Speakers

Titles, Topics, and Objectives

At the completion of this session, the participant will

Grace Athas, PhD, MLS(ASCP),

Associate Professor
LSUHSC Department of Pathology

Seminar Title: Orphan and Rare Diseases – An Overview

Objectives:

1. Define/identify orphan and rare diseases
2. Describe inheritance, diagnosis, and management of orphan diseases
3. Define/identify US Law, international medical guidelines, and support organizations for orphan diseases

Level of presentation: Intermediate

Stephanie Blackburn, EdD, MHS, MLS(ASCP)^CM

Assistant Professor
LSU Health-Shreveport

Seminar Title: Passport in Hand & Ready to Travel...What Healthcare Precautions are Necessary?

Description: Vacations are on the rise following the Covid-19 Pandemic. Therefore, travelers need to be aware of potential biological threats to their health when they travel. This session will focus on recent outbreaks as well as precautions to take prior to, and during travel.

Objectives:

1. Review current travel notices issued by the CDC.
2. Discuss the signs, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria for some of the current outbreaks.
3. Explain precautions that travelers may take prior to visiting other countries. 

Level of presentation: Basic

Lee Ellen Brunson, MHS,MLS(ASCP)^CM

Assistant Professor
LSU Health-Shreveport

Seminar Title: Ethical Implications of Direct-to-Consumer Laboratory Testing: Risks vs. Rewards

Description: As advancements in medicine and technology continually increase, so do the opportunities for patients to become consumers of their own laboratory tests and results. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)laboratory testing can provide health information to patients in a prompt and convenient fashion, but it is important to keep in mind the ethical implications of such testing.

Objectives:

1. Describe Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) laboratory testing.
2. Discuss potential benefits and risks of DTC laboratory testing to patients.
3. Consider the possible impact of DTC testing on the future of traditional laboratory testing. 

Level of presentation: Basic

Kristin Butler, MPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM

Assistant Professor
LSU Health-Shreveport

Seminar Title: Hypersensitivity Reactions

Description: An overview of the 4 types of hypersensitivity reactions, including mechanisms, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Objectives:​

1. Detail the mechanisms and manifestations of the four types of hypersensitivity reactions.
2. Describe the role of antibodies, T-cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and complement in each of the hypersensitivity reactions.
3. Provide a presumptive diagnosis when given clinical manifestations and lab results.

Level of presentation: Intermediate

Sonya Hidalgo, EdD, MLS(ASCP)

Assistant Professor

Seminar Title: Balamuthia Mandrillaris Infection and Survival

Description: Balamuthia mandrillaris is a free-living single-celled ameba that can cause a serious infection called Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE). GAE is considered to be a fatal infection 95% of the time. An overview of the organism, modes of infection, and cases of survival will be discussed. 

Objectives:

1. Discuss the background and location of Balamuthia mandrillaris in its free-living state
2. Explain the modes of infection when a person is exposed
3. Explore treatments linked with cases of survival

Level of presentation: Intermediate

Krystal Pearce, MHS, MLS(ASCP)^CM

Assistant Professor
Medical Laboratory Science Program
School of Allied Health Professions
LSU Health Shreveport

Seminar Title: Body Fluids 101

Description: This presentation is designed to present current information on body fluid analyses. Emphasis will be placed on laboratory procedures, morphological findings, and correlation of test results to disease. 

Objectives:

1. Distinguish normal and abnormal physical characteristics of CSF.
2. List indications for amniotic fluid collection.
3. Discuss three reasons for seminal fluid analyis

Level of presentation: Intermediate