What's New?

Laboratory Education Webcasts - provided by Dane Garvin, Ltd.

Dane Garvin, Ltd provides educational webcasts designed for laboratory professionals. There is no registration fee to participate. Archived webcasts are easily accessed via the internet. ASCLS is a webcast co-sponsor and provides the P.A.C.E.® credit. Webcasts are supported by various companies. Current topics include "Rapid Influenza Testing: What the Clinician Needs to Know" and "Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of eGFR in Detection, Evaluation and Management." Click here for more information.

Image Atlas: Hematology by Indiana Pathology Images™

The newest Image Atlas is available! There are over 1000 high-quality images including normal and abnormal morphologies for RBCs, WBCs, and platelets as well as microrganisms. Images can be downloaded for presentations, exams or lab manuals. Image retrieval is alphabetically or by cell type or diagnosis/anomaly. Available as single user CD or site user. PC and Mac compatible. Click here to order from the ASCLS online store or here to view price and an order form

Directory of Graduate Programs for Clinical Laboratory Practitioners 5th edition
Newly Revised

This Directory is intended to help students, faculty and administrators identify institutions of higher learning that offer advanced degrees for clinical laboratory personnel. It includes information on colleges and universities that provide programs in CLS and specialty disciplines. Important information about entry and degree requirements, tuition, fees, availability of online coursework and more. The directory was completely updated in 2007 with newly added Programs plus two new categories -- universities that offer either an Entry Level Practitioner Masters Level Program or Post Baccalaureate Certificate Programs. The Directory is a must for every education program or laboratory bookshelf or library.

Available on CD; a user-friendly table of contents allows for easy navigation.
Click here to order from the ASCLS online store or here to view price and an order form

Clinical Hematology Atlas 3rd edition
New Revised by Jacqueline Carr, MS, CLSpH(NCA), CLDir(NCA) & Bernadette Rodak, MS, CLSpH(NCA)

This atlas is ideal for identifying cells at the microscope; it includes the basics of hematologic morphology, including examination of the peripheral blood smear, basic maturation of the blood cell lines, and discussions of a variety of clinical disorders. Over 400 photographs, schematic diagrams, and electron micrographs illustrate hematology from normal cell maturation to the development of various pathologies. New in this edition is a chapter that covers normal newborn peripheral blood morphology; expanded resources with case studies, study questions and links to websites. Ideal for classroom/student lab teaching, retraining or review!

Click here to order from the ASCLS online store or here to view price and an order form

Laboratory Quality & Patient Safety: Reducing Lab-Associated Medical Errors by Larry Broussard, PhD, DABCC, FACB

Following the 1999 IOM report on medical errors and patient safety there has been a growing need to educate laboratorians on the types of errors, frequency of errors and strategies to minimize errors. In particular, emphasis needs to be on what direct or indirect errors are the result of the laboratory and what the laboratory can do to minimize these errors. The presentation includes background information from national reports and initiatives (IOM, AHRQ, IQLM), management tools, monitors of lab quality (studies to use), regulatory/legislative responses and presentation of publicized cases (ie-Maryland General). This is a 2-part presentation; the first covers the history and recommendations for patient safety and addresses patient safety indicators and pre-analytical errors; the second part covers analytical & post-analytical errors and tools for detection & prevention. Case studies are included to provide laboratory examples of how attention to errors can improve lab quality and affect patient safety. The instructional CD is P.A.C.E.®-approved

Click here to order from the ASCLS online store or here to view price and an order form

Clinical Laboratory Education
by Susan Beck, Ph.D. & Vicky LeGrys, DA

This recently revised and updated textbook, available on CD, helps prepare clinical laboratory students or professionals for a wide variety of teaching roles. Chapters cover the basic principles of educational methodology - Writing Goals and Objectives, Developing Learning Activities, Test Development and Analysis, and Evaluating Performance in the Clinical Laboratory - plus two new chapters have been added - Introduction to Education in CLS and Continuing Education.

The student version includes all chapters and a post-test for each chapter; designed for classroom use or self-study. P.A.C.E.© credit can be obtained with mail-in answer sheet; ideal for orienting clinical faculty. The instructor version includes all chapters, PowerPoint presentations to assist with classroom presentation, post-tests for each chapter with answers, and suggested homework assignments. Chapters are pdf files that can be viewed on a computer screen or printed. Powerpoint presentations, post-tests and homework assignments in the Instructor version can be edited for individual use.

Ideal for meeting the NAACLS curriculum requirement for educational techniques and terminology, for improving the objectives and test questions in educational programs, and for developing tools for evaluating the clinical performance of students and practitioners. Available on CD-ROM only. CD, 2007.

System requirements: Windows 98SE (or higher) and Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.1.0 (available on the CD); not compatible with Mac OS

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
by Terry Jo Gile, MAEd, MT(ASCP)

Do your employees know the proper way to put on and remove a lab coat? Do they know how to aseptically remove their gloves? Have they had the appropriate respirator fit testing? If not, then this training program on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), written by the Safety Lady®, Terry Jo Gile, is a must for your laboratory. It includes everything you need to properly train your employees on the issues necessary for meeting OSHA and laboratory accreditation requirements.

Laboratories must provide protective clothing, face and eye protection and respirators for staff, equipping them with protective items appropriate for the risks inherent in all tasks they perform. This program is designed to inform laboratory employees about the personal protective equipment (PPE) they will need to protect themselves from exposures to chemicals, blood and body fluids.

During site inspections, OSHA and other regulatory agencies will assess your facility to ensure you have adequate supplies of all PPE and ask to see documentation of employee training on proper selection and use of PPE. If you use reusable lab coats, OSHA will check to make sure they are made of fabric that meets the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) specifications for PPE.

The training program includes a leader's guide and a CD and a DVD. The leader's guide, on CD, will assist you with the training. Examples of the attendance sheet, quiz and evaluation form are included so that you can reproduce them as is or print on your letterhead. A 25 minute self running presentation with audio, on DVD, makes it simple to ensure the training is consistent and addresses the proper way to select and wear laboratory personal protective equipment. In addition, successful completion of the program will grant 1 P.A.C.E.®-approved contact hour. 2007; CD/DVD; free shipping

Quick Guide to Coagulation Testing
by Marisa B. Marques and George Fritsma

The Quick Guide to Coagulation Testing -- a joint effort of the Departments of Pathology and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham -- is intended for health practitioners, residents, and students. Ordering and interpreting laboratory assays is often taken for granted, but the complexity of coagulation testing renders the understanding of laboratory results even more critical than in other areas. Lack of awareness of the effect of clinical conditions or the interference of drugs on hemostasis test results may lead to disastrous misinterpretations.

The Guide was designed to be used as a speedy reference for anyone who orders, collects, performs, or interprets hemostasis laboratory tests. Its pocket size offers immediate access at the time and location tests are ordered. We included the most common hemorrhagic and thrombotic conditions, their treatment with blood products or anticoagulants, and treatment monitoring. Diseases and assays are listed together. Experience suggests that the Guide will be a valuable resource for many medical professionals. Click here to order from the ASCLS online store or here to view price and an order form. 2006, spiral bound, 62 page

Quick Guide to Hematology Testing
by Vishnu Reddy, Marisa B. Marques and George Fritsma

The Quick Guide to Hematology Testing is a speedy reference for anyone who orders, performs, or interprets hematology laboratory tests including complete blood counts, bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow film examinations, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular techniques. Clear understanding of the significance of hematology laboratory results is critical and awareness of the effect of confounding factors leads to clinically sound interpretations.

The Guide's pocket size provides immediate access at the time and location tests are ordered, performed, and interpreted. The text includes the most common anemias and leukemias, to emphasize their laboratory evaluation, treatment, and follow-up. Diseases and their assays are described together, so that all conditions may be correlated when a laboratory workup is warranted.

Although the Guide reviews clinical conditions, it should never be used as single source for differential diagnosis of patients. The authors' local experience suggests that the Guide is a useful resource for many medical professionals. Click here to order from the ASCLS online store or here to view price and an order form. 2007, spiral bound, 132 pages

Quick Guide to Transfusion Medicine
by Marisa B. Marques and Margaret G. Fritsma

The Quick Guide to Transfusion Medicine is a valuable reference for any healthcare professional involved in ordering blood transfusions or collecting, performing, and interpreting pretransfusion tests. The Quick Guide is a concise pocket-sized reference for patient and donor blood collection and testing; composition, indications, and administration of blood components; and recognition and treatment of transfusion reactions. It includes guidelines for transfusion in special circumstances such as sickle cell anemia, massive transfusion, intrauterine and neonatal transfusion, stem cell transplant recipients, IgA deficiency, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Therapeutic use of apheresis for plasma or red cell exchanges or photopheresis is also covered. Throughout, the emphasis is on transfusion safety through knowledge and adherence to requirements for accurate identification and appropriate ordering, testing, and administration of blood products. A useful resource to many medical professionals. Click here to order from the ASCLS online store or here to view price and an order form. 2007, spiral bound, 123 pages

Assuring the Right Quality Right - Good Laboratory Practices for Verifying the Attainment of the Intended Quality of Test Results
By James O. Westgard

In this vital new manual, Dr. James O. Westgard, sorts through the guidelines, recommendations, trends and fads, and distills a plan for Quality into practical step-by-step directions. Even in the 21st century, Quality can be simple. With the tools and techniques introduced and demonstrated in this book, you can do the Right Quality Right.

Some of the topics included are:

CLIA "Final" Rules and "Equivalent QC" options Inspection and Accreditation agencies, the impact of going "unannounced" on laboratories Risk Management techniques, their scope and applicability Six Sigma tools and benchmarks ISO 15189 and other standards Patient Safety pressures Government investigations into the Quality of Laboratory Testing

Dr. Westgard shows practical ways to evaluate the indicators, checklists, and benchmarks. He introduces an objective, rational method for managing quality in the laboratory. Finally, he demonstrates practical tools to implement and achieve that level of quality. For every laboratory budget, there is a solution that will improve quality and assure compliance Click here to order from the ASCLS online store or here to view price and an order form. 2007, manual, 288 pages

The Other End of the Microscope: The Bacteria Tell Their Own Story
A Fantasy by Elmer W. Koneman

This entertaining book offers a unique and fascinating look at the relationship between bacteria and humans. Told from the bacteria's perspective, the microbes use allegories and myths to illustrate their discontent with the ways in which humans have treated them, most notably the derogatory manner in which they often are named. The Other End of the Microscope provides readers with clever sketches of a variety of microbes. Their internal structure, niches and habitats, physiology, modes of survival, association with human diseases, and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are covered - all from the bacteria's points of view. Readers will be delighted by the antics of these bacteria and will gain new insights into the activities of this hidden world, where microbes can protect themselves against virtually any natural or human-invented adversity.

The fantasy culminates in a gathering at which the bacteria have a contest to rename Homo sapiens, in an attempt to sensitize humans to be more prudent in the naming of future species of bacteria, accentuating their positive, rather than negative, qualities. In turning the tables Dr. Koneman offers a unique way to see the world from a different perspective. Scientists, students and teachers, and the science-interested lay public will all be captivated, entertained, and educated by this extraordinary tale. Click here to order from the ASCLS online store or here to view price and an order form. 2002, paperback, 218 pages

CLT/CLS Student Bowl Games CD, Vol. 2

All new games are now available! The new edition combines games for the CLT and CLS level. The CD includes 8 games, instructions, answers to all questions and the template to enter your own questions and create your own games. Games can be played by individuals or teams. This is a fun way to review for certification exams. It can also be used for National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week activities. Winner of the 2002 ASCLS Theriot Award for creativity in education. Microsoft PowerPoint is loaded on the disc and is not required for this to function on your computer. Volume 1 of the CLT & CLS versions are still available. For more information or to order, visit the ASCLS online store and click on What’s New or Click Here.

Complete Guide to Laboratory Safety, 2nd edition
By Terry Jo Gile, MAEd, MT(ASCP)/HCPro Publication

This newly updated manual digests current complex rules from OSHA, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the EPA, and delivers how-to compliance advice. Also includes CAP checklist references in relevant chapters, a safety audit checklist, chemical storage chart, case studies and more. Whether you're new to lab safety or a seasoned veteran, you can rely on this simple, easy-to-understand manual and CD-ROM set to help you implement critical lab safety measures. For more information or to order online, visit http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod-5112-RASCLS.html. Special reduced price if ordered through ASCLS! 2007, manual plus CD-ROM

A comprehensive training program delivered in an easy-to-use book and CD-ROM set. It will help to make obligatory training simple as well as fun and interesting! Contains a month-by-month training plan, tips, tools, activities, and case studies. Includes training for blood borne pathogens, chemical hygiene, fire safety, hoods/environmental and more. For more information and to order online, visit http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod.cfm?id=4484&s=RASCLS. Special reduced price if ordered through ASCLS!
2006, spiral bound plus CD-ROM

Introducing the first comprehensive resource on infection control written exclusively for laboratorians. This all-in-one compliance guide covers all the critical regulatory information laboratory staff needs to know when creating and following an effective infection control program. A good reference book for any laboratory or student program to gain valuable insight. For more information and to order online, visit http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod.cfm?id=3966&s=RASCLS. Special reduced price if ordered through ASCLS!
2006, paperback plus CD-ROM

This training program is designed to provide materials and information needed to train laboratory employees in how to identify and prevent the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Employees will learn about risk factors and to identify physical work activities or conditions in the lab that are commonly associated with ergonomic problems. This program also addresses CAP requirements for the Lab General Checklist question GEN70816. Successful completion of this program will grant 1 P.A.C.E.®-approved contact hour.

The training program includes a leader's guide and a CD and a DVD. The leader's guide, on CD, will assist you with the training. Examples of the attendance sheet, quiz and evaluation form are included so that you can reproduce them as is or print on your letterhead. A 25 minute self running presentation with audio, on DVD, makes it simple to ensure the training is consistent and addresses general ergonomic issues as well as lab specific concerns including: musculoskeletal diseases, general work tips, workstation setup, seating and computer equipment, pippetting, microscope use and more. 2007; CD/DVD; free shipping

A comprehensive review of clinical chemistry, available on CD or online, provides concise information for the most common chemical analyses and disease correlation. Each topic is presented via PowerPoint slides with synchronized audio. Interactive case histories are included with most topics to assist the learner in applying important pieces of information. Each unit is ideal for use in reviewing, retraining, for in-house continuing education needs, or to assist with regulatory training or competency requirements. Click here for more information or to order 2006

Each case study is designed to take you beyond the laboratory test and investigate the causes for abnormal laboratory results. Earn 1 contact hour of P.A.C.E.® - approved continuing education credit conveniently at your own pace by downloading the cases and successfully completing a quiz. Case studies may be downloaded for free; cost for P.A.C.E.® - approved credit is $15 for ASCLS members; $25 for nonmembers. Click here for more information.

Web Courses

MediaLab offers individual and institutional subscriptions to online courses. All courses are designed exclusively for laboratory professionals. You may obtain over 70 hours of P.A.C.E. credit for only $95 per year (individual subscription price)!

Online courses include Hematology, Urinalysis, Microbiology, Body Fluids, HIPAA, DOT Compliance, OSHA Safety and more!

Individual subscriptions provide full access for one person to one or more courses for a year's duration. Each course consists of interactive training material and a quiz. You will receive an individualized certificate granting ASCLS P.A.C.E. and California CME credits upon successful completion of the course.

Sign up for individual subscriptions using your credit card or for more information by visiting this web address, www.medialabinc.net/sub.asp?reference=x471qr34.

Institutional subscriptions provide course access for groups of students and include a powerful online tracking system accessible to the supervisor. Call MediaLab at 678-226-2505 for more information about institutional subscriptions. Be sure to tell them you are an ASCLS member.

DNAMedEdCafé provides educational webcasts designed for laboratory professionals and other healthcare professionals. There is no registration fee to participate. A phone line and/or an Internet connection are all that are required to attend live webcasts. Past educational webcast presentations are available as archived programs. CE/CME webcast sponsors are ASCLS and Medical Education Collaborative (MEC). Webcast co-sponsors are ASCLS, AMP and Dane Garvin Ltd. Webcasts are supported by an educational grant from Abbott Molecular. Click here for dates and topics.

Dane Garvin, Ltd provides educational webcasts designed for laboratory professionals. There is no registration fee to participate. Archived webcasts are easily accessed via the internet. ASCLS is a webcast co-sponsor and provides the P.A.C.E.® credit. Webcasts are supported by various companies. Click here for topics.

Westgard Quality Corporation Courses

"Introduction to Quality Planning" This minicourse introduces the latest theories and models for Quality Control. QC has been performed in the healthcare laboratory for over 50 years, yet many QC practices remain rooted in the 1950’s. New technologies, new approaches, and new techniques for QC have evolved in the last few decades. This course introduces the latest developments in QC. Earn 8 P.A.C.E.^® contact hours for successfully completing the final exam.

"Basic QC Practices"
This intensive Web course, developed by Dr. James O. Westgard, is intended to provide education and training in quality control (QC) to a broad audience of healthcare practitioners who perform laboratory tests in central laboratories, clinic or outpatient laboratories, and point-of-care settings. Earn 15 P.A.C.E.^® contact hours for successfully completing the final exam.

"Basic Method Validation"
Also developed by Dr. Westgard. Basic Method Validation focuses on the essentials for validating the performance of laboratory methods for moderate or high complexity tests. These methods comprise the majority of tests performed in most healthcare laboratories. The knowledge and skills required for basic method validation are the minimum training and education needed to validate method performance in any healthcare laboratory. Earn 15 P.A.C.E.^® contact hours for successfully completing the final exam.

"Multirule MiniCourse"
Multirule QC - often called the "Westgard rules" - is a commonly used QC procedure in many laboratories. But many laboratorians are confused about its use and interpretation. This course gives the definitive explanation of the multirule QC as well as how it should be properly interpreted. This should help healthcare practictioners operate valid statistical QC procedures. This course is approved at the Basic Level of Instruction for 5 hours of P.A.C.E.® credit.

"Levey-Jennings MiniCourse"
It is essential that laboratorians understand the use of the Levey-Jennings control chart to assure the quality of test results. Control results must be plotted and interpreted and critical decisions about in-control and out-of-control results are made using these charts. Still, many laboratorians are confused about the use and interpretation of control results. In this course, Dr. James O. Westgard gives a definitive explanation of the LJ chart, as well as practical advice on how to use and properly interpret control results. Earn 5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours for successfully completing the final exam.

Chronolab

The Quality of Diagnostic Samples -- This online program consists of two chapters: 1) Introduction with detailed information on choice of diagnostic sample, its collection, transport, storage and optimal volume and 2) Samples and Stability of Analytes elaborating the stability of 386 analytes in blood (serum, plasma or whole blood), 65 analytes in urine and 9 analytes in cerebrospinal fluid.   In addition, biological half-life of an analyte; its stability at different temperatures; stabilizer and the list of referent literature are elaborated.   Based on Recommendations of the Working Group on Preanalytical Variables of the German Society for Clinical Chemistry and the German Society for Laboratory Medicine.   Ideal for educating non-laboratory personnel about specimen types & uses, for managers of specimen collection areas, or for laboratorian review/continuing education needs.   Registration is free. To sign up, click here.

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Earn an advanced degree over the Internet! ASCLS and UMDNJ -the nation’s largest health science university - offer ASCLS members a unique on-line learning experience.  Coursework for a Master of Science in Health Systems or a Certificate in Clinical Systems Management is available at in-state tuition costs, even if you do not live in New Jersey, and taken conveniently at your home.  Click here for details

Home Study Opportunities for P.A.C.E.^® Credit

Do you need CE credit for recertification, licensure renewal or in your workplace? A convenient mail-in examination is published in every issue (4 times/year) of the ASCLS journal, Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS). Subscribers can read and study articles on selected topics, correctly answer follow-up questions, and earn 1.5 to 5 contact hours per FOCUS section.

1. Subscription to CLS is a benefit of ASCLS Professional I membership (visit the Membership section). A separate fee is charged for each exam returned to receive continuing education credit; $18/exam for ASCLS member, $28/exam for non-member.
   
   
2. Purchase an individual subscription to the journal for $50/year (institutional and international subscriptions slightly higher). Contact the ASCLS Education Department at 301-657-2768 to subscribe to the CLS journal. A separate fee is charged for each exam returned to receive continuing education credit; $18/exam for ASCLS member, $28/exam for non-member.
   
   
3. Click here for a form to order individual FOCUS article series. Articles and the answer sheet will be emailed in pdf file format. You must have Adobe Reader 5.0 or higher to view and print each article and the answer sheet. $22/FOCUS series - ASCLS member, $32/FOCUS series non-member; price includes articles, mail-in answer sheet, and payment for P.A.C.E.® credit.

A P.A.C.E.® certificate and credit will be awarded to participants who achieve a passing score of 70% or better. Please allow 8 weeks for certificate receipt. Instructions are included on the mail-in exam with each FOCUS section articles. Note that FOCUS exam answer sheets expire one year after the original publication date.

Each case study is designed to take you beyond the laboratory test and investigate the causes for abnormal laboratory results. Earn 1 contact hour of P.A.C.E.® - approved continuing education credit conveniently at your own pace by downloading the cases and successfully completing a quiz. Case studies may be downloaded for free; cost for P.A.C.E.® - approved credit is $15 for ASCLS members; $25 for nonmembers. Click here for more information.

The "LEARNING SCOPE" in ADVANCE
ASCLS & ADVANCE for Medical Laboratory Professionals produce a joint educational program through which ASCLS offers continuing education credits to ADVANCE readers. Similar to the FOCUS program described above, readers read a "Learning Scope" article in ADVANCE, complete a post-test and return it to ASCLS for grading.  If you are not already receiving ADVANCE, call 1-800-355- 1088 (610-278-1400).

Meetings, Seminars and Conferences

Click Here to view a complete listing of our State Society and Regional Meetings and Conferences.

P.A.C.E.^® Program 

P.A.C.E.® is an administrative system serving as the quality assurance mechanism for continuing education programs offered to clinical laboratory professionals. P.A.C.E.® is of benefit to both continuing education providers and the laboratory professionals who participate in the programs they provide.

Participants in P.A.C.E.® approved educational sessions have confidence in the quality of the program. P.A.C.E.® continuing education contact hours satisfy continuing education requirements for federal regulations, state licensure, certification agencies and employers.

Educational programs may be in a number of different formats, from large multiple day annual meetings to self-instructional material on audio/visual cassettes, CDs, journal articles, or on Internet websites. For a complete description of P.A.C.E.®, to learn how to become a provider, associated fees, and more, click below to access the P.A.C.E.® application packet. P.A.C.E.® questions may also be directed to sherrym@ascls.org or phone 301-657-2768.

Publications

"Education Connections"Books, CD-Roms, video tapes and other publications designed to enhance your professional education.

" Clinical Laboratory Science ( CLS )"  The quarterly journal of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.  CLS includes FOCUS continuing education articles.  Readers can earn 2-5 P.A.C.E.^® continuing education contact hours for taking and passing the FOCUS examination at the end of the article.

Educational Scholarship Information

Dade-Behring/Coordinating Council on the Clinical Laboratory Workforce Scholarship Assistance for students in the second year of a Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT/MLT) program

Alpha Mu Tau Fraternity ScholarshipsUndergraduate and Graduate Scholarship information.

Forum for Concerns of Minorities ScholarshipAssistance for minority students in clinical laboratory scientist or clinical laboratory technician programs who can demonstrate evidence of financial need.

Cardinal Healthcare Graduate Research AwardAwards are limited to Clinical Laboratory Scientists or Clinical Laboratory Technicians pursuing graduate research in the field.

Quest Student Forum Leadership Award  Recognizes a student member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributed to the growth and development of the ASCLS Student Forum.

Additional ASCLS Scholarship and Awards Information

Education Links