LifeStream is pleased to be able to offer you the series of audioconferences presented by the American Association of LifeStreams (AABB), as part of our continuing education program. These audioconferences provide LifeStreaming and transfusion medicine community with the opportunity to glean timely information from recognized experts. Keeping individuals and facilities up-to-date on current standards, accreditation requirements, medical and scientific advances, as well as administrative and management practices, is paramount.
The audioconferences are given in the Main Conference Room of LifeStreams Administrative Building located at 384 West Orange Show Road in San Bernardino. Continuing Education Units are provided per audioconference as follows: CLS and CME - 1.5, RNs - 1.8 contact hours. There is no charge for our medical facility partners or students.
You can register for any session by contacting LifeStream at:
- Phone: 909.885.6503 extension 472
- Fax: 909.381.2036, Attn: Nikki Smith
- Email: smithne@lstream.org
For more information on our education programs, please contact the Director of Technical Training at 909.885.6503 extension 399 or email at heintzst@lstream.org.
2008 AABB Audioconference Schedule
Component Preparations for Pediatric Patients
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
SPEAKERS
Joann Moulds, PhD, MT(ASCP)SBB, LifeShare Blood Centers
Marion Reid, PhD, FIBMS, New York Blood Center
DESCRIPTION
Serologic antigen typing has limitations, both in availability of reagents, as well as specificity. Technology for performing molecular typing is now available to laboratories for routine testing. The speakers will discuss the application for both donors and patients. Topics will include the development of AABB standards in this area, quality control and considerations for routine use of these techniques, and where the biggest benefits may be seen in replacing serologic methods for typing.
Errors of Non-Conformance: How to Document and Re-Train
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
MODERATOR
Lynn A. Emmert, MEd, MT(ASCP)SI, CLS(NCA)
SPEAKERS
Elizabeth Oen, AAS, BA, Lane Memorial LifeStream
Lynn A. Emmert, MEd, MT(ASCP)SI, CLS(NCA)
Tammy Winkler, LifeSouth Community Blood Center, Inc.
DESCRIPTION
Dealing with an employee that has committed repeated errors on a key procedure can be a stressful and confusing situation. The presenters in this presentation will discuss the training policies and methods they use in their facilities to deal with the critical issue of employee non-conformance to standard operating procedures. The program will review the training techniques and data collection methods used and the documentation procedures they developed for such occurrences.
Mechanisms and Laboratory Investigation of Drug Induced Hemolytic Anemia
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
SPEAKERS
George Garratty, PhD, FRCPath, American Red Cross
Patricia Arndt, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB, American Red Cross Blood Services
DESCRIPTION
Drug-induced hemolytic anemia (DIHA) should be considered whenever any hemolytic anemia is suspected. A vast number of common drugs can cause a positive direct antiglobuin test (DAT) and in some patients this will be associated with significant hemolysis. This session will review correlation of patient history and laboratory data that is essential for the diagnosis of DIHA.
Serological to Molecular Testing: Points to Consider for Successful Conversion
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m
SPEAKERS
Joann Moulds, PhD, MT(ASCP)SBB, LifeShare Blood Centers
Marion Reid, PhD, FIBMS, New York Blood Center
DESCRIPTION
Serologic antigen typing has limitations, both in availability of reagents, as well as specificity. Technology for performing molecular typing is now available to laboratories for routine testing. The speakers will discuss the application for both donors and patients. Topics will include the development of AABB standards in this area, quality control and considerations for routine use of these techniques, and where the biggest benefits may be seen in replacing serologic methods for typing.
Changes to the 25th edition of Standards for LifeStreams and Transfusion Services
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m
MODERATOR
Thomas H. Price, MD, Puget Sound Blood Center
SPEAKERS
Debra Kessler, RN, MS, New York Blood Center
Patrick Ooley, MSM, MT(ASCP), CQA(ASQ), Blood Systems, Inc.
Thomas H. Carson, MD, Children's Hospital New Orleans
Thomas H. Price, MD, Puget Sound Blood Center
DESCRIPTION
The speakers will summarize the new and revised requirements incorporated into the 25th edition of Standards for LifeStreams and Transfusion Services. In addition, the rationale for the changes will be reviewed.
Coding and Reimbursement
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m
MODERATOR
Theresa Wiegmann, JD, AABB
SPEAKERS
William B. Lockwood, PhD, MD, University of Louisville Hospital
DESCRIPTION
Payment for blood and related services is subject to a complex array of difficult-to understand coding and billing policies, but the AABB Billing Guide for Transfusion and Cellular Therapies offers clear and concise explanations. In this session, attendees will be walked through the latest version of this Guide. New coding and billing rules for blood products, hematopoietic stem cells and related services will be explained. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about transfusion medicine billing issues.
The Impact of Thrombopoietin (TPO) Agonists on Platelet Transfusion
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
MODERATOR
Jay H. Herman, M.D., Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
SPEAKERS
David Kuter, MD, DPhil, Massachusetts General Hospital
Jeffrey McCullough, MD, University of Minnesota - MMC 609
DESCRIPTION
Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a growth factor produced by the liver that is critical for every stage of platelet differentiation and production in the bone marrow. Early forms of recombinant TPO were withdrawn before licensure because of adverse events, but a number of safer new drugs with TPO-like function are emerging for use in chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). This audioconference will begin by reviewing the physiology of platelet production, the role of TPO, and the mechanisms of action of the newer TPO agonists. While they may not be useful in acute thrombocytopenia or marrow failure, TPO agonists might have a role in the treatment of chronic thrombocytopenic conditions such as myelodysplasia and liver disease. Whether these drugs have potential to decrease the need for platelet transfusions, and the possibility of use in platelet donation, will also be reviewed.
Preparing Effective Training Material for Your Organization
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
MODERATOR
Sally Rudmann, PhD, MT(ASCP)SBB, The Ohio State University
SPEAKERS
Sally Rudmann, PhD, MT(ASCP)SBB, The Ohio State University
Sandy Arrighi, M.Ed, MT(ASCP)SBB, Columbus State Community College
DESCRIPTION
Effective education and training programs require a number of planning steps to ensure the attainment of desired learning outcomes. In this session, the speakers will discuss some items to consider when orchestrating training material. They will provide examples of successful program implementation and outcome evaluation techniques.
Tracking Blood Electronically: The Future is Here
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
SPEAKERS
Rodeina Davis, BS, BloodCenter of Wisconsin and ISBT RFID Working Party
DESCRIPTION
There is a great deal of interest in the use of RFID in transfusion medicine. To realize RFID's benefits, the industry as a whole must define and adopt consistent standards for the entire blood supply chain. The technology must integrate with existing and planned barcoding and labeling standards as well as blood and transfusion systems already in use. Further, consideration must be given to RFID interest by industries peripheral to transfusion medicine, such as pharma, to maximize the return for widespread adoption. This audio conference will examine whether this technology can advance patient safety and operational efficiency, quality, and effectiveness in the whole supply chain.
Inventory and Clinical Management of Blood Products in Critical Shortages and Emergency Release
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
MODERATOR
Jerry Holmberg, PhD, MT(ASCP)SBB, Department of Health & Human Services
SPEAKERS
Lawrence T. Goodnough, MD, Stanford University Medical Center
DESCRIPTION
The availability of blood and blood products, especially platelets, in many medical facilities may vary from common critical shortages to an occasional difficulty in obtaining needed blood components. Overall availability raises many questions. These questions range from the effectiveness of the blood center to recruit and maintain the steady state of blood donors to increasing utilization and management at the local medical facility. Communication, mutual understanding and education between the blood center and the medical facility are understandably essential. In this audioconference, inventory management and emergency release of blood and blood products will be discussed from the hospital perspective.
Coagulation Case Studies for LifeStreamers
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
MODERATOR
Evelyn Lockhart, MD, American Red Cross, Carolinas Region
SPEAKERS
Cassandra Josephson, MD, Children''s Healthcare of Atlanta
Terry Gernsheimer, MD, Puget Sound Blood Center
DESCRIPTION
This session will use a case study format to assess pediatric and adult coagulation disorders. These ailments include head trauma in a hemophilia patient, von Willebrand's Disease vs. platele dysfunction in a patient with epistaxis, pediatric massive transfusion, obsterical bleeding emergencies and uremic bleeding. The speakers will discuss the diagnosis and treatment used in each case.
Managing Massive Transfusion: Clinical and LifeStream Perspectives
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
SPEAKERS
John R. Hess, MD, U. of Maryland Medical School
Theresa Nester, MD, Puget Sound Blood Center
DESCRIPTION
This event will review the clinical management and blood administration issues associated with infusing large volumes to a single patient. Topics will include metabolic considerations and coagulopathies include discussion of pharmaceuticals such as Factor VIIa, selection and use of blood components and management of sensitized patients.
What's New in Platelet Products?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
MODERATOR
Jay H. Herman, M.D., Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
SPEAKERS
Dana Devine, PhD, Canadian Blood Services
Ralph Vassallo, MD, American Red Cross Blood Services
DESCRIPTION
Two platelet products are used predominantly in the US. The first is apheresis platelets and the second is platelet concentrates prepared through separation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from donated whole blood. Newer platelet products have been developed that address a number of disadvantages of these standard products. This audioconference will focus on the technical specifications and product characteristics of four new products that have potential to gain widespread use in the US.
Dealing with Extraneous Results in Serological Testing
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
SPEAKERS
Debra Bailey, MT(ASCP)SBB, American Red Cross Blood Services Southern CA
Karen Rodberg, MBA, MT(ASCP)SBB, American Red Cross
DESCRIPTION
All too often, serologists encounter reactivity with no apparent specificity during pre-transfusion testing. What additional testing should be performed? How extensive must the testing be? How do you ensure that adequate testing is performed in order to assess for a weakly reacting alloantibody of clinical significance? What do you do when the extraneous reactivity cannot be explained? The speakers, both experts in the field of red cell serology, will describe problem solving techniques and logical approaches to these serological questions and dilemmas. Case studies will be used to compliment the lecture material.
Platelet Refractions: Causes and Treatments
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
SPEAKERS
Janice McFarland, M.D., Blood Center of Wisconsin
Michael Lankiewicz, MD, Acting Chief of Hematology, Medical College of Wisconsin
DESCRIPTION
Patients who have an inadequate increase in their platelet count following platelet transfusion are a common problem for the transfusion service. Only some of these patients are truly refractory to platelet transfusion and need additional testing. At the same time, repeated platelet transfusions to these refractory patients are an ineffective use of a scarce product. Furthermore, not every patient who is refractory to platelet transfusion will benefit from special products such as HLA-matched platelets. Proper identification and management of patients who are refractory to platelet transfusion can minimize unnecessary expenditures of time, products and money for the transfusion service. This program will discuss the criteria necessary to establish a diagnosis of platelet refractoriness and therapeutic approaches which maximize the quality of patient care while minimizing expenses to the transfusion medicine service.
Hospital and Blood Provider Driven Blood Management: A Unique and Creative Joint Venture
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
MODERATOR
Dennis Harpool, MT(ASCP)SBB, Blood Systems, Inc.
SPEAKERS
Jo Anne Edwards, MEd, MT(ASCP), Renown Health
Tom Choi, United Blood Services
DESCRIPTION
This audioconference will provide insights into a joint venture project on blood management as it was created between a local blood provider and their largest customer. The "floor to ceiling" approach to the whole project will be discussed. In addition, the presenters will review how to monitor and communicate the effectiveness of the program to all stakeholders.