD Anderson Cancer Center to discuss the utility of biomarker testing for CRC.  The hosts are also joined by Sarah Claeys, who was diagnosed with Stage I CRC in 2020 and is now actively fighting Stage IV recurrence with metastatic disease primarily in the liver, and ASCP Patient Champion Heather Tucker, who suffered from misdiagnosis for years before being diagnosed for CRC. She completed treatment 5 years ago. Sarah and Heather share their experiences with seeking both diagnosis and treatment, and provide insights on what information related to biomarkers were most valuable to them.  Topics Covered in this podcast include:  How have tests for CRC evolved recently, and which biomarkers they test for; How laboratory quality control is used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of colorectal cancer biomarker test results; Factors involved with validating and implementing new biomarker assays for CRC in the laboratory; Handling pre-analytical variables and potential interferences that may affect the interpretation of biomarker test results for colorectal cancer; How pathologists integrate molecular and biomarker findings into pathology reports; What information related biomarkers was most valuable from a patients’ perspective was most valuable when seeking treatment for CRC, as well as patient advice for healthcare professionals, including pathologists and laboratory professionals, regarding laboratory testing, including biomarker testing.  Connect with ASCP ASCP ASCP on Facebook ASCP on Instagram ASCP on Twitter  Connect with Ms. Bartosh, Ms. Courtright & Mr. Bowman University Health Laboratory Services Ms. Bartosh on LinkedIn  Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. Brown Ms. Swails on Twitter Dr. Mulder on Twitter Resources CAP Inspection Checklists ASCP Patient Champions Program Inside the Lab in the ASCP Store

Recent developments in disease modifying therapies have been proven to slow the progression of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. And yet, we can only confirm a diagnosis of AD after a patient’s death. But what if we could use biomarkers to identify preclinical stage Alzheimer’s and step in long before a patient exhibits dementia? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your host, Ms. Kelly Swails, MT(ASCP) introduces us to Dr. Shih-Hsiu Jerry Wang, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Duke University School of Medicine, and shares his talk on emerging biomarkers for the assessment of Alzheimer’s disease from the ASCP 2023 Annual Meeting. Dr. Wang explains how we measure AD right now and why there’s discordance between the clinical presentation and pathology of Alzheimer’s. Dr. Wang walks us through the core biomarkers for identifying AD per the AT(N) framework, describing the pros and cons of current detection methodologies and offering recommendations around when to use blood biomarkers versus PET imaging or CSF. Listen in for insight into the ongoing search for better AD biomarkers and learn what we are doing to diagnose Alzheimer’s in its early stages and intervene accordingly. Topics Covered  · The clinical definition of Alzheimer’s disease and how it impacts cognitive function· How we measure Alzheimer’s in pathology by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles· Why there’s discordance between the clinical presentation and pathology of AD· The core biomarkers for identifying Alzheimer’s disease per the AT(N) framework· Identifying the stages of AD based on amyloid plaque, pathologic tau and neurodegeneration· Examples of PET imaging for the different stages of AD and how imaging biomarkers predict cognitive decline· The limitations of fluid biomarkers vs. imaging biomarkers to detect Alzheimer's disease· Some of the emerging ultrasensitive biomarker detection methods in development for AD· Using cerebral spinal fluids (CSF) vs. plasma biomarkers to identify Alzheimer's disease· A comparison of the mass spectrometry vs. SIMOA methods of analyzing p-tau biomarkers· Why Dr. Wang suggests blood biomarkers for AD screening (with confirmation by PET or CSF)· Why SNAP-25, NfL and GFAP are not considered core biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease· The ongoing search for better biomarkers and ultrasensitive detection methods for AD Connect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Dr. WangDr. Wang at Duke University Connect with Ms. SwailsMs. Swails on TwitterResourcesDr. Wang’s Slides from the ASCP Annual Meeting 2023‘NIA-AA Research Framework: Toward a Biological Definition of Alzheimer’s Disease’ in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s AssociationInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

The availability of targeted therapies has changed the landscape of cancer treatment in the last few years.  And two types of cancer particularly affected by these advances are melanoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma or NSCLC. What role does the laboratory play in the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers? How can pathologists and lab professionals work with oncologists to optimize biomarker testing and improve patient outcomes?  On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MT(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, are joined by Dr. Sanjay Mukhopadhyay, MD, Director of the Lung Pathology Service at the Cleveland Clinic, Ms. Lynnette Pineault, MBA, SCT(ASCP), Operations Manager for Laboratory and Genetic Services for Health Partners, and Mr. Jim Ondick, ASCP Patient Champion and IT Associate at The University of Kansas Health System, to discuss advancements in biomarker testing to improve NSCLC and melanoma cancer care.  Listen in for insight on ensuring equitable patient access to biomarker testing and learn how to register for ASCP’s Immuno-Oncology Microlearning Courses for pathologists and laboratory professionals.  Topics Covered   How targeted therapies and immunotherapies have improved treatment for melanoma and lung cancer in the past few years Mr. Ondick’s success story of being treated with immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma and why he had little interaction with laboratory professionals during his diagnosis and treatmentHow pathologists can work with oncologists and surgeons to improve care for patients with cancer The obstacles to providing laboratory services or support for biomarker testing Dr. Mukhopadhyay and Ms. Pineault’s advice on designing workflows to optimize biomarker testing and ensuring equitable access for patients Mr. Ondick’s take on what cancer patients should know about the laboratory team  Connect with ASCP ASCP ASCP on Facebook  ASCP on Instagram ASCP on Twitter   Connect with Dr. Mukhopadhyay  Dr. Mukhopadhyay at Cleveland Clinic Dr. Mukhopadhyay on LinkedIn  Connect with Ms. Pineault Ms. Pineault on ResearchGate Ms. Pineault on LinkedIn  Connect with Mr. Ondick Mr. Ondick on LinkedIn Mr. Ondick’s Story on ASCP Patient Champions  Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. Brown Ms. Swails on Twitter Dr. Brown on Twitter  Resources ASCP Patient ChampionsASCP Immuno-Oncology Microlearning Courses Inside the Lab in the ASCP Store   Sponsor Bristol Myers Squibb

Tests that are designed in-house to fulfill a clinical need (but aren’t FDA approved) qualify as laboratory developed tests. And these LDTs are currently regulated by CLIA. But the FDA is proposing a new rule that would give them oversight of the design and development of laboratory developed tests. So, what does that mean for us? How would this new legislation impact everyday practice inside the lab? On this episode of the podcast, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, are joined by Dr. Gregory Sossaman, MD, Clinical Pathologist and Service Line Lead for Pathology and Lab Medicine at Ochsner Health, Dr. Jonathan Genzen, MD, Clinical Pathology Professor at the University of Utah and Chief Medical Officer and Senior Director of Government Affairs at ARUP Laboratories, and Mr. Matthew Schulze, Senior Director for the Center for Public Policy at ASCP, to discuss the implications of the proposed FDA regulations for LDTs. Our panelists share their anxiety around the labor and costs involved in complying with the new rule and describe how lab professionals might be forced into situations where we deny care due to regulations. Listen in to understand why public opinion favors the proposed rule and learn how to share your concerns with the FDA during the public comment period from October 3rd to December 4th, 2023. Topics Covered  · How tests that are not FDA approved but designed in-house to fulfill a clinical need fall into the category of laboratory developed tests· Examples of common LDTs used in academic medical centers + large community health systems· The current regulations re: performance standards for LDTs under CLIA· Dr. Sossaman, Dr. Genzen & Mr. Schulze’s concerns around the labor and costs involved in complying with the proposed FDA rule· The lack of clarity re: what modifications to FDA approved tests would be allowed under the proposed regulations· How direct-to-consumer testing, the pandemic and technological advances influenced the proposed FDA rule and why the general public is in favor of it· How the proposed FDA regulations would affect our ability to respond in future pandemicsConnect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Dr. SossamanDr. Sossaman on LinkedIn Connect with Dr. GenzenDr. Genzen on LinkedIn Connect with Mr. SchulzeMr. Schulze on LinkedIn Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. BrownMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Brown on Twitter ResourcesASCP Membership 2024Proposed FDA Regulation of Laboratory Developed TestsPublic Comment on the FDA’s Proposed RuleInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

Working on the bench can feel like being in a black box. And as important as it is to advocate for patients, pathologists and laboratory professionals rarely have direct access to them. So, what can we do to encourage patient-centered care in the medical laboratory? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Lotte Mulder, PhD, are joined by three members of the laboratory staff at University Hospital in San Antonio, Ms. Carrie Bartosh, MLS(ASCP), SV, Laboratory Supervisor in the Microbiology Department, Ms. Claudia Courtright, MLS(ASCP), Technical Supervisor in Microbiology Services, and Mr. Scott Bowman, MLS(ASCP), Bench Technologist, to discuss patient advocacy in the laboratory. Our panelists describe what laboratories can do to promote a culture of patient-centered care, sharing examples of situations when they advocated for patients from the bench and what they wish people knew about the value of the work done in the medical laboratory.  Listen in for Ms. Bartosh, Ms. Courtright, and Mr. Bowman’s advice for laboratory professionals on avoiding burnout and learn how your laboratory can establish processes that support patient-centered care.  Topics Covered · How frontline laboratory professionals can advocate for patients from the bench· Instances of advocating for patients and how working in a culture of safety empowered those situations· What the University Health laboratory does to continuously evaluate and improve its patient-centered care practices· What laboratories can do to promote a culture of patient-centered care· Why a punitive culture in the laboratory is not conducive to patient-centered care· Examples of processes that support patient-centered care· Advice to laboratory professionals on how to avoid burnout· How Ms. Bartosh, Ms. Courtright, and Mr. Bowmanstay motivated to focus on advocacy· Why laboratory professionals rarely have an opportunity to involve patients in the decision-making process around laboratory testing and results interpretation (and how impactful it is when they do)· What our panelists wish patients knew about the value of the work we do in the medical laboratory Connect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on TwitterConnect with Ms. Bartosh, Ms. Courtright & Mr. BowmanUniversity Health Laboratory ServicesMs. Bartosh on LinkedIn Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. BrownMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Mulder on TwitterResourcesCAP Inspection ChecklistsASCP Patient Champions ProgramInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

We know that diverse teams perform better. In laboratory medicine, diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership not only inspires young professionals, it also promotes retention in a profession that struggles with staffing shortages. So, what’s stopping us from increasing representation and equity in laboratory leadership?  What can we do to recruit a more diverse pool of job applicants and then support them in growing into lab leadership and management roles? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Lotte Mulder, PhD, are joined by Ms. Lona Gordon Small, MLS(ASCP), MBA, Quality Specialist at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Core Lab and coach and Founder of LabOPEX Training and Consulting, Dr. Marissa J. White, MD, FASCP, Surgical Pathologist and Deputy Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Johns Hopkins, and Mr. Mohamed Abdelmonem, MBA-HCM, MSc, MLS(ASCP)SBB, Blood Bank Specialist and Transfusion and Reference Lab Supervisor at STEM Healthcare, to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for the medical lab. Our panelists explain the common barriers to expanding representation among laboratory leadership and explore effective strategies for mentoring underrepresented groups in management roles. Listen in for Ms. Small, Dr. White, and Mr. Abdelmonem’s insight on establishing equity around pay and promotion and learn what educational institutions and professional organizations can do to promote representation at all levels of the laboratory workforce! Topics Covered · The crucial need to increase representation in laboratory leadership and management positions· Common barriers to expanding representation and equity in laboratory leadership· What educational institutions and professional organizations can do to promote representation and equity in the laboratory workforce· The benefits of equity around pay and promotion in the medical lab· Effective strategies for mentoring and supporting underrepresented groups in laboratory leadership roles· Strategies to identify and recruit a more diverse pool of job applicants for roles in the medical laboratory  Connect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Ms. SmallMs. Small on LinkedInConnect with Dr. WhiteDr. White at Johns Hopkins Connect with Mr. AbdelmonemMr. Abdelmonem on LinkedInConnect with Ms. Swails & Dr. MulderMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Mulder on Twitter ResourceseLABorate Topics PodcastMass General Brigham’s Mentoring Across DifferencesPositive Intelligence by Shirzad ChamineASCP Mentorship ProgramInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

Would you benefit from having a mentor to help you grow as a pathologist or laboratory professional? How might you benefit from becoming a mentor yourself? We get further, faster, with support, and having the right mentor accelerates your personal and professional development. But how do you find a good mentor? And what can you do to make the mentor-mentee relationship successful?  On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MT(ASCP), and Dr. Lotte Mulder, PhD, are joined by Dr. Nathan Johnson, PhD, FACHE, MASCP, DLM(ASCP), Chair of Laboratory Sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas,Ms. Tywauna Wilson, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, System Technical Director of Chemistry for CompuNet Clinical Laboratories and President of Trendy Elite Coaching, and Dr. Russell Broaddus, MD, PhD, Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, to discuss mentorship in the laboratory. Our panelists explore the characteristics of a good mentor, explaining why mentorship is important at ALL levels of your career and where to look for mentorship as a pathologist or laboratory professional. Listen in for examples of how Dr. Johnson, Ms. Wilson, and Dr. Broaddus have benefitted from serving as mentors and learn how to maximize the benefits of a mentor-mentee relationship in the medical lab. Topics Covered· What inspired Dr. Johnson, Ms. Wilson, and  Dr. Broaddus to become mentors· Why our panelists look to mentor in the areas of leadership and career development· How experienced laboratory professionals can learn from their younger colleagues· The characteristics of a good mentor· What makes the mentor-mentee relationship work· What questions you should ask yourself before saying YES to mentoring someone· Insight on where to look for a mentor· Common  mistakes people make in looking for a mentor· Why mentorship is important at ALL levels of your laboratory career· How our panelists have benefited from serving as mentors· What you can do to maximize your mentor-mentee relationships in the labConnect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Dr. JohnsonDr. Johnson at the University of ArkansasDr. Johnson on LinkedInConnect with Ms. WilsonTrendy Elite CoachingMs. Wilson on TwitterMs. Wilson on LinkedInConnect with Dr. BroaddusDr. Broaddus at UNC School of MedicineDr. Broaddus on LinkedIn Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. MulderMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Mulder on Twitter ResourcesInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

What inspires a doctor to pursue pathology?  Dr. Elvio Silva, MD, was drawn to pathology because it’s the only specialty in medicine where you can SEE the disease. And his patient-centered approach to studying tumors has led to breakthrough research.  On this episode of Inside the Lab, Dr. Silva, Professor in the Department of Pathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, joins our hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, to discuss his storied career as a gynecologic pathologist. Dr. Silva explains the two kinds of pathology research, describing what inspired his revolutionary work in grading endocervical adenocarcinomas and why it’s crucial for medical journals to make room for new ideas. Listen in for insight on deciding between a career in academics versus private practice and find out what Dr. Silva learned from his most challenging cases in the diverse field of gynecologic pathology. Topics Covered · Dr. Silva’s accidental journey to becoming a gynecologic pathologist· How pathology is the only specialty where you can SEE the disease and why Dr. Silva views that as the best part of pathology· Dr. Silva’s response to people who say pathologists aren’t real doctors· How Dr. Silva thinks about deciding between academics vs. private practice· The two kinds of pathology research and what draws people  to research that involves understanding a disease· What Dr. Silva says to people who are intimidated by the diversity in gynecologic pathology· Why it’s challenging for pathologists to recognize when we’re wrong· The publications Dr. Silva is most proud of (and why those papers were initially rejected)· Examples of challenging cases and how they illustrate pitfalls pathologists should avoid· Why it’s crucial for societies and journals to make room for people with new and unusual ideas· Concerns around the training of pathology residentsConnect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Dr. SilvaDr. Silva on TwitterDr. Silva on LinkedIn Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. BrownMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Brown on TwitterResourcesDr. Silva on ResearchGateInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

Are you dreaming of moving up the ladder and transitioning to a management position in the laboratory? Or maybe even a leadership role outside the lab? What can you do to learn the leadership skills you need to take that next step in your career? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Lotte Mulder, PhD, are joined by Dr. Gary Procop, MD, MS, CEO of the American Board of Pathology, Ms. Anne Walsh-Feeks, MS, PA(ASCP), FACHE, Assistant Dean and COO for Ambulatory Operations at Stony Brook Medicine in Stony Brooke, New York, and Ms. Carol Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ, MASCP, MT(ASCP)HTL, DLM, CEO and COO at Stony Brook University Hospital, to discuss the transition to leadership outside the laboratory. Our panelists discuss their journeys to leadership roles, sharing the resources they found helpful in making the transition and offering advice for laboratory professionals considering management positions in or outside the lab. Listen in for our panelists' insight on building leadership experience through volunteering and learn to leverage the skills you’re honing in the lab to advance your career! Topics Covered · Career advice for laboratory professionals who wish to move into a management position· Why it is important to maintain your clinical role during the transition to management· Leadership skills learned from volunteering with professional associations· How to take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs to further your education· Skills learned working in the lab that can contribute career progression· The pivotal events responsible for our panelists' transition to leadership outside the lab· Advice for clinicians who want to make the leap to leadership roles outside the lab· Certifications and degrees our panelists found helpful in making the transition to leadership· What our panelists would do differently in their careers given the opportunity· What our panelists miss about working in the lab Connect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on TwitterConnect with Dr. ProcopDr. Procop at the American Board of PathologyDr. Procop on LinkedIn Connect with Ms. Walsh-FeeksMs. Walsh-Feeks on TwitterMs. Walsh-Feeks on LinkedIn Connect with Ms. GomesMs. Gomes at Stony Brook UniversityMs. Gomes on LinkedInConnect with Ms. Swails & Dr. MulderMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Mulder on Twitter ResourcesAmerican Association of Pathologists’ AssistantsNYU’s Advanced Management Program for CliniciansNAHQ’s CPHQ CertificationACHE’s FACHE CertificationInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

Do you cut corners when it comes to laboratory safety? Little things like carrying your cell phone, rolling up the sleeves of your lab coat, or skipping the hurricane drill don’t seem like a big deal in the moment. But when you consider the potential risks to you, your colleagues, your family, and anyone else you might encounter, even small safety violations can have a big impact. On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MT(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, are joined by Mr. Sean Kaufman, MPH, CPH, IFBA-CP, CEO and Founding Partner of Safer Behaviors, Dr. Jason Nagy, PhD, MLS(ASCP), QLS, Laboratory Safety Support Coordinator for Sentara Healthcare, and Mr. Dan Scungio, MT(ASCP), SLS, CQA(ASQ), Laboratory Safety Consultant and Laboratory Safety Officer at Sentara Healthcare, to discuss the most common safety issues facing today’s medical labs. Our panelists explore the risks involved in having our cell phones in the medical laboratory and explain why so many leaders fail to hold their teams accountable for laboratory safety. Mr. Kaufman, Dr. Nagy, and Mr. Scungio describe why effective education is key in establishing a safety culture in the lab and how some of the things we do for the sake of safety increase our risk. Listen in for insight on effective emergency management planning and learn how to protect yourself and others from the greatest safety risks we face in the medical lab. Topics Covered · The top 10 safety issues facing today’s medical laboratories· The surprising personal items that have been found in drawers during lab safety audits· Examples of specimen transport safety issues · The 3 Cs of transferring specimens—coordination, communication, and common courtesy· The risks involved in having cell phones in the medical laboratory· Why effective education is key in establishing a safety culture in the lab (and what that looks like)· Advice on preparing for emergencies that don’t occur often· How laboratory leaders fail to hold their teams accountable for lab safety· How we cut corners around PPE compliance (lab coats, goggles and face shields)· The challenges around defining clean vs. dirty areas of the laboratory· Why most laboratories are lacking when it comes to chemical and waste management· How some of the things we do for the sake of safety increase our risk· How human risk factors (i.e.: interpersonal conflict, mental and emotional fitness, etc.) are the greatest safety risks we face in the medical laboratory Connect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Mr. Kaufman Safer BehaviorsMr. Kaufman on LinkedIn Connect with Dr. NagySentara HealthcareDr. Nagy on LinkedInConnect with Mr. ScungioDan the Lab Safety ManMr. Scungio on LinkedInConnect with Ms. Swails & Dr. BrownMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Brown on TwitterResourcesLablogatoryOSHAInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

Are you ready for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week?  Our annual celebration of pathologists and medical laboratory professionals begins April 23, 2023, and this year’s theme is Saved by the Lab, a play on the popular sitcom from the 1990s, Saved by the Bell. In honor of Zack Morris and friends from Bayside High, we’re revisiting the ‘90s to explore what was going on in the world—and the world of laboratory medicine. On this LIVE episode of Inside the Lab, your host, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), is joined by Dr. Robert A. Goulart, MD, MASCP, FCAP, Associate Chief of Anatomic Pathology and Director of Quality and Patient Safety at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Health System and President-Elect of ASCP, Mr. Sean McNair, MPH, Cytology Education Coordinator at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Program Director for the Cytology Training Program at Hunter College, Ms. Stephanie Y. Whitehead, MPH, MBA, MLS(ASCP), Executive Director of Pathology and Laboratory Services at University Health System in San Antonio, Texas, and Chair Elect for the Council of Laboratory Professionals, and Dr. Constantine Kanakis, MD, MSc, MLS(ASCP), Resident Physician at Loyola Medicine in Chicago and Member of the ASCP Patient Champions Advisory Board, for a ‘90s trivia showdown. Our panelists answer questions about ‘90s pop culture, including the highest grossing movies, chart-topping music and hottest toys of the decade.Dr. Goulart, Mr. McNair, Ms. Whitehead and Dr. Kanakis also test their knowledge of noteworthy lab news from the ‘90s. Listen in to find out which of our panelists took home the coveted prize, a tote bag filled with Saved by the Lab gear! Topics Covered · Popular ‘90s trends such as the Tamagotchi, Tickle Me Elmo, Harry Potter and reality television· ‘90s pop culture trivia, e.g.: the most-watched episode of TV, highest grossing movie and chart-topping music of the decade· Lab-specific ‘90s trivia like when ASCP elected a laboratory professional to the Board of Directors for the first time or how many lab professionals were working in the US at that time· Noteworthy laboratory news from the ‘90s, including Marie Gatscha’s testimony to Congress on behalf of ASCP, the revision of the WHO Blue Book on bone tumors, and trastuzumab’s impact on breast cancer treatment Connect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Dr. GoulartDr. Goulart on LinkedIn Connect with Mr. McNairMr. McNair on LinkedIn Connect with Ms. WhiteheadMs. Whitehead on LinkedInMs. Whitehead on TwitterMs. Whitehead on Instagram Connect with Dr. KanakisDr. Kanakis on LinkedInDr. Kanakis on TwitterDr. Kanakis at Loyola Pathology Connect with Ms. SwailsMs. Swails on Twitter ResourcesASCP Lab Week ResourcesInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

The medical laboratory is often seen as a black box that generates definitive results with little effort. But it’s not always that simple.What if you work up a culture and find an unusual bacteria or fungus? What do the technologists in the microbiology laboratory do to investigate these uncommon cases and provide their patients with a proper diagnosis? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, are joined by Dr. Clare McCormick-Baw, MD, FASCP, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases Serology and Molecular Microbiology at Parkland Health in Dallas, Texas, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Andrew Clark, PhD, D(ABMM), Medical Directory of the Microbiology Laboratory at Clements University Hospital and Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Dr. Laura Filkins, PhD, D(ABMM), Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Director at Children’s Health System of Texas in Dallas, Texas, and Assistant Professor of Pathology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, to share their most interesting microbiology cases. Dr. Clark discusses an immunosuppressed 73-year-old man with persistent diarrhea who was diagnosed with invasive GI mucormycosis, and Dr. McCormick-Baw describes the case of the healthy 51-year-old woman whose abdominal fullness was caused by coccidioidomycosis, not cancer.  Listen in for Dr. Filkins’ insight on getting the CDC involved when a four-year-old patient contracted Burkholderia pseudomallei and learn how committed clinical laboratory scientists kept digging until they found answers for these three unique patients!Topics Covered · Dr. Clark’s case of an immunosuppressed 73-year-old man with persistent diarrhea· How Dr. Clark’s team found Mucor mold in their patient’s stool culture and diagnosed him with invasive GI mucormycosis· How rare GI mucormycosis is and why it’s nearly always terminal· Dr. McCormick-Baw’s case of a healthy 51-year-old woman who presented with abdominal fullness· How Dr. McCormick-Baw’s team determined that their patient did not have cancer but did have coccidioidomycosis· Why it took two years after Dr. McCormick-Baw’s patient contracted Coccidioides on a hike for symptoms to present· Dr. Filkins’ case of a previously healthy four-year-old female (with a colorful animal history) who presented with nausea, vomiting, lethargy and decreased appetite · How Dr. Filkins’ team cultured their young patient’s tracheal aspirate specimen and found the high-risk pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei· How the local health lab, local epidemiologist and CDC’s joint investigation uncovered four cases of Burkholderia pseudomallei in the U.S. and traced them to aromatherapy bottles manufactured in India· How the CDC, EPA and Texas public health agencies discovered that Dr. Filkins’ patient’s pet raccoon died of Burkholderia pseudomallei and decontaminated its burial siteConnect with ASCPASCP on Twitter Connect with Dr. McCormick-BawDr. McCormick-Baw at UT SouthwesternConnect with Dr. ClarkDr. Clark at UT SouthwesternConnect with Dr. FilkinsDr. Filkins at UT SouthwesternResources ‘Burkholderia Pseudomalliei Detected in a Raccoon Carcass Linked to a Multistate Aromatherapy-Associated Melioidosis Outbreak’ in Morbidity and Mortality

ASCP is committed to developing policies that improve public health through the practice of laboratory medicine. One of the ways that the Society participates in public policy is through our delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA).  So, what does it mean to be an ASCP delegate to the AMA? How well is pathology represented within the AMA House of Delegates? And why does that representation matter? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, and Dr. Lotte Mulder, PhD, are joined by ASCP delegates to the AMA Dr. William Finn, MD, MASCP, Medical Director of the Joint Venture Hospital Laboratories and Past President of ASCP, Dr. Jennifer Stall, MD, Anatomic and Clinical Pathologist at Hospital Pathology Associates in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Dr. H. Cliff Sullivan, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Director of the Cellular Therapy Laboratory at Emory University, to discuss laboratory medicine’s representation within the American Medical Association. Our panelists discuss the AMA’s function as a professional association and lobbying group for physicians and medical students and share their experiences as delegates to the AMA from ASCP.  Dr. Finn, Dr. Stall, and Dr. Sullivan explain the responsibilities as delegates to the AMA and offer examples of how ASCP’s involvement in the AMA serves the interests of ASCP members and our patients.  Listen in for insight around the AMA initiatives and programs pathologists should be aware of and learn how you can get involved in amplifying the voice of pathologists in the AMA. Topics Covered · How the AMA functions as a professional association and lobbying group for physicians and medical students· How the AMA fulfills its mission to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health· Who serves as ASCP’s full delegates to the AMA and who serves as alternate delegates· How well pathology is represented within the AMA and why that representation matters· How the pathology voice is received in the egalitarian system of the AMA· How ASCP’s involvement in the AMA serves the interests of ASCP members and our patients· How to get involved with the AMA Connect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on TwitterConnect with Dr. FinnDr. Finn on LinkedIn Connect with Dr.StallDr. Stall on TwitterConnect with Dr. SullivanDr. Sullivan at Emory University Connect with Dr. Mulder & Dr. BrownDr. Mulder on TwitterDr. Brown on Twitter ResourcesAmerican Medical AssociationASCP Resident CouncilVALID Act of 2021CLIA Law & RegulationsASCP Institute for Science, Technology and Public PolicyInside the Lab in the ASCP Store

ASCP’s Resident In-Service Exam, better known as RISE, began in 1983, and it was designed as a study tool for board exams.  But RISE has evolved over time in response to feedback from program directors and residents alike, adapting to remain relevant to practice and help students identify their individual strengths and weaknesses. So, what do you need to know about the Resident In-Service Exam and how it can ensure your success as an emerging pathologist or laboratory professional?  On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, and Ms. Kelly Swails, MT(ASCP), are joined by Mr. Jay Wagner, MBA, MLS(ASCP), Director of Assessment, Measurement, Evaluation, Examinations and Outcomes at ASCP, and Dr. Jonathan Genzen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor at the University of Utah, CMO at ARUP Laboratories and Chair of the RISE Committee, to discuss the evolution of ASCP’s Resident In-Service Exam. Mr. Wagner and Dr. Genzen discuss who is responsible for writing questions for RISE, what that process looks like, and why the committee doesn’t repeat questions from year-to-year. The panelists explain how RISE supports you in learning from the questions you miss and why there’s such a significant correlation between RISE scores and ABPath pass rates. Listen in for insight on how to study for RISE and learn how the exam helps gauge residents’ progress in becoming the next generation of pathologists and laboratory professionals!Topics Covered · How ASCP’s Resident In-Service Exam has evolved since its inception · Who is responsible for writing the questions for RISE and what the process looks like· How the RISE Committee makes the exam relevant for international participants· The correlation between Resident In-Service Exam scores and ABPath pass rates· How RISE is scored and how it helps you learn from the questions you miss· When RISE is given and how you can take it all four years of your residency· How the online format gives program directors flexibility in the administration of RISE· RISE’s purpose in gauging resident progress and identifying strengths and weaknesses· Using the Resident Question Bank to study for RISEConnect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Mr. WagnerMr. Wagner on LinkedInConnect with Dr. GenzenDr. Genzen at the University of UtahDr. Genzen on LinkedIn Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. BrownMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Brown on TwitterResourcesASCP Resident In-Service ExamASCP Resident Question Bank [Promo Code POD50]Inside the Lab in the ASCP Store

Castleman Disease: Case-based Microlearning  Activity Overview This CME/CMLE-accredited, case-based microlearning activity is designed to help laboratory team members increase their knowledge, skills, and competence in diagnosing multicentric Castleman disease and to be informed of changes in clinical practice guidelines. Through a series of four 15-minute cases developed by a multidisciplinary team, you will gain a greater understanding of multicentric Castleman disease, how to differentiate it from potential mimics, and updated guidelines for diagnosis. The activity offers 1.0 CME/CMLE credit. Target Audience The target audience for this activity consists of pathologists and laboratory professionals.   Activity Agenda ·         Introduction to Castleman disease ·         Case-based approach to diagnosing Castleman disease, featuring multidisciplinary perspectives Accreditation Statement The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians.  Credit Designation Statement The ASCP designates this online microlearning activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  ASCP designates this online microlearning activity for a maximum of 1.0 CMLE credit.  This activity meets CMP and state re-licensure requirements for laboratory personnel. For questions regarding CME credit, please contact ASCP Customer Service at 1-800-267-2727, during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time Method of Participation To complete the activity and receive credit, the participant must complete all four cases in the microlearning activity. CME certificates will be provided online.  Commercial Support This activity is funded by an independent educational grant from Recordati Rare Diseases Inc..  FacultyAnamarija Perry, MD Associate Professor, Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc Assistant Professor of Medicine, Translational Medicine & Human Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Seth Kligerman, MD Professor, Division Chief of Cardiothoracic Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego