Texas Society

For

Histotechnology

“The Sky’s The Limit”

Symposium/Convention

April 3-6, 2003

JW Marriott Hotel

Houston, Texas

WELCOME TO ALL

The Texas Society for Histotechnology, Inc. would like to welcome all registrants, faculty, exhibitors and friends to Houston for our Symposium/Convention.

We want to extend a very special thanks to our Workshop and Symposium Speakers for their contributions to the wonderful educational program that we are able to offer this year. We hope you enjoy the program, which provides a wide variety of educational, social and networking opportunities.

We value our Exhibitors and they are an important part of our Society. Please plan to visit each exhibit to see the latest in instrumentation and products.

Another special thanks goes out to the Houston pathology group, Gulf Coast Pathology Associates, PA, for sponsoring the printing of this program booklet.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, April 3, 2003

1:00pm Golf Tournament

Friday, April 4, 2003

10:00-12:00noon Executive Board Meeting

12:00-5:00pm Registration

1:00-2:30pm H.O.D. Representatives

8:00-5:30pm Exhibit Set-Up

6:00-8:00pm President’s Reception

(Exhibit Area)

Saturday, April 5, 2003

7:00-11:00am Registration

7:00-8:00am First-Timer’s Breakfast

8:00-11:30am Workshops #1-3

8:00-11:30am Symposiums A, B, C, D

9:00-11:30am Exhibits Open

9:00-9:30am Symposium Break

9:30-10:00am Workshop Break

11:30-1:00pm Luncheon, Membership Meeting/Business Meeting, TSH Awards

1:00-4:30pm Registration

1:00-4:30pm Workshops #4-6

1:00-4:30pm Symposiums E, F, G, H, I

2:00-4:30pm Exhibits Open

2:00-2:30pm Symposium Break

2:30-3:00pm Workshop Break

4:30-5:00pm TSH Districts I, II, III, IV meetings

6:00-7:30pm Social Hour

Sunday, April 6, 2003

7:00-8:00am Registration

8:00-11:30am Workshops #7-10

8:00-11:30am Symposiums J, K

9:00-11:00 Exhibits Open

9:30-10:00 Break, Exhibit Area

EXHIBIT HOURS

Friday, April 4, 2003

6:00-8:00pm President’s Reception/

Exhibit Opening

Saturday, April 5, 2003

9:00-11:30am and 2:00-4:30pm

Sunday, April 6, 2003

9:00-11:00am

PROGRAM
Workshop #1
Basic Histology

Hazel Dalton, BA, HT(ASCP)QIHC

This workshop is designed to introduce the student to basic histology and provide a refresher course for the more knowledgeable histologic technician who experiences difficulties with tissue identification. This workshop will cover structure and function of the cell and major tissue types, as well as characteristic landmarks for identifying major systems of the body.

Workshop #2

The Tissue Microarrayer: Principles, Procedures and Applications

Janet E. Quiñones, HT(ASCP)QIHC

Sabina Magedson, HT

The Tissue Arrayer is a recently introduced instrument that permits the histotechnician to combine large numbers of tissue samples into a single paraffin block. Using metallic paraffin block punches, up to 1000 tissue cores can be compounded into a single paraffin block. In this workshop, we will present the principles and procedures of the tissue array technique, including a discussion of potential problems and pitfalls, with the solutions and troubleshooting techniques.

Workshop #3

Multi-Level Testing: “A Working Algorithm in IHC Assay Development”

Carlos Genty

The sequencing of the Human Genome has spurred a great deal of research in the functional analysis of the genes. Expression arrays are being used to understand the complex biology of many pathological conditions at the RNA level. Expression array data is commonly supplemented by the use of immunohistochemical techniques to monitor expression patterns at the protein level. Candidate genes are being discovered at an impressive rate and IHC for these applications demands greater critical analysis skills on behalf of the technicians and technologists, as well as a faster TAT in the standardization process. A systematic or algorithmic approach to assay development is required in order to meet the increasing demand for these services. This may also prove useful in clinical assay development.

Workshop #4

Preparing for a CAP Inspection

Joe Nocito and Hector Hernandez

Do the words “CAP Inspection” put fear in your heart? If so, this course might be helpful. Step-by-step things to do in order to successfully prepare for and pass a CAP inspection will be discussed in this informative workshop.

Workshop #5

Microwave Techniques for Histopathology

Steven Slap

The theoretical basis behind microwave use in histopathology will be explained. Basic concepts pertaining to microwave instrumentation construction, power levels, duty cycles, power distribution and microwave penetration depth will be defined. The relationship behind microwave heating and chemical fixation will be explained. Different microwave fixation and processing techniques will be explored in detail, including microwave post-fixation, microwave fixation and subsequent microwave histoprocessing of small specimens, microwave stabilization and other alternatives to formalin fixation, and microwave fixation of whole organs (pre-fixation). Safety issues will be covered.

Workshop #6

Microtomy: The Melding of Art and Science

Jan Minshew

This workshop is in an attempt to bring about a better understanding of microtomy and the enormous number of factors that can have a direct impact on sectioning quality. Although the emphasis of this workshop is on routine paraffin sectioning, the theory is easily adaptable to plastic embedding and industrial specimens.

The lecture emphasizes the importance of proper specimen handling prior to attempting microtomy, explains the performance enhancement capabilities of various microtome styles, and provides facts about selection and use of disposable blades and/or steel knives. The value of instrument settings, cleanliness and preventative maintenance will be highlighted. Proper microtomy techniques will be discussed in an effort to enhance ergonomics and improve sectioning quality. The lecture will conclude with tips for recognizing, understanding and eliminating artifacts. Following the lecture the participants will have the opportunity to have a hand-on evaluation of various microtomes and accessories.

Workshop #7

Antibodies for the New Millennium

David Tacha, HTL(ASCP), PhD

This lecture will discuss new and state-of-the-art primary antibodies that are now available. There are still numerous immunopathology laboratories that use out-dated antibodies for diagnosis. Recently, new antibodies have been introduced that can either replace these antibodies or be added to panels to improve accuracy of diagnosis. In addition, there are many excellent antibodies that are not well known or hidden from mainstream pathology. An overview of these antibodies will be discussed that includes aspects of specificity, pathology, prognosis and technical troubleshooting. A final topic for discussion will be antibodies than can either replace and/or compliment special stains.

Workshop #8

Basic Histopathology of the Heart, Lungs, Liver and Kidney

Pamela Younes

Amy Bauer

Many times histology technicians and technologists don’t have the opportunity to learn many details about the architectural and cellular features that they are striving to stain. This workshop will examine both the histology and the pathological entities frequently found in these organs.

Workshop #9

Basic Fundamentals of Fixation, Processing and Embedding

Kathy Dwyer and Debbie Siena

This workshop is designed for the histology student who is preparing for the HT Exam. The first half of the workshop will go into the properties, function and actions of a fixative, as well as the different types of fixatives. The second half of the workshop will include the steps of processing, reagents used in processing, types of embedding and tissue orientation. We will conclude with a brief overview of decalcification and frozen sections. The workshop is basic, but will also serve as a good review for the experienced histology technician.

Workshop #10

Performing and Troubleshooting Microwave Special Stains

Shakun Parti

Special stains have a unique importance in the world of anatomic pathology. Though many laboratories use automated stainers for special stains, there is still a frequent necessity to perform them manually. This workshop will discuss the use of microwave to perform some commonly requested special stains. Principles, procedures, controls, and trouble-shooting will be discussed for stains such as PAS, Trichrome, GMS, and Grimelius.

Symposium #A

The Histotechnologist, Part of the Health Care Professional Staff

Larry Langlois

This symposium will discuss eight basic steps of problem solving. It will present a format for preparing a staff study and a written decision making format for presentations. It will define and explain each procedure/paragraph in the format.

Symposium #B

How We Do Histology in Other Parts of the World

Daniel Rosen, MD

Not everywhere in the world do health workers have access to high technological equipment to perform their daily tasks. However high quality studies can be achieved using old-fashioned technology. This Symposium describes experiences of the speaker, while he was working in Argentina.

Symposium #C

A Pathologist Looks at the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ

Kevin McQuaid, MD

A former forensic pathologist examines the passion and death of Jesus Christ based on forensic investigation of the Shroud of Turin, forensic and medical examination of the crucifixion, and historical accounts of Jesus and ancient Roman capital punishment.

Symposium #D

Forensics

Sparks Veasy, MD

This symposium will include experiences and cases from the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Symposium #E

Career Development

Denise Carpenter

This symposium will contain tips and information on career development as presented by a Human Resources professional.

Symposium #F

Diversity

Yolanda Davis

Ms. Davis will present a symposium on diversity and its impact on the workplace from the point of view of someone working in The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at the University of Texas Health Science Center. The Texas Medical Center is the largest of its kind in the world and provides an excellent backdrop for a hugely diverse population, which brings its own joys and problems.

Symposium #G

The Relationship Between Cytology and Histology

Debora A. Smith, CT(ASCP)

The relationship of Cytology to Histology has been and will continue to be a very close one. The purpose of this lecture will be 3-fold: the first is to explore this history of Cytology, the second is to view and discuss examples of basic Cytology preparations and cellular morphology, and the third is to examine the relationship of Histology to Cytology, including correlation, special stains and immunostains.

Symposium #H

Cutting Decalcified Bone for Histomorphometric Analysis

Carol M. Johnston

In an attempt to present the best slide possible, histology technicians must adapt to specific investigator/client needs by applying novel techniques that are different from the norm. Using the technique described in this symposium, we were able to fix, decal and cut sections of bone on the cryostat, permitting H&E and IHC staining of sections for qualitative and quantitative histomorphometric analysis.

Symposium #I

Immunofluorescence in Renal Biopsies

Shamila Mauiyyedi, MD

Many histology technicians have job duties that include performing immunofluorescence. In general, they do not regularly have an opportunity to view their handiwork due to the impermanence of the sections and the unavailability of a fluorescent scope in some histology laboratories. This symposium will discuss the utility of various IF antibodies, and show many examples of each.

Symposium #J

Let Alcohol Clear Your Brain

Pamela Marcum

One of the most difficult problems in histology is the processing, sectioning and mounting of brain sections. It has made little difference whether the brain is whole, coronal sections or hemispheres of rat, mouse, primate or human, the difficulty still lingers. The most significant issues appear to arise in the fixing and clearing steps. The goal of this symposium is to improve one’s work with CNS tissue and to introduce the newer methods and techniques utilized in brain sectioning.

Symposium #K

Using Your Tissue Processor as a Problem-Solver

Pamela Marcum

Tissue processing is the foundation of histologic technology. The tissue processors can be either friend or foe. The goal of this presentation is to discuss new ways to make tissue processing easier and somewhat consistent, despite different tissue types. Learn to program your tissue processor to suit your needs, not vice versa.

FACULTY

9

Amy Bauer, BS, MS

Pathologists’ Assistant
Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, Texas

Denise Carpenter

Human Resources

University of Texas Health Science Center
Houston, Texas

Hazel Dalton, BA, HT(ASCP)QIHC

Director, Histotechnology Program

UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas

Yolanda Davis

Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity

University of Texas Health Science Center

Houston, Texas

Kathy Dwyer

National Quality Assurance Manager, AP

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

Midlothian, Texas

Carlos Genty

Breast Center Pathology Core Laboratory

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, Texas

Hector Hernandez

Texas Center for Infectious Disease

San Antonio, Texas

Carol Johnston, BS, HT(ASCP)

Department of Plastic Surgery

UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas

Larry Langlois, BA, HTL(ASCP)QIHC

Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

The Methodist Hospital

Houston, Texas

Sabina Magedson, HT(ASCP)

Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas

Pamela Marcum

Histology/Microscopy Product Manager

Polysciences, Inc.

Warrington, Pennsylvania

Shamila Mauiyyedi, MD
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

University of Texas Medical School

Houston, Texas

Kevin McQuaid, MD

Pathology Association of Longview, PA

Longview, Texas

Jan Minshew

Marketing Manager-Microtomy

Leica, Inc.

Deerfield, Illinois

Joe Nocito, BS, HT(ASCP)QIHC

Pathology Reference Lab

San Antonio, Texas

Shakun Parti

Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, Texas

Janet Quinones, HT(ASCP)QIHC

Chief Technician, Neuropathology/ Immunocytochemistry Laboratories

UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas

Daniel Rosen, MD

UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas

Debbie Siena, HT(ASCP)QIHC

Histology Manager

Baylor University Medical Center

Dallas, Texas

Steven Slap

Microwave Product Specialist

Hacker Instruments & Industries

Springfield, Massachusetts

Debora Smith, CT(ASCP)

Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

The Methodist Hospital

Houston, Texas

David Tacha, HTL(ASCP), PhD

Director of R&D

BioCare Medical

Walnut Creek, California

Sparks Veasy, MD

Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office

Galveston, Texas

Pam Younes

Pathologists’ Assistant

The Methodist Hospital

Houston, Texas

9

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS PROVIDED BY:

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL
5150 WESTHEIMER

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056

Phone: 800-228-9290 or 713-961-1500

Room Rates:

Single or Double $99.00

Triple or Quad $109.00

(This does not include state and local taxes, currently 17% per room per night.)