ColLABorate 2025: Full Schedule

American Society for Clinical Laboratory - Iowa (ASCLS-IA) is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E. ® Program.

https://ceorganizer.ascls.org/

8:30am CDT

Laboratory Licensure - Where are we now?

Tuesday April 15, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

Review of the states that have licensure of laboratory degreed staff. What requirements other states have for licensure. Roundtable discussion on the pros / cons of licensure in Iowa.
Learning Objectives:

Which states require licensure in order to work as degreed laboratory personnel.
Standardization of credentials within the laboratory community
Benefits / risks of a pathway to licensure

Speakers

Tim Schroeder

Laboratory Director, Mahaska Health

Tim Schroeder has been in the laboratory for over 40 years. He obtained his BSMT from Creighton University.Tim has worked in Critical Access Hospitals, 500 bed hospitals and several reference labs.Tim also had a few years where he worked in industry installing and training on Lab... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

GEN: General/Interdisciplinary/Other

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-002-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

8:30am CDT

Field Guide to Red Blood Cells: When Donuts Take New Shapes

Tuesday April 15, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

This session provides a comprehensive guide to red blood cell morphology, focusing on the most common variations in cell shape and their clinical significance. Participants will learn to identify and differentiate between common RBC variations including spherocytes, elliptocytes, schistocytes, and cells containing inclusions like Howell-Jolly bodies. Through microscopic examination and case-based discussion, attendees will develop practical skills in recognizing these important morphologic changes. The session emphasizes the relationship between cell shape alterations and underlying pathophysiology, helping bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical diagnosis. Perfect for laboratory professionals interested in improving their peripheral blood smear interpretation skills.
Learning Objectives:

Identify and differentiate major red blood cell shape variations and inclusions on peripheral blood smear examination
Evaluate the clinical significance of specific red blood cell morphologic changes and correlate them with underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms
Formulate preliminary diagnostic considerations based on observed red blood cell morphology patterns

Speakers

Juan Jose Sanchez Ramirez

AP/CP PGY3, University of Iowa

I'm a third year Pathology resident at the University of Iowa with a strong interest in Hematopathology and education.

Tuesday April 15, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

HEM: Hematology/Hemostasis

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-003-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

9:45am CDT

Navigating the Data Landscape: Practical Applications of Analytics in the Clinical Laboratory

Tuesday April 15, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

This session will first provide an overview of data analytics in laboratory medicine and how it can be used to improve quality and efficiency within the clinical laboratory. We will then illustrate the utility of various data analytics tools using real-world examples of data-driven quality improvement initiatives in clinical chemistry, urinalysis, coagulation, and toxicology. Finally, we will discuss practical considerations for successful data analytics projects.
Learning Objectives:

Describe three data analytics applications in the clinical laboratory
Compare and contrast two different tools for data analytics
List a common pitfall in data analytics projects and a strategy for avoiding it

Speakers

Anna E. Merrill

Co-Director of Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Iowa

Dr. Anna Merrill is Clinical Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of Iowa, where she directs clinical chemistry and coagulation. She also oversees the clinical toxicology laboratory at the Iowa City VA Medical Center. Her research interests include data-driven quality... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

CH: Chemistry/Immunology

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-005-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

11:00am CDT

Day 1, Session 5

Tuesday April 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

CH: Chemistry/Immunology

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-008-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

11:00am CDT

Clinical Next Generation Sequencing Applied to Gastrointestinal Oncology

Tuesday April 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

This session is intended to explore next generation sequencing technology at a basic level and incorporate a practical example of use.
Learning Objectives:

Identify advantages of next generation sequencing over previous sequencing methods.
Summarize the major technical steps of next generation sequencing.
Recognize a basic practical example of the utility of next generation sequencing in clinical practice.

Speakers

Anthony N. Snow, MD

Clinical Associate Professor, University of Iowa Healthcare

Dr. Snow is an academic molecular genetic and gastrointestinal pathologist. His clinical and research interests are focused on molecular oncology and education.

Tuesday April 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

GEN: General/Interdisciplinary/Other

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-009-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

3:00pm CDT

Traumatic Brain Injury Test: Novel Biomarkers for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury can Reduce the Need for Head CT

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

This presentation will provide an overview of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), its assessment in the Emergency Department (ED), relevant biomarkers, clinical guidelines, practical applications of TBI biomarkers, and evaluation of TBI tests in the United States
Learning Objectives:

Define mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and describe its impact on patients.
Identify different biomarkers for TBI
Explain how biomarkers for TBI can be utilized in clinical practice.

Speakers

Maureen Rabbitte

Medical Science Liaison, Abbott

Maureen Rabbitte is a nurse scientist and medical science liaison for Abbott Labs. She specializes in public health, women's and adolescent health, and clinical education. Maureen is passionate about enhancing healthcare through innovative teaching and impactful research, with extensive... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

CH: Chemistry/Immunology

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-011-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

3:00pm CDT

Prehospital Transfusions

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Ground ambulance transfusion to a patient enroute to a hospital has been shown to improve outcomes, yet Iowa is one of only six states in which this does not occur. In this session, the listener will learn about the history of prehospital transfusions, the evidence supporting it, and what is happening in Iowa to allow prehospital transfusions in ground ambulances.
Learning Objectives:

Explain the history of prehospital transfusions
Summarize the research in support of prehospital transfusions
State the barriers to prehospital ground ambulance transfusion in Iowa, what is being done to change them, and the logistics involved in a prehospital transfusion program

Speakers

Alex Smith

Medical Director, LifeServe Blood Center

Dr. Alex Smith is the Medical Director of LifeServe Blood Center. LifeServe supplies blood products to over 175 hospitals in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Illinois. Dr. Smith is trained in Clinical Pathology and Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine. He has been with LifeServe... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

IH: Immunohematology

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-012-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

8:00am CDT

CLIA Update: Personnel Regulations

Wednesday April 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

On 12/28/2024 the updated CLIA personnel regulations took effect. This presentation will address the new CLIA personnel regulations and interpretive guidelines. We will explain the new pathways to qualify as Laboratory Director, Technical Consultant, Technical Supervisor, General Supervisor and Testing Personnel. Additionally, we will discuss the added responsibility of onsite visits for the Laboratory Director and have time for questions.
Learning Objectives:

summarize the educational qualifications for CLIA personnel.
define the Laboratory Director's responsibilities regarding onsite visits.
ask questions and receive answers to the CLIA regulations.

Speakers

Melinda Bochmann

CLIA Compliance Specialist, Iowa CLIA State Agency

Melinda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After graduation she worked as a medical technologist (generalist) for an independent laboratory in Iowa before moving into the role as a technical consultant for a local hospital and... Read More →

Kristine Rotzoll

CLIA Compliance Manager, Iowa CLIA State Agency

Kristine received her Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Iowa. After graduation she worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the hematology and chemistry departments within the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Kristine... Read More →

Wednesday April 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

GEN: General/Interdisciplinary/Other

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-014-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

8:00am CDT

The Role of Dementia Neuropathology in Public Health

Wednesday April 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

This session provides a basic overview of dementia for the educated non-expert, outlines the pathologist's role in dementia care, and summarizes the interrelationship between dementia neuropathology and public health.
Learning Objectives:

Compare clinical and pathological definitions of dementia
Summarize the process by which a neuropathologic dementia evaluation is performed
Describe the interrelationship between neuropathology, autopsy pathology, and public health in the dementia care continuum

Speakers

Jane Persons

Pathology Resident, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Jane Persons is a 4th year Anatomic and Clinical Pathology resident at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Following residency, she is planning to pursue fellowship training in neuropathology and forensic pathology.

Wednesday April 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

PTH: Pathology

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-015-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

9:15am CDT

Lassa Fever

Wednesday April 16, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Speakers

Michael Pentella

Director, State Hygienic Laboratory, State Hygienic Laboratory, University of Iowa

Dr. Pentella is the Director of the Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory and a Clinical Professor in the College of Public Health Department. He has a Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Microbiology, and a Doctorate in Infectious Diseases. He is certified as an American Board... Read More →

Wednesday April 16, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

MIC: Microbiology/Myco/Para/Virology

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-017-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

12:30pm CDT

Self-Collected Patient Testing and Changing Cervical Screening Guidelines

Wednesday April 16, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Session will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of self-collected patient testing and the recently changed cervical screening guidelines with regards to HPV testing.
Learning Objectives:

Summarize the updated cervical cancer screening guidelines and current recommendations.
Identify and illustrate advantages and disadvantages of self-collected patient testing.
Extrapolate how cervical cancer screening might be impacted by self-collected patient testing.

Speakers

Katherine Christel, MD

Resident Physician, University of Iowa Health Care

Dr. Christel received her MD from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in 2023 and is currently an anatomic and clinical pathology resident physician at the University of Iowa Health Care with special interest in Women's health surgical pathology and Genitourinary pa... Read More →

Wednesday April 16, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

MIC: Microbiology/Myco/Para/Virology

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-021-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

3:00pm CDT

Day 2, Session 11

Wednesday April 16, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

CH: Chemistry/Immunology

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-024-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0

3:00pm CDT

Sequencing and Bioinformatics: A Powerful Partnership for Clinical Testing

Wednesday April 16, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Advanced sequencing methods, coupled with sophisticated bioinformatics tools, have revolutionized molecular testing, enabling unprecedented insights into genetic and genomic data. This powerful partnership facilitates the accurate identification of genetic variations, disease markers, and therapeutic targets.
Learning Objectives:

Introduction to sequencing and molecular testing
To learn the computer analysis steps involved in analyzing sequence data
To know the impact of advanced molecular tests in patient care

Speakers

Ramakrishna Sompallae

Director, Pathology Clinical Bioinformatics, University of Iowa

Dr. Sompallae serves as the Director of Pathology Clinical Bioinformatics at the University of Iowa. He joined the university in 2012 as a Bioinformatics Scientist and played a key role in developing and implementing next-generation sequence-based molecular tests. He completed his... Read More →

Wednesday April 16, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

GEN: General/Interdisciplinary/Other

Level of Instruction Basic: Entry level; no prior knowledge of subject necessary
Event Type Breakout Session
P.A.C.E. Session Number 101-025-25
P.A.C.E. Credit 1.0