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Mass Spectrometry: Applications to the Clinical Laboratory 2010 (MSACL '10) has been developed to provide scientists in the clinical laboratory a forum for in-depth and informal discussions of the most recent developments in the practical application of mass spectrometry to analyses previously done by various other technologies such as immunoassays. While these immunoassay methods have been successful for the last 50 years, mass spectrometry methods are now providing these analytical results in a better, faster and less expensive fashion. Innovative mass spectrometry technologies, alone and combined with molecular methods have lead to improved diagnostic testing approaches. At this time large reference laboratories and major medical centers have demonstrated that this approach leads to more accurate testing which results in improved patient care and reduced costs. This conference will focus on the practical applications of mass spectrometry to the clinical chemistry/toxicology, microbiology/virology, proteomic, metabolomic and tissue histology laboratories. In addition to the current technologies, issues of regulation, standardization, validation and quality control will be addressed.
Mass Spectrometry: Applications to the Clinical Laboratory will begin on Saturday, February 5, 2010 with short courses. The main program will open with exhibits and a reception on Sunday at 5pm. A special plenary lecture will be given at 8pm. Monday through Wednesday will be full days of concurrent oral sessions, poster sessions, workshops and exhibits. On Monday and Tuesday evenings there will be presentations on mass spectrometry in the clinical laboratory environment.
At the conclusion of this activity, the participants should be able to:
- Discuss the problems of using indirect methods such as immunoassay for analyzing complex biological fluids when making diagnostic decisions
- Review the strategies available for sample preparation to optimized mass spectrometry analysis
- Contrast the optimal methods for quantitation when employing LC/MS/MS techniques
- Differentiate the strategies of toxicology analysis to best fit the clinical requirements
- Appraise the use of mass spectrometry for applications of molecular diagnostics
- Discuss the future of mass spectrometry in clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology, tissue mapping
- Examine the application of mass spectrometry for the development of metabolomic
- Evaluate the applications of new technologies to the clinical laboratory
- Review the dynamic regulatory environment (FDA) and assess how mass spectrometry may play a role in the clinical laboratory
The target audience for this program includes pathologists, clinical laboratory directors and scientists, mass spectrometry and automated sample processing providers as well as laboratory diagnostic providers. This program will be beneficial to healthcare administrators, laboratory quality control and standards scientists, as well as those responsible for implementation of clinical analyses for emergency response due to terrorism or accident.
The content of this education program was determined by rigorous assessment of educational need and includes surveys, program feedback, expert faculty assessment, literature review and new laboratory knowledge. The clinical application of mass spectrometry has suddenly emerged in a very forceful and dynamic manner. This meeting will be critical to share emerging analytical information and work concerning regulations and standards. These developments will enable clinical laboratories to provide higher quality results, more rapidly and for lower overall cost to the patient and the healthcare system.
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