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Audioconference Descriptions

Audioconferences Registration Form

A01. 2002 CPT-4 Update for Microbiology (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, January 23, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Vickie Baselski, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN Synopsis: This audioconference will provide a brief historical overview of major coding changes for microbiology that have occurred in the last several years. The specific code additions, deletions, and revisions for 2002 will be summarized and discussed. The conference will end with the presentation of a number of controversial coding areas including the recommendations of an informal ASM consensus group.

A02. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and New Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Gary Smith, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO Synopsis: Scientific literature review will describe the occurrence of BSE (“Mad Cow Disease”) in the UK, its consequences in cattle and humans, and its spread to other countries in the EU –- and now to Japan. Actions taken by the United States beef industry to prevent entry of BSE and to minimize its spread. Intended Audience: Professionals interested in increasing knowledge of the disease in the cattle population and of the probability that the human form of BSE (nvCJD) will occur in the U.S. human population Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Understand relationships of BSE to new variant CJD and differences between these two diseases and classical CJD Be conversant regarding the etiology of BSE and the mode of transmission of BSE among animals and of BSE prions to humans Comprehend the risk of entry of BSE into the U.S. and of the occurrence of nvCJD in humans

A03. Overview of PulseNet, the National Molecular Subtyping Network for Foodborne Disease Surveillance in the Untied States (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Efrain Ribot and Susan Hunter, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA Synopsis: Established in 1996 by CDC, US public health laboratories and food regulatory agencies, PulseNet is concerned with subtyping foodborne bacterial pathogens. The program, comprising 54 labs in the US and other labs in Canada is becoming a world-wide program. The audioconference provides an overview of how information is obtained, analyzed and shared through PulseNet. In addition, specific analytical techniques, customized analysis software and trouble shooting suggestions will be discussed. Intended Audience: Clinical microbiologists, public health microbiologists, food and environmental microbiologists, sanitarians, and others interested in foodborne disease outbreaks Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to learn about: The importance of team approach to foodborne disease outbreak investigations The roles of team members recruited from diverse disciplines Efficient and effective investigation strategies Specimen selection criteria and methods Approaches to microbiologic examination of specimens.

A04. Blood Parasite Examinations: Pitfalls and Tips (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Lynne Garcia, LSG & Associates, Santa Monica, CA Synopsis: This audioconference provides a review of blood parasite testing in parasitology (malaria, leishmaniae, trypanosomes, microfilariae), emphasizing routine and STAT procedures. Topics will include patient profile information, specimen collection and processing recommendations, routine testing and special rapid tests, and the clinical relevance of test results. Handling of proficiency testing specimens for blood parasites will also be discussed. Intended Audience: Microbiologists, MDs, technologists, technicians, public health personnel, parasitologists and teachers Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Discuss the pros and cons of thick and thin blood film preparation and examination Better understand the risk management aspects of blood examinations for parasites List and discuss the various methods available for the examination of blood parasites

A05. West Nile Virus (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Duane J. Gubler, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO Synopsis: This audioconference will review the introductions and geographic spread of West Nile Virus in the United States over the past and transmission seasons. Methods for enhanced surveillance and improved strategies for prevention and control will be discussed. Intended Audience: Public health officials, physicians, nurses, epidemiologists and microbiologists Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Learn about the history and epidemiology of West Nile Virus Learn about the latest surveillance data on West Nile Virus in the U.S. Learn about methods for surveillance, prevention and control of West Nile Virus

A06. NCCLS Update

Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Richard A. Van Enk, Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI Synopsis: NCCLS guidelines provide laboratories with concensus standards for susceptibility testing and reporting. This audioconference will enable laboratories to update their procedures and practices to the latest recommendations. Intended Audience: Clinical microbiology technologists, supervisors and directors Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Understand the purpose and function of NCCLS guidelines in the laboratory Know the changes contained in the 2002 microbiology guidelines Implement the changes in their laboratory

A07. Bioterrorism 2002: An Update (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Barbara Robinson-Dunn, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI Synopsis: As world events evolve, clinical microbiologists must ensure that they continue to be prepared and ready to implement current testing guidelines. Over time, the testing guidelines have also evolved. This audioconference will provide updated information which can be used by microbiologists and technologists in level A laboratories to "rule-out or refer-on" suspect biologic agents.

A08. The Ectoparasites: Arthropods of Medical Importance (or "Stuck on You") (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Susan L. Shiflett, Michigan Department of Community Health, Lansing, MI Synopsis: This audioconference will give participants the opportunity to view and receive tips for identifying common arthropods through a series of kodachromes. Participants will also understand which diseases, symptoms or syndromes result from interaction between the arthropod and the human host. Intended Audience: This audioconference is intended for the microbiologist or medical technologist currently working in the laboratory setting where identification of arthropods may be necessary. It is also intended for the clinician that may encounter arthropods during physical examinations. Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Differentiate between common types of ectoparasites (arthropods) List the characteristics that are commonly used for identification of arthropods Describe the symptoms/illness associated with specific arthropods Recognize common pitfalls encountered in the laboratory

A09. Laboratory Testing Used in the Diagnosis and Management of HIV-1 Infection

Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Angela M. Caliendo, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA Synopsis: This lecture will review the tests used for the diagnosis of HIV-1 infection, the performance and interpretation of HIV-1 viral load assays, and methods used for HIV-1 resistance testing. Intended Audience: Healthcare providers, laboratory directors, supervisors, and technologists. Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Summarize the tests that are available for the diagnosis of HIV-1 Infection Review the available HIV-1 viral load asays, their performance and interpretation Discuss the clinical utility of HIV-1 viral load testing

A10. Practical Approaches to Detection of Emerging Antibiotic Resistance (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Johann D. D. Pitout, University of Calgary, Calgary, CANADA Synopsis: The aim of the audioconference is to describe the importance and the role of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory in detecting emerging antibiotic resistant bacteria such as enterobacteria producing Newer ß-lactomases, Glycopeptide intermediate/resistant cocci and Penicillin resistant pneumococci. Intended Audience: Clinical microbiologists, medical technologists, clinical pathologists, infective disease physicians Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Receive a summary of the clinical relevant mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (with emphasis on emerging resistance) Receive a description of some practical approaches to detect emerging antibiotic resistant organisms such as the enterobacteria producing Newer ß-lactamases, Glycopeptide intermediate/resistant cocci, Penicillin resistant pneumococci Receive a discussion of the importance and the role of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory in detecting emerging resistance

A11. Making Changes in the Microbiology Laboratory the Politically Correct Way

Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Nancy Cornish, Methodist Health Care Systems and Children’s Hospital, Omaha, NE Synopsis: Changes are difficult for all of us. This audioconference will address some ways to make changes which will benefit the patient while educating the clinicians who use the clinical microbiology laboratory. Intended Audience: Clinical microbiologists, medical technologists, pathologists, laboratory managers Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Learn some ways to use the computer to educate clients Learn the use of Microbiology Clinical Briefs  To support changes in the microbiology laboratory

A12. An Update on Laboratory Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Gerri S. Hall, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH Synopsis: This update will present information as to the current epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. and the methods available for their detection in the clinical microbiology laboratory, in particular, for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae detection. Molecular techniques will be emphasized. Intended Audience: Microbiologists, pathologists and infectious disease physicians; supervisors in clinical pathology Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Get an update on the epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Become familiar with the latest molecular techniques for diagnosis of Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Obtain ideas about why, when and how to implement a molecular assay for STD testing

A13. Laboratory Management of Lower Respiratory Tract Diseases (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Karen Carroll, University of Utah School of Medicine/ARUP Laboratories, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT Synopsis: Lower respiratory tract infections cause significant morbidity and mortality. A broad range of pathogens may be implicated in disease depending upon the season, type of patient and other epidemiological variables. Because of limitations of culture-based techniques, empiric treatment algorithms have been published by several medical societies. However, laboratory approaches such as BAL Protocols, are important in the management of the immunocompromised host. This audioconference will review the epidemiology, clinical features and diagnostic approaches to respiratory tract diseases. Intended Audience: Medical technologists, residents, pathologists, infectious diseases specialists and pulmonologists Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Review the epidemiology of lower respiratory tract infections Understand the clinical syndromes associated with the various pathogens implicated in lower respiratory tract diseases Learn about limitations of diagnostic methods Learn about new technologies available to detect etiologic agents of respiratory syndromes

A14. Diagnostic Mycobacteriology for the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory (Slide Enhanced)

Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Beverly Metchock, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA Synopsis: Clinical microbiology laboratories play a pivotal role in the control of tuberculosis. Rapid pathogen detection, isolation, and drug susceptibility testing are critical. Laboratories are encouraged to use rapid testing protocols according to defined algorithms that result in reliable, rapid and clinically relevant information. Intended Audience: Supervisors and bench technologists Objectives: Participants in this audioconference can expect to: Learn the importance of rapid pathogen detection, isolation, and drug susceptibility testing Define testing algorithms that result in reliable, rapid and clinically relevant information Define the basis for developing and maintaining active lines of two-way communication with their clients - care givers and tuberculosis control programs - in order to better meet the needs of the clients and the laboratory