Texas Society for Histotechnology, Inc.
33rdAnnual Symposium/Convention
“Histology: A Kaleidoscope of Change”
Houston, Texas
WELCOME
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TableofContents
------Welcome from the PresidentPage 3
------Schedule at a GlancePage 4
Convention Events------Page 5-7
Workshop Descriptions
Friday------Page 8
Saturday------Pages 9-13
Sunday------Page14-15
Scientific Exhibits------Page 16
Hotel Information------Page 17-18
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Registration Information------Page 19
Registration Form------Page 20
Membership Information------Page 21-22
Golf Outing------Page 23
Dear Registrants, Speakers, Vendors, and Colleagues:
The Texas Society for Histotechnology welcomes you to our 33rd Annual Symposium/Convention in HoustonTexas.The Convention committee members are pleased you can join us for a few days of educational opportunities. Several months of dedicated planninghas designed this meeting to be filled with fun and exciting memories.
I would like to say thank you for being committed to continuing education and taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend the convention! Without the time and effort of our dedicatedspeakers,we would not be able to offer so many topics with new and renewed education in the field of Histotechnology and managing our lives. TSH appreciates everything you do for us.
Also, I want to thank our wonderful Vendors, for without their continuous support to the field of Histotechnology we would have a hard time being successful. We appreciate all of you for taking time out of your demanding schedules to visit with us and showing us your latest and greatest equipment and supplies.So, please enjoy the workshops, symposiums, exhibits, and social activities.
Make new friends and get together with the old friends. Have a wonderful TSH learning experience and come again next year. Again, thanks for your SUPPORT!
Sincerely,
Samuel Jones,
President TSH
Who Should Attend? / Why Should I Attend?Histotechnologists
Lab Supervisors/Managers
Students interested in a Histology Career
Anyone involved in the collection, processing and evaluation of tissuesamples. /
- Individualized Training… With many workshops to choose from, the 2010convention provides an opportunity for you to design a unique schedule of training to meet your specific needs.
- Spectacular Speakers… Learn from national histology experts who are successfully meeting the same challenges you face. Boost your personal energy as you exchange ideas with instructors and fellow attendees during hands on, skilled based training sessions.
- Exhibit Hall…Return to your lab armed with ideas and solutions for over 30 vendors in the histology and laboratory supply fields.
- Networking…Meet and learn from over 200 fellow participants who work in histology around the state.
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CONVENTION SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
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Thurs. April 22, 2010
Vendor/Attendee Golf Outing
Friday April 23, 2010
8:00am-5:00pm
Exhibitor Set Up
10:00am-12:00pm
Executive Board Meeting
10:00am-6:00pm
Registration Open
10:00am-2:00pm –
Career Day
8:00pm-4:30 pm
Workshop #1
1:30 – 4:30pm
Workshop #2
4:30pm-6:30 pm
House of Delegates Meeting
6:30pm to 8:00pm
Presidents Reception
Saturday April 24, 2010
7:00am-8:00am
First Time Attendee Breakfast
8:00am-11:30am
Workshops #3 - #6
8:00am-11:30am
Symposium #A
Symposium #B
Symposium #C
9:00am-11:30pm
Exhibits Open for Attendees
11:45am-1:30pm
TSH Membership Luncheon
1:30pm-5:00pm
Exhibits Open for Attendees
2:00pm-5:00pm
Workshops # 7 – #11
5:15pm-6:00pm
District Meetings
Rooms to be determined
7:00pm-Midnight
Saturday Night
TSH AWARDS Dinner/Casino Night
Sunday April 25, 2010
7:00am-12:30pm
Registration open
9:00am-12:30pm
Exhibits Open for Attendees
9:00am-12:30pm
Workshops #12-#15
1:00pm-3:00pm
Executive Board Meeting
*Room assignments to be included in attendee registration packets
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Texas Society for Histotechnology
Awards Dinner
and
Casino Night
Saturday, April 24, 2010
7:00- Midnight
Don’t miss this opportunity for recognition of fellow Histotechnologists and students through our
Annual Awards Program
Food, Fun and Prizes!
Convention Events!
CAREER DAY
District II is proud to present Career Day
Friday, April 23, 2010 from 10:00am-2:00pm
Please join our Career Day committee
in welcoming WestsideHigh School students from the Houston Independent School District as they discover the great profession of Histotechnology!
First Time Attendee Breakfast
Saturday, April 24, 2010
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
If you are a first time attendee to our convention, come and enjoy this informal gathering for breakfast.
Food, Fun and Door Prizes!
Plan to be a mentor to a First Timer!
Texas Society for Histotechnology Annual Membership Luncheon
Saturday April 24, 2010-11:45a.m. -1:30p.m.
Enjoy Lunch with your colleagues and learn what is happening in your
TSH society!
Do You Remember Your First TSH Symposium/Convention?
Would you like to Mentor a FIRST TIMER?
TSH is looking for Seasoned members to join First Timers at the
Saturday, April 24, 2010, 7-8 am
at the
First Timers Breakfast
If interested indicate on your registration form
Workshops
Friday, April 23, 2010
8:00am-4:30pm
Workshop #1:
Title: ASCP Registry Review
Time: 8:00am – 4:30pm
Category: EducationLevel IType: Full Day
Speaker: LawrenceWall, HTL (ASCP) - Education Coordinator, Histotologic Technician Program, HoustonCommunity College
This all-day workshop will focus upon reviewing basic theoretical and practical applications in histotechnology to assist participants in preparation for the ASCP HT certification examination. Topics in the morning workshop include: fixation, tissue processing, laboratory operations, safety, solution preparation and staining theory. Participants are encouraged to bring a calculator to solve the following mathematical problems: percent, dilution, and metric conversion.
A brief synopsis of routine special stains and immunohistochemistry theory will be discussed in the afternoon workshop. The types of stains include: carbohydrate, connective and muscle tissue, neural tissue, microorganisms, pigments, minerals and cytoplasmic granules. Emphasis will focus upon clinical significance, staining principles, reagent sequence, expected results and troubleshooting. Representative micrograph images of both good and poor histochemical staining will be presented.
1:00pm-4:30pm
Workshop #2:
Title: Get the most out of your Immunohistochemistry: A Balance between Convenience, Cost and Flexibility
Time: 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Category: ImmunohistochemistryLevel IType: Half Day
Speakers: David White - Leica Microsystems, Bannockburn, IL
Steve Westra - Leica Microsystems, Bannockburn, IL
As a result of increased IHC volume or even a reduction in technical resource many clinical labs are now moving away from the optimization of antibody concentrates in preference for predilutes for their routine immunohistochemistry. Although this trend has resulted in improved work flow and reduced error handling it may have an adverse effect on the operational costs of IHC labs as well as reducing the educational requirements for histotechnicians to adopt key skills in the art of antibody dilution, optimization and validation.
In this workshop we will present the key benefits and disadvantages of using either predilutes or antibody concentrates both in a manual and automated setting. We will then review the steps required in order to effectively optimizean antibody concentrate covering topics such as: datasheet interpretation, choice of diluent, detection, suitable storage conditions, pipetting techniques and antibody titration protocols and the use of controls.
In today’s IHC laboratory finding a balance between convenience and cost will only help laboratories retain their flexibility but most importantly help their histotechnicians retain valuable skill.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Morning Workshops
8:00am-11:30am
Workshop #3:
Title:Special Stains – What Should and Should Not Stain
Time: 8:00am-11:30AM
Category: TechnicalLevel IType: Half Day
Speaker: John Ryan, MBA, HT/HTL (ASCP) -Assistant Administrative Director Anatomic Pathology, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Department of Pathology, Houston, TX
This workshop will examine some of the "special stains" that are routinely requested in the Histology Laboratory and the rational for why the pathologist has ordered the stain. We will discuss amyloid, PAS, trichrome, silver, AFB, and many more. We will cover the essentials of using controls and determining at what point to consider either new controls or new solutions and review some of the pitfalls to be avoided. We will discuss other tissue structures that will also stain besides the primary tissue being stained in a well done stain. For example in many of the silver stains there is considerable cross-staining between procedures for urate, reticulum, calcium, fungus, mucin, etc., which we will discuss.
Workshop #4:
Title: Prostate Cancer and Prostate Cancer Immunohistochemistry Markers,Traditional and New
Time: 8:00am – 11:30am
Category: ImmunohistochemistryLevel IType: Half Day
Speaker: Traci DeGeer, BS, HT/HTL (ASCP) QIHC, Technical Specialist, Commercial Education
Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer detected in men. The introduction of the biomarker PSA and an aging population have led to an increased number of biopsies to assist in diagnosis. The histology laboratory plays a vital role in determining benign from malignant lesions after biopsy. The importance of knowing the basic anatomy of the prostate and what factors could effect staining is a necessity. The fact that most needle biopsies are taken with needles and provide very small amounts of tissue to work with have made it increasingly important that the immunohistochemistry section of the laboratory stay up to date with the latest markers available to provide the most accurate and earliest diagnosis with the smallest amount of tissue.
Workshop #5:
Title: Exploring the Relationship Between Histology and Cytology
Time: 8:00am – 11:30am
Category: TechnicalLevel IType: Half Day
Speaker: Debbie Smith, CT (ASCP)- Cytology Department Supervisor, The MethodistHospital,
Houston, Texas
There has always been a close relationship between Histology and Cytology. In the present “healthcare” environment Histology and Cytology Labs are doing many things to expand this relationship. This can include cross training the histotechnologist in processing cytology specimens, to instrumentation that allows some of the traditional histology processing to be done partially in Cytology (Cytyc’s Cellient cell block system).
The objectives of the workshop will be:
- Provide an overview of Cytology
- Explore some of the roles for cross-training
- Role of advances in technology in the Cyto/Histo Lab
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Morning Workshops
8:00am-11:30am
Workshop #6:
Title: Designing a LEAN Pathology Lab from Scratch: A Case Study
Time: 8:00am – 11:30am
Category: ManagementLevel IIType: Half Day
Speakers: Steven Feher, MS, SCT (ASCP),Pathology Supervisor, Catholic Med,Center, Manchester, NH
Katja Lehmann, PhD, Six Sigma Black Belt, Danaher Business Systems Leader, Leica Microsystems Inc.
This is a case study in designing a LEAN Pathology lab from scratch. CatholicMedicalCenter began designing a LEAN Pathology lab beginning in January 2009. A team of Pathology professionals was assembled along with a Lean Workflow design expert and an architect to plan the lab. This workshop is a case study that will show the results of what was planned, the things that worked as envisioned and presented, and those processes that had to changed or adapted.
Upcoming Events!
Texas Society for Histotechology Symposium/Convention
Marriott Dallas/Plano at the LegacyTownCenter
7120 Dallas Parkway
Plano, TX
April 1-3, 2011
National Society for Histotechnology
Seattle, Washington
September 24-29, 2010
Mark you Calendars
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Morning Symposiums
8:00am-11:30am
Symposiums A
Title:How to cut Mohs sections Like a Rock Star
Time: 8:00-9:00am
Category: TechnicalLevel I1 hour
Speakers: Shina Clark, HT ASCP)-MD Anderson, Houston, Texas
Teris Minsue Chen, MD – Laser and CosmeticSurgeryCenter – HoustonTexas
Mohs Micrographic Surgery, created by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, is microscopically controlled surgery used to treat common types of skin cancer. Preparing tissue for the Mohs technique require precise specimen orientation and meticulous mapping of cancerous cells, followed by re-excision until all examined tissue sections are free of tumor. When preformed correctly, the skin cancer patient who undergoes Mohs surgery will have the highest chance for cure, and therefore, the lowest risk of recurrence.
The Mohs surgery team consists of the Mohs surgeon, nursing staff, and the histotech. The histotech is the most important person on the Mohs surgery team because the Mohs process requires: complete tissue sections, minimal facing into the block, histology and stain that simulates the gold standard of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue, and rapid turnaround time.
For the purposes of this talk, we will focus on the most difficult part: the Cryotomy. I will share with you my tips on “How to cut Mohs sections like a Rock Star”.
There are many ways for a histotech to prepare and cut the tissue for Mohs Surgery and still get good result. The way that I have found easier and gets the best results from experience I like to call the Texas Two Step…………
Symposium B
Title: Green Histology
Time: 9:00-10:00am
Category: SafetyLevel I1 hour
Speaker: Lawrence Patton – Leica Microsystems – Bannockburn, IL
Organizations are beginning to take a closer look at their impact on the environment. Histology utilizes many reagents, consumables and instrumentation to achieve its goal in saving life. This project is an exercise to provide possibilities to improving procedures and processes: 1.) Determine what we are using in our laboratories. 2.) Access the resources to determine the rules and regulations that govern the ways and means to rid laboratories of its waste.
3.) Assess cost savings, efficiencies, and environmental friendly means in achieving the laboratories goals. The results of this study will lead to new practices in histology and new ways to advance sustainable histotechnolgy. This project has the potential to generate changes in its methods transforming the relationship between earth and lab achieving a goal of truly saving life.
Symposium C
Title: Bio Repository of Breast Tissue
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Category: EducationLevel 11 hour
Speaker: Samuel Ade Agbe, PhD. HT (ASCP) - Education Coordinator Histology Program – UT MD Anderson- Houston, Texas
Histologic professionals are now been called upon to set up a biorepository tissues for future research in their hospitals. This project requires the purchase of freezers, cryovials, storage boxes, weighing balances, gloves and surgical blades. A database described below must be developed. At M D Anderson Cancer Center Houston the data base we developed is called Tissue Station.
Breast tumor and normal samples procured from consented patients are weighed and placed into cryo-vials and stored in liquid nitrogen for future research use. Researchers requested samples are evaluated before distribution for use. This presentation will discuss this process.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Afternoon Workshops
1:30pm-5:00pm
Workshop #7
Title: Techniques Used In Handling Bone Samples
Time: 1:30PM – 5:00pm
Category: Technical Level I Type: Half Day
Speaker: Barry R. Rittman, PhD., Senior Lecturer-Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Medical School and Department of Endodontics Dental School – University of Texas Health Science Center –Houston,TX
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the general structure and histology of the different types of bone. Techniques commonly used in the preparation of whole bone samples and in sections will be described with emphasis on the pros and cons of each method. Fixation, processing and sectioning will be described together with suggestions on the optimal methods of preparation. Most time will be spent on the preparation of paraffin sections but some descriptions of other methods such as celloidin and plastic sections will also be addressed. Methods for carrying out measurements on sections of bone will also be described. Common artifacts and methods for their avoidance will be described.
Workshop #8:
Title: Two Crazy Cat Ladies Give Their Opinions of Life, Liberty and Lab Management v2.0
Time: 1:30pm-5:00pm
Category: Management Level I Type: Half Day
Speakers: Bonnie Whitaker, HT (ASCP) - OhioStateUniversityMedicalCenter
Pamela A Marcum, BS, MS, HT (ASCP), Anatomic Pathology Manager, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock AR
Most of the histology managers/supervisors that we have run across in our experience, and including ourselves, never planned on working in an administrative role in a healthcare system that is as complex as current regulations have required of pathology.
In addition to all of the requirements regarding HIPPA, CLIA, JCOH, etc., we are working in such a litigious society, that how you handle every situation with regards to personnel can potentially become a powder-keg. . The effects of running a GLP Laboratory with the rules and guidelines for FDA are yet another management issue we can face today in many research and private facilities.
While we don’t claim to have any special expertise or training with regards to the legal aspects, we will share experiences that have worked well, along with those that have not, and will invite active group participation in this workshop. We all have experiences that we can share, discuss, and learn from.
This workshop will cover some of the same themes as the original Crazy Cat Ladies workshop, but will have new twists and plots to the ever-challenging job as manager in a laboratory setting.
The attendee to this workshop will be able to identify potential problems that could be encountered while managing a laboratory, recognize some intergenerational and cultural differences that can cause difficulty in dealing with our employees, and be able to identify strategies to deal with these differences.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Afternoon Workshops
1:30pm-5:00pm
Workshop #9:
Title: BioTerrorism
Time: 1:30pm-5:00pm
Category: EducationLevel IType: Half Day
Speaker:David Tate, MS, Director of Clinical and Forensic Sciences - PurdueUniversity, West Lafayette, IN
Prior to September 11, 2001, America only saw terrorists performing on foreign soil but since then we have come to understand there are numerous terrorists factions abroad and within our borders that are working diligently to destroy our way of life. Historically, we saw entire countries as the "enemy," Germany, Russia and Japan, but this type of war is far more insidious for these factions have no geographical boundary, do not have to be supported by a nationally elected government, can recruit members from other nations, have declared it a "Holy War" and have the patience and determination to spend whatever time it takes to accomplish their goals.