Release Date: Oct 2018
CC: PC, MK, PBL
Neil Anderson, MD
Assistant Director of Clinical Microbiology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO; Assistant Professor, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Description:
The serologic testing of infectious diseases is a complex and dynamic discipline. Testing methodologies are varied and results are often difficult to interpret.
The purpose of this webcast is to familiarize the participant with currently available serologic testing methodologies and provide an understanding about how they can be used together to establish a diagnosis. General concepts regarding screening, confirmatory testing, pre-test probability, and post-test probability will be discussed, as well as common pitfalls and challenges. Further discussion will be provided regarding common pathogens that are often diagnosed using multiple serologic methodologies with complex interpretation. These include: 1) syphilis; 2) Epstein-Barr virus; and 3) endemic mycoses.
Through participation in this webcast, participants will be better able to establish and promote best practice guidelines for serologic infectious disease testing at their own institution. Prior to taking part in this webcast, participants should have a basic knowledge of immunologic methods and a familiarity with infectious disease testing.
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
- List the common serologic methodologies employed for the diagnosis of infectious diseases.
- Navigate commonly encountered pitfalls when using serology to diagnose infectious diseases.
- Promote best practice testing guidelines for the serologic testing of infectious diseases, including syphilis, Epstein-Barr virus, and endemic mycoses.
Who should attend? Practicing Pathologists, Residents, Doctoral Scientists, Laboratory Managers, Bench Supervisors, Bench Technologists and Technicians, Students