The current available methods to detect M proteins include gel and capillary serum and urine protein electrophoresis (SPEP and UPEP), serum and urine immunofixation (sIFE and uIFE), immunosubstraction (ISUB) and mass spectrometry (MS). Despite an overall good performance on all laboratory procedures using current methodologies, mis- or false-diagnoses have been noticed, especially on cases with non-classic abnormal immunoglobulin profiles. This session will highlight the challenges of transition from traditional agarose gel to Capillary Electrophoresis, as well as cases with the challenging profiles and present solutions using multi-method approach address potential misdiagnosis.

At the end of this session you will :

• Learn the advantages and limitations of various methodologies used for paraproteinemia analysis
• Learn the importance and the discrepancies of current serum free light chains assays and their utilization in clinical practice
• Gain knowledge on up-to-date consensus/guidelines for diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies

Speaker: Jieli (Shirley) Li, MD, PhD, DABCC, NRCC

There are opportunities for teaching in the laboratory. These include new hires, practicum students, new procedures, and sharing ideas with coworkers after attending a conference. Teaching effectively happens when you know how adults learn. Learning what adult learners’ preferences are can help create a more meaningful knowledge transfer. Having insight on different types of learning, visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic, will also assist educators to use the appropriate method to teach. Having clear roles and expectations for both the educators and the learners will ensure that both parties are fully engaged in the learning process. And, as always, practice makes perfect.

At the end of this session you will be able to:

• Explain the characteristics of an Adult Learner
• Describe different types of learning
• Identify methods for learner-centered teaching

Speaker: Diana Kobes, MLT BA AdEd