Workshops & Presentation Topics

Workshop # 1
Immunohistochemistry Validation (IHC Validation)
Tony Henwood
Children’s Hospital, Westmead

Scientific Validation of Immunohistochemistry has been on-going in histopathology laboratories ever since the test was introduced in the early 1980’s. We have been optimising and validating new antibodies, new detection systems and lately new automated systems in order to ensure quality results are produced. With the introduction of the concept of IVD’s, under the umbrella of the TGA, we have been required to critically analyse and report these validations. What tools do we have available? There have been many “expert” panels convened to address this but it seems any hard-fast rules are rare. This workshop will attempt to address this by developing guidelines for immunohistochemistry laboratories that, hopefully, with consensus, allow a scientific approach to this issue.

Topics to be analysed include:

  1. The validation and optimisation of a new antibody
  2. Validation of new detection systems and instrumentation
  3. Verification of new lots and expired antibodies.
  4. Validation of the same antibody clone from a different supplier.
  5. Validation of new antibody clones to the same antigen.
  6. Validation of Ready to Use antibodies.
  7. Ability to meet the TGA requirements of IVD’s.

Workshop #2
Presentation Skills
Dr Joe McDermott
LabPlus, NZ

Presentation in the Medical Laboratory Science profession is an extremely important skill.

There are three main objectives to this workshop. The first is how to prepare for the presentation. Presentations should be clear and uncluttered. There must be a clear delivery of the message that needs to be delivered. The second involves working together in a Team environment on this important skill. The group will critique each other’s work in a positive environment. This gives the presenter feedback on their work and allows them to see from an audience perspective what is engaging and what is not.

This second objective will assist delegates to engage with each other to improve their work. The third objective is the most important. This is how to deliver a presentation. Engagement with the audience using body language, change in voice tone and emotion is really important in delivery.

Key Note Speaker:
Dr Joe McDermott

Technical Head
Anatomical Pathology,
LabPlus
New Zealand

Topic: Team Development a Case Study

We are all familiar with the fact that great results are produced by great Teams. However it is useful to reflect on how a Team became great. As Scientists we are very strong on measuring information. So how do we measure a Team’s development? We certainly measure the performance of individuals but rarely measure a Team’s development.

This presentation will take you on a journey of one individual Anatomical Pathology Team. The Team’s achievements were recognised with a prestigious award.

Delegates will be shown how improved communication can improve the Team dynamics as well as the value of motivation.

Finally delegates will be encouraged to measure their Team’s development.

Digital Pathology
Jessica Unwin

Emerging trends in ePathology. Utilisation of features like case management, data sharing and storage capacity. What is in it for the faculty of histopathology and more importantly, the patients?

Forensic Pathology
Dr Allan Cala

Forensic pathology is part problem solving, part medicine, part pathology and part law but unlike other medical specialities, has its own unique challenges which can surprise, reward and disappoint all the at the same time!

21st Century Learning for Laboratory Personnel
Leah Simmons

The challenge of training new laboratory personnel and the role of technology in learning. Built for learning histology will demonstrate and explain the new physical, communication and pedagogical architectures of 21st century learning and how this can benefit laboratory personnel working in the diagnostics industry.

Interactive IHC 101
Anthony Van Zwieten
Queensland University of Technology

“Interactive IHC 101” is a back to basics presentation on IHC for those new to the technique and also a refresher to those with more experience. The talk will include opportunities for delegates to offer advice and their experiences with IHC in an open forum. Interesting case studies, troubleshooting methods and the importance of good QC will be the main topics discussed.

Trivial Pursuit: Conference Edition
David Gan
QML Pathology

Trivial Pursuit is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by many for over 30 years. The game can cause laughter, tears and often frustration. Those that have played the game will have their favourite categories (science and nature for most of us I suspect!) and other wedges that are usually a little harder to collect.

This quiz is a variation to the classic game and has a strong Histology influence. Many questions will be able to be answered by most Histology workers while others may be a bit trickier. It is all about relaxing, having fun and hopefully learning a little more about Histology. There may not be dancing but there will be prizes.

Paediatric Tumours
Dr Susan Arbuckle
Children’s Hospital, Westmead

The ever changing world of paediatric tumours – small blue cell tumours & undifferentiated sarcomas.

The aim to explore the diagnosis and new insights into paediatric tumours concentrating on the small round blue cell tumours and the undifferentiated sarcomas. These tumours have undergone changes in diagnosis and with new molecular methods, different types of tumours are being recognised, with the hope that one day we can give targeted treatment.

This has a flow on affect as to how, we as pathologists handle and triage tissue. Even in small laboratories, there is an opportunity to maximise potential diagnosis and treatment.

Biobanking & Misconceptions
Aysen Yuksel

This presentation will address a number of misconceptions about Biobanking. These include that Biobanking is new, different procedures need to be put in place, is just for research, must provide high ‘quality’ samples, and Biobanks are independent facilities.

Histology in the 70’s
Tony Reilly
Queensland University of Technology

Prior to 1980 Histology was a discipline of Pathology that was considered not to have changed for decades. The aim of this presentation is to look at methodology, technology and trends in Histology over the past 4 decades. What has changed and what has stayed the same.

RCPAQAP approach for the assessment of Technical and Immunohistochemistry Proficiency in Anatomical Pathology
Neeta Lal & Zenobia Hafajee

The RCPAQAP Anatomical Pathology provides comprehensive technical and Immunohistochemistry proficiency modules which includes a range of staining exercises.

The process for assessment of stained slides submitted by participants is challenging for a number of reasons. This assessment process is aided using iPad technology. The benefits of the RCPAQAP Web Assessment Data Entry (WADE) project include accurate and timely recording of assessment scores and comments and improved turn-around-time for distribution of reports.