From the 2022 Joint Annual Meeting (recorded 6/27/2022)
Presented by Erika Wagoner, Vanessa Melanson, and Rachel Childs

This speed learning session includes 3 presentations:
Automating PCR Testing: A "Hands-Off" Approach
Epi Lab's newly-installed and fully automated molecular diagnostics system that can take a specimen completely through the process of decapping, sorting, batching, nucleic acid extraction, PCR testing, automatic resulting, and specimen archiving with minimal technologist time involved. This presentation provides an overview of the system’s technology, our verification studies, COVID safety processes, and the hands-off system for chlamydia/gonorrhea testing.

Next Generation Sequencing Multiplex Viral Screening Assay
Using next-generation sequencing for clinical assays is a relatively new concept that should be publicized, discussed, and investigated further due to easy sample preparation (extraction-less) and to large concurrent sample running (high-throughput) capability.

Why Should We Care about Flow Cytometry?
The session will discuss the principle of flow cytometry, its role in diagnosing hematological diseases, and the importance of flow cytometry within the scope of clinical lab science. Examples of how immunophenotyping can be used as a means to identifying leukemias/lymphomas will also be given.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Identify the platforms/units involved with pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic specimen management.
• Summarize the timeline of a molecular platform upgrade
• Follow a specimen's journey from decapping to archiving.
• Explain what Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is and how it works.
• Discuss how the Illumina NGS platform operates.
• Describe how the NGS viral screening assay will be implemented by Army personnel.
• Describe the principle and purpose of flow cytometry.
• Classify cells on a flow cytometer plot.
• Identify leukemia and lymphoma samples based on immunophenotyping results.

CE ACCREDITATION
ASCLS is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E. ® Program. One (1) P.A.C.E. ® contact hour and one (1) Florida credit hour in the area of Molecular Biology (Molecular) will be awarded to participants. ASCLS P.A.C.E.® is accepted by the ASCP/ASCLS/AGT Board of Certification and all states, including Florida and California, as an approved provider of continuing education for recertification and licensure. ASCLS is an approved provider with CE Broker for Florida licensees.

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION
This Intermediate-level program is appropriate for laboratory professionals working in clinical, public health and academic settings