Enhancing laboratory workflow through automated immunoassay testing: Focus on chromogranin A

This webinar was recorded live on October 21, 2024.
It is available on demand through October 31, 2025.
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Description

Join this webinar to learn about the possibilities of automated laboratory technologies in biomarker testing. In this webinar, Dr. Peter Kavsak will compare the benefits and limitations of current laboratory-developed tests and newer automated platforms in testing. He will also discuss how automated laboratory technologies have the potential improve test accuracy, laboratory workflow, and the total testing process. Dr. Kavsak will use the chromogranin A (CgA) assay as an example of a biomarker used in the assessment of a complex class of cancers called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This timely clinical example will highlight the challenges of biomarker testing in the laboratory, longstanding challenges with standard CgA assays in NET monitoring, and recent indications of a newly approved CgA automated immunoassay. From the discussion, participants will explore the real-world example of the CgA immunoassay to learn about the applications, considerations, and implementation of newer automated platforms in the clinical laboratory.

Target audience

This activity is designed for lab supervisors, lab directors (and/or assistant directors), lab managers (supervisory and/or non-supervisory), oncologists, GI oncologists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, and other laboratory professionals overseeing/conducting within this topic.

Learning objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of automated laboratory technology and instrumentation, considering impact on workflow efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
• Define chromogranin A (CgA) and describe its use in the clinical setting.
• Assess current measurement techniques for CgA and recall new FDA-cleared indication for automated CgA measurement.
• Analyze existing laboratory workflows to identify opportunities for implementing an automated platform for biomarker testing.

Faculty

Peter Kavsak PhD, FADLM, FCACB, FCCS
Professor of Pathology & Molecular Medicine
McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences
Clinical Biochemist
Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre/Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine Program
Research Lead
Escarpment Cancer Research Institute
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Disclosures and statement of independence

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) is dedicated to ensuring balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. All participating planning committee members and faculty are required to disclose to the program audience any financial relationships related to the subject matter of this program. Disclosure information is reviewed in advance in order to manage and resolve any possible conflicts of interest. The intent of this disclosure is to provide participants with information on which they can make their own judgments.

The following faculty reported financial relationships:

• Peter Kavsak PhD, FADLM, FCACB, FCCS
  • Honorarium/Speaker Expenses: Abbott, Beckman Coulter, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Consultant Fee: Abbott, Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
  • Grant/Research Support: Abbott, Beckman Coulter, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Randox Laboratories, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
  • Board/Committee Membership/Advisory Board: Quidel, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
  • Intellectual Property/Royalty Income: McMaster University has filed patents with Dr. Kavsak listed as an inventor in the acute cardiovascular biomarker field

Content validity

All recommendations involving clinical medicine are based on evidence accepted within the profession of medicine as adequate justification for their indications and contraindications in the care of patients; AND/OR all scientific research referred to or reported in support or justification of a patient care recommendation conforms to generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Accreditation statement

This activity is approved for 1.0 ACCENT® continuing education credits. Activity ID #4343. This activity was planned in accordance with ACCENT® Standards and Policies.

Successful completion statement

Verification of Participation certificates are provided to registered participants based on completion of the activity, in its entirety, and the activity evaluation. For questions regarding continuing education, please email [email protected].