CP104 Microbiology for Nonmicrobiologists: What Do You Need to Know and Why?
2:00–5:30 pm
3.75 CME/SAM/CE CREDITS
To many practicing pathologists, microbiology represents the histopathologic recognition of organisms involved in infectious disease processes, using available ancillary techniques as needed. Beyond that, every pathologist should maintain some working knowledge of the clinical microbiology laboratory in order to practice responsibly. Clinical microbiology technologists perform tests designed to identify a variety of organisms in clinical specimens and answer defined clinical questions, yet they often face unusual situations that may require a pathologist’s assistance. Using real-life examples, this course will provide a microbiology perspective on what pathologists should understand about:
- Appropriate use of national guidelines to direct specimen selection, collection, usual workup, and result reporting
- Preanalytic variables that affect reliable results such as collection techniques, specimen quality, transportation conditions, and pathogen detection methods
- Safety considerations for yourself, lab staff, and your technologists on the bench and in the frozen room
- How to act as an effective member of the health care team with clinicians, including when, why, and how to say no
Following this session, participants may complete a related online self-assessment module, available through December 31, 2012. More details will be provided in the course.
You will learn to:
- Make and/or support informed decisions regarding specimen management
- Optimize the safety of those handling potentially infectious materials
- Communicate effectively in situations that arise outside of normal laboratory testing parameters
Faculty
Nancy E. Cornish, MD, FCAP
Rebecca T. Horvat, PhD