August, 2012 - Clinical Laboratory Scientists of Alaska

Volume XXX
From the
Virtual Desk
of the CLSA
Issue 2
August 2012
CLSA-Notes from the Prez
Constance Stager, CLSA President
Hello All,
Our conference was a great success thanks to the hard work of Gloria Tomich
and the members of the conference committee. We really appreciate all of your
hard work! See more about the conference on page 3.
Changing Times
In March of 2012 Shellie Smith and I attended the ASCLS Legislative Symposium
in Washington DC. The issues discussed were the Workforce Reinvestment
Act Reauthorization, clinical laboratory payment cuts, and modernizing
the laboratory fee schedule. You can read more about the Legislative Symposium
on page 9.
Turn-around-times
I was honored to be to be a member
of the 2012 graduating class of
the ASCLS Leadership Academy.
The groups project this year focused
on increasing and retaining
members and the development of
elevator speeches.
The 2012 election results can be found
on page 2 with a list of current Board
Members and Committee Chairs.
Finally, as my term as CLSA President comes to a close, I want to thank you all
for your support this year. It has been a pleasure getting to know the CLSA
members and working with the board. I look forward to continuing to work with
all of you for years to come. I would like to welcome Shannon Billings to the office
of President and wish her a great year.

2012 Election Results
Below are the current (2012-13) board members and committee chairs following the elections:
Board Members
President
Shannon Billings
President-Elect
Past President
Holly Berg
Constance Stager
Secretary Tony Gregston (2011-2013)
Treasurer
First Year Professional
Soh-Min Nee
Shannon Albright
Arctic/ Interior Region District Director Teresa Johnson (2011-2014)
Central Region District Director Hayatte Obeidi (2012-2015)
South Central Region District Director Susan Myers (2012-2015)
South Eastern Region District Director Jeane Frickey (2011-2014)
Western Region District Director Bill Doughty (2010-2013)
Committee Chairs/others
By Laws
Government Liaison
Historian
Membership
Shellie Smith
David Pierce
Alicia Morgan
Mary Lashinski
National Medical Lab Professionals Week
Nominations/Elections
Nominations/Elections – Committee member
Nominations/Elections – Committee member
PACE Coordinator
Asako Fisher
Gloria Tomich
Vivian “Sharlane” Donaldson
William Powell
Allison Theriault
Physician Office Lab Liaison
Professional & Public Relations
Scholarships
Student Member
Turn Around Times Editor
UAA Representative
Web Master/ Education Coordinator
vacant
Sheri Kulhanek
District Directors
Marisol Hamilton
Constance Stager
Heidi Mannion
Michael DelMundo
Page 2
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2012 Conference Summary
This years conference was held at the 2012 CLSA Annual Conference March 28,29
&30, at the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Anchorage.
Some of the highlights:
ASCLS President Catherine Otto gave the key note
address on patient safety.
We had 23 educational sessions We had about 135 attendees
including the vendors. The registrations were about 100.
We had 22 registered booths for the vendors.
Our project this year was
the Food Bank of Alaska.
We gave over $1400 and
250 pounds of food!
Awards:
Omicron Sigma
First awarded in 1977, Omicron Sigma is the ASCLS President’s Honor Roll for Out
standing Service. It provides lasting recognition of those dedicated members who volunteer
their personal resources, time and energy to the ASCLS.
• Gloria Tomich : Past President, Conference Chair
• Teresa Johnson: Scholarship Committee Chair, District Director
• Heidi Mannion: Licensure, UAA MLT Liaison
• Jill Jefson: Conference Planning, Treasurer
Key to the Future
*This award serves to recognize and reward ASCLS members who have demonstrated their
leadership potential to the organization, and to provide these members with structured mentoring.
• Hayette Obeidi
• So-Min Nee
Member to the Year
• Tony Gregston
The ASCLS Member of the Year Award is sponsored each year to recognize a member of
the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science who has contributed significantly to the
field of clinical laboratory science and to the Society and who has, by outstanding example,
inspired others. All nominees are recognized at the ASCLS Annual Awards ceremony where
the recipient of this award is announced.
Gold Nugget Award
In appreciation for an organization’s contributions to CLSA and to
the professional growth of laboratory professionals in Alaska.
• Sysmex USA
ISSUE 2 Page 3

Alaska’s Innovations in Quality Public Health Laboratory Practice
Shellie Smith
The quality of waived testing in Alaska had been of concern even before the Commission
on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA) in 2011 published a white paper
on waived testing “Federal Government Questions Quality in Waived Testing:
The Hard Facts and What Can Laboratories Do Now?” Based on phone calls to
the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) inspector and the initial
surveys for Certificate of Waiver Laboratories, it became evident that outreach to
Physician Office Laboratories could be of great value to these entities. Finding the
funds to support outreach activities, however, often becomes the critical most factor
in the implementation of such a program.
See the article at http://www.cola.org/docs/waived/whitepaper.pdf
The funding for this outreach came at a most fortuitous time through the Association of Public Health
Laboratories (APHL). In October 2011, APHL offered grant opportunities for innovations in quality public
health laboratory practice. After reviewing the grant proposal, it was decided this was a great opportunity
for Alaska to reach out to the physician office labs and offer them the opportunity to improve the
quality of their testing programs in a positive learning environment. Even though this opportunity was
available to all public health laboratories, other public health laboratories within ASCLS Region IX did
not apply for this grant. The objectives of the outreach program were aligned with the requirements of
the grant so at the conclusion of the training participants would be able to:
• find FDA test complexity levels for test systems on the internet
• apply the CLIA requirements for waived testing
• follow the manufacturer’s package insert
• recognize the difference between built-in and external controls
• identify an example of good laboratory practice
• apply good laboratory practice when performing waived tests
Alaska is a huge state and travel is very costly so in order to get “the most bang for our buck,” we decided
to hold training in regional areas where travel is reliable and most affordable. Once the regional
areas were identified, we wondered what incentives we could offer that would make our targeted audience
want to participate in training. We decided that holding training sessions at “site neutral” locations
such as hotels that provided classrooms and catering, was a good first step. We held the sessions on
the weekends, avoiding times that would take participants away from their normal busy work schedules.
We provided them with a handy reference binder and a training agenda, other reference materials they
could take away, and presented a selection of donated door prizes to lucky participants.
Page 4
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A partnership was formed for the training sessions between the Alaska CLIA surveyor and the Regional
CLIA surveyor serving as the faculty. Between the two surveyors, they had a wealth of personal knowledge
and written training materials they could readily identify for their use. They utilized materials such as
the state surveyor questionnaire, CMS CLIA brochure, manufacturer package inserts from most common
tests employed in Alaska and CDC resource booklets such as “Ready, Set, Test”. Participants were encouraged
and time was set aside during each session to make sure that participants could ask as well as
get all their questions answered. At the end of the sessions, participants were given certificates of attendance.
Marketing the program consisted of sending a letter of invitation and professionally printed brochure to all
of the waived laboratories and provider performed microscopy laboratories identified in the CLIA website
for Alaska. This approach was so successful, that participants unfortunately had to be turned away from
some of the classes.
As a result of the grant, 52 laboratories received training that would help them to evaluate correctly the
level of testing they were performing, identify good laboratory practice and employ this in their waived testing
programs, and the critical importance of following the manufacturer’s package insert. A pre and post
test was used to measure the effectiveness of the training as well as a final evaluation that was sent out
after all training sessions had been conducted. The final evaluation is in process and will be used to determine
what practices were changed and how quality in waived laboratory testing improved as a result of the
face to face training sessions. Pre and post test evaluations indicate that participants did learn and take
away valuable information as a result of their participation.
In the future, we hope to incorporate a distance learning component to the training so that more laboratories
can participate in an asynchronous learning environment. We hope that APHL will offer the grant
again in the future and that more public health laboratories will take advantage of this opportunity to provide
outreach at a time when budgets are shrinking. Course evaluations overwhelmingly support this
learning opportunity and all participants were eager to recommend this course to their colleagues.
Shellie Smith
Region IX Director
ISSUE 2 Page 5

Public Health Laboratories: Protecting Communities through Innovation,
Leadership and Quality Laboratory Science
Shellie Smith
Many years ago, I started my career as a medical laboratory scientist in an acute care laboratory.
Many of my student rotations had been in acute care laboratories and it seemed that was the direction I
must take as I started my career in laboratory science. One day I was asked to send specimens over
to the public health laboratory for testing. I was surprised. I had never heard of the public health laboratory
and I had no idea what it did. Little did I know that someday I would work in one, and how
amazed I would be as I learned more about the mission of this incredible healthcare partner. Shortly
after I transitioned to working in Alaska’s public health laboratory, I began to see the important role
Public Health Laboratories play in protecting communities through innovation, leadership and quality
improvement.
I have found it personally rewarding to be involved as our laboratory explores innovative ways to take
new technology, such as molecular testing, and apply it to the needs of populations previously not
served or underserved. In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership
with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, established
the framework for a national Laboratory Response Network (LRN), whose objective is to ensure
an effective, coordinated laboratory response to bioterrorism. As LRN members, public health
laboratories throughout the nation implemented molecular methods for the detection of microbes that
had potential to be used for intentional harm. But how can technology developed for bioterrorism preparedness
help solve a real life problem for an underserved population?
In Alaska, specimens submitted to the public health laboratory may be in transit for several days due to
vast distances and extreme weather conditions. This was especially problematic for pertussis cultures
from suspect outbreaks in rural parts of the state where microbiology services are not available. While
children appeared clinically sick and pertussis was suspected, healthcare providers could not confirm
this by laboratory diagnosis, nor could they determine the scope of the disease in the community without
laboratory surveillance data. The organism was too fragile to survive transit and even though pertussis
culture was the gold standard in laboratory testing, it just didn’t work for Alaska’s rural populations.
Using expertise acquired from the LRN testing, Alaska’s public health laboratory staff was able
to validate a molecular methodology that allows rapid diagnosis of this disease in specimens containing
non-viable organisms. Now all of Alaskan children have access to speedy and accurate pertussis testing
no matter where they live.
Recently I have been involved in a project that illustrates how the public health laboratory expands its
role beyond diagnostic and surveillance testing to provide scientific and managerial leadership for the
development of public health policy. As a regional advisory committee member on an infertility prevention
project, I actively promoted implementation of the most reliable sexually transmitted disease testing
(STD) methodology for the region. I worked collaboratively with local, state, regional and federal laboratory
partners as well as industry to develop policies to lower the per patient testing cost. This was
accomplished by pooling specimens without sacrificing quality; providing and reviewing statistics to
concentrate limited resources on achieving overall regional goals for detection and treatment; identifying
expert witnesses on the use of this testing methodology for forensic testing and court testimony;
and recommending the appropriate use of this STD testing methodology.
Alaska’s public health laboratory seeks to promote quality lab science internally by incorporating quality
improvement into all daily activities of the laboratory whether these activities are for research, surveillance
or diagnostic purposes. As an example, in spite of severely limited resources, the laboratory was
recently able to develop a nucleic acid amplification test for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB) complex. Traditional culture methods are still used, but the availability of the new molecular
test greatly improves diagnostic services to many patients by cutting the detection time from a long
one to eight weeks down to a very short three to five hours.
Page 6
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Our laboratory promotes quality science outside our doors as well. Infection control programs in
Alaska’s healthcare and public education facilities have improved through the use of Pulse Field Gel
Electrophoresis (PFGE) performed at the public health laboratory. PFGE analysis is a useful tool for
examining the source and spread of pathogenic bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), a constant infection control threat. I am consistently encouraged by the willingness of
the public health laboratory to be a resource to other laboratory’s quality improvement endeavors. In
an effort to see that the transporters are safe and the specimens arrive intact, I have committed many
hours to teaching Alaska’s private healthcare providers how to properly ship specimens. Our public
health laboratory is a ready source of previously tested specimens that private clinical laboratories can
use to verify or validate new testing methodologies thus improving the laboratory science used to
serve their patient populations.
I have shared with you some of my fulfilling experiences working in a single public health laboratory.
However, each state public health laboratory operates within the parameters of its mission and the
boundaries of its jurisdiction. There are similarities across all states, just as there are unique differences
between them. Although the general public or even many clinical laboratory scientists may
know little about them, all public health laboratories strive to protect communities by promoting innovative,
quality, laboratory science. I am pleased to work among these dedicated laboratory professionals.
The views expressed are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the views of any individual
public health laboratory, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), or the State of
Alaska.
Need some help recruiting new members?
Membership
ASCLS has the recruitment materials you need! Take advantage of the ASCLS Leadership
resources found at http://www.ascls.org/?page=State_Lead_Area
On this page you will find:
• Recruitment Documents
• Member Recruitment PowerPoint 2012
• What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say
• Graduating Student Recruitment Letter Sample
• Recruitment Guide to Moderators
• Keep in Touch Cards
• Business Cards-ASCLS Logo
Issue 2 Page 7

Student Perspective
… from CLSA Student Representative Marisol Hamilton
Ashley
Bender
Student Report
Shakira
Lealofi
In between studying and taking exams, the students at UAA celebrated lab
week in high style this year. Showing off their creativity, students participated
in activities through out the week such as chrome agar art, design
your own lab coat and what not to wear in the lab!
The lucky first place titles went to Ashley Bender for her sporty beachwear, Rebecca Lewis’ rendition of Van
Gough’s “Starry Night” and Shakira Lealofi’s one of a kind lab coat.
Rebecca Lewis
On May 4th, 2012 the UAA MLT department hosted a pinning ceremony for the students who completed their
program. Congratulations to the following for their accomplishment:
OEC Phlebotomy
Medical Technology
Eric Anderson Sarah Martin Dawn Boullion
Corey Chivers Julie Moua
Jeremy Foss
Cody Putnam
Alix Graves
Caitlin Richardson
Katie Haag
Daisy Richmond
Shannon James James Rising
Madeline Knoll Elaine Tacaca
Mary Grace Villasin
Finally the MLT club has extra “Streaking, its what we do” t-shirts available for
purchase for anyone who would like one. Price per shirt is $15.00. If you
are interested please email me at mdhamilton2@alaska.edu.
ISSUE 2 Page 8

2012 Legislative Symposium Constance Stager
This year’s Legislative Symposium was March 19 th and 20 th in Washington DC. Representatives from
ASCLS, ASCP, AMT, ACLA, and CLMA were all present at the conference to lobby for issues of importance
to Laboratorians.
Representatives from all regions of ASCLS are brought together and provided an education on the howto's
of lobbying. Attendees are coached on presentation techniques so they can effectively talk to their congressional
representatives during their appointments. They are very well received in the congressional offices
and attendees return home from Washington with first-hand knowledge of the political system in action
and confidence that they make a difference.
Issue Briefings
*Workforce Reinvestment Act Reauthorization
*Modernizing the Laboratory Fee Schedule
*Oversight of Laboratory Developed Tests
Training programs
Over the last two decades, our nation’s ability to train new laboratory practitioners has declined markedly.
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), reports that the number
of accredited medical laboratory technology programs, programs that train medical laboratory scientists
and technicians, dropped from 709 in 1975 to 229 in 2011. Further, 7 Medical Laboratory Scientist programs
and 17 Medical Laboratory Technician programs across 20 states are at risk for closure this year.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Reauthorization
The reauthorization would maintain Department of Labor workforce funding levels at the FY 12 level
($2,605,268,000) to sustain the health related workforce programs. The reauthorized WIA would continue
provisions that support the expansion of 2 and 4 year laboratory training programs at the community level.
Clinical Laboratory Payment Cuts
Reimbursement rates for laboratory services
threaten our ability to meet the needs of physicians
and patients, for not only seniors but for all
Americans. Cuts mean we cannot hire qualified
individuals to perform and interpret tests, integrate
new science into medicine, and keep the
hundreds of hospital, community and regional
laboratories across the United States that provide
these services open.
Modernizing the Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory
Fee Schedule
This fee schedule has not had a fundamental review since it was established in 1984. Accordingly, significant
technological advances in the delivery of clinical laboratory services in the last 25 years are not
fully reflected. Unless the fee schedule is modernized, patient access to health care is at risk and shortages
in qualified personnel are anticipated. It is time to modernize the clinical diagnostic fee schedule
to reflect both increased costs and current technology.
Page 9
TURN-AROUND-TIMES

CLINICAL LABORATORY
SCIENTISTS OF ALASKA
Turn Around Times Editor
Constance Stager
4734 Palo Verde
Fairbanks AK 99709
Printing & Postage Provided
by Alaska Scientific, Inc.
We’re on the WEB!!!
State www.clsaonline.org
Regional www.ASCLSR9.org
National www.ascls.org
Also: Check us out on Facebook!
Inside This Issue:
Notes From the Prez 1
2012 Election Results 2
Conference Summary 3
Alaska’s Innovations in Quality Public Health
Laboratory Practice 4-5
Public Health Laboratories: Protecting Communities through
Innovation, Leadership and Quality Laboratory Science 6-7
Student Perspective 8
2012 Legislative Symposium 9
Activities of Region IX Student Representative 9
Dates to Remember:
2012 NWMLS October 17 - 20 Portland, OR