MLPAO | Courses and Webinars

Continuing Education Courses

MLPAO Featured Courses

Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory Fundamentals

Made by MLTs for MLTs and MLA/Ts, this course connects theoretical knowledge to pre-analytical and post-analytical tasks performed in the laboratory, including COVID-19 PCR testing.
Duration: 6 hours

PURCHASE

Module 1 – Introduction to Molecular Biology, Instrumentation, and Pipetting
Module 2 – Nucleic Acid Extraction and Automation
Module 3 – Laboratory Workflow and Amplification Technologies
Module 4 – Contamination Control in a Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory

Credits – This self-paced online course should take about 6 hours to complete. At the end of each module, there is a quiz to evaluate comprehension. Learners are provided with correct answers and an explanation to reinforce concepts. This course is P.A.C.E. ® accredited.* A certificate will be provided on completion, and members will earn an additional designation on our Certification Registry.

What next? – Knowledge of molecular diagnostics is for much more than COVID-19. These skills can be applied to oncology, prenatal genetic testing, and more, as well as any future pathogens we may face.

With the MLPAO Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Fundamentals Course, your education helps you support your team to support your patients: now and in the future.

*The MLPAO is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program.

How You Impact Your Patient

This P.A.C.E. ® accredited course* is designed to provide insight to how the work carried out or not carried out by Medical Laboratory Technologists and Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians, impacts patient outcomes.
Duration: 14 hours

*The MLPAO is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program.

PURCHASE

Online Continuing Education

If you have Thinkific and ASCLS accounts please use the sign in buttons. To request access please email mlpao@mlpao.org.

Common Autoimmune Connective Tissues Diseases and Laboratory Diagnosis

An overview of autoimmunity and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including common autoimmune connective tissue diseases like lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis, and related diagnostic lab tests.

Improving Blood Testing for Patients with Diabetes

This presentation provides an outline of the metabolic syndrome that diabetes is a part of, diseases associated with metabolic syndrome, and focuses on new innovations in blood testing for diabetes.

"I Took a Pill in Ibiza": Case Studies of Celebrity Toxicology

This session will use case studies to unveil the impact of drug abuse in celebrities and legal processes. Participants will review testing advancements at the intersection of science and public safety through an exploration of toxicology testing techniques, challenges, and ethical dimensions.

Laboratory Lessons from Classic Sitcoms - Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale

Take a break from the traditional conference fare and learn from the lighter side of lab medicine. From Sanford & Son to Gilligan's Island, learn 6 important lab lessons from classic sitcoms. This session is sure bring a smile to the attendee!

Lead Poisoning: A Major Childhood Health Problem and How the Lab Aids in Prevention

This session will review the clinical implications of lead poisoning, the regulatory requirements for testing and reporting BLLs in children, and the analytical details of measuring blood lead.

Revisiting Drug Testing - A Closer Look on Testing Strategies for Identifying Drugs of Abuse

Urine drug screening immunoassays are fast and inexpensive; however, they lack the sensitivity and specificity in detecting >300 novel psychoactive drugs in the recreational drug market. Shifting testing paradigm can provide significant improvements.

POCT vs Lab Testing for Ionized Magnesium: Correlation vs Concordance What's the Point?

This webinar examines the role of ionized magnesium in the body and it's importance for lab professionals. Case studies presented highlight the importance of testing ionized magnesium levels.

Prenatal Screening – Serum Marker Screening and NIPT

Learn about why prenatal screening is performed, the conditions screened for, and the markers used for screening. The presenter will discuss the conditions diagnosed through prenatal screening and how the risks are assessed.

CD19 CAR-T Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Gain insight into a new treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma called CD19 CAR-T therapy which is changing the treatment paradigm for patients.

Challenges and Advancements in Sickle Cell Disease

With the MLPAO Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Fundamentals Course, your education helps you support your team to support your patients: now and in the future.

Challenging Hematopathology Case Studies

This presentation will focus on how classification of hematopoietic tumors relies on morphology, immunophenotype, genetic and clinical features to define the disease.

Flow Cytometry - From Concept to Case Studies

This webinar will provide an introduction to flow cytometry, how flow cytometry works and provide some practical case studies.

Surprise! Unusual Hematology Case Studies

This session will cover unique or surprise diagnoses in the hematology laboratory. Discussion about diagnosis, testing critical to making a diagnosis, and how laboratory professionals can identify this in their laboratory will be discussed.

The Importance of Laboratorians and Patients of Vasoelastic Testing and Platelet Function Testing

Discover more about platelet function testing and viscoelastic testing as it relates to coagulation testing in acute care settings. Viscoelastic testing provides new opportunities POC testing where so results can be acted upon in real time.

Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT)

Learn about the science and the implications for patients from the curious condition of Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) that can develop following vaccination for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Rapid Testing

Learn about the different instrumentation available for COVID-19 testing, both the advantages and the challenges of using the instrumentation in different clinical environments.

Focus on Outbreaks

Featuring two 30-minute presentations: Fungal Meningitis Outbreak following Cosmetic Surgery Tourism: A Case StudyIn 2023, the CDC responded to a fungal meningitis outbreak linked to cosmetic surgeries. This case highlights the role of laboratory testing and appropriate interpretation, including the importance of understanding testing limitations and probability.

How the Micro Lab Saves Lives

This presentation delves into several interesting cases where the microbiology lab was instrumental in making a diagnosis that proved to be life-saving for each patient.

Introduction and Updates on Ebola Virus

This webinar examines the origins and history of the Ebola virus, the importance of Ebola virus diseases, how labs can handle samples safely, and the current outbreaks with Ebola virus.

MALDI-TOF and the laboratory: advantages and disadvantages

Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization - time of flight (MALDI-TOF) has made changes in the way we identify microorganisms in the Clinical Microbiology laboratory. In this session we’ll discuss MALDI-TOF and how this method has impacted the way we work in the laboratory.

Medical Parasitology in 2024: Is it Still Relevant?

This webinar will review the medically important enteric protozoa and helminths, to learn about malaria and recent advances, and for the exotic traveler: how to bring home photos not parasites.

Monkey Pox - Ready or Not, Here It Is.

Monkeypox - Ready or Not, Here it is. Learn about the origins of monkeypox, the current situation in Canada, and the impact on labs.

Old Friends and New: Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens in the Microbiology Lab

This session will define emerging and re-emerging pathogens as they relate to the practice of clinical microbiology. Recent interest in these pathogens will be discussed, and related case studies will be presented.

The Impact of Organism Reporting from Respiratory Cultures on Antibiotic Prescribing

This session describes the impact that culture reporting practices have on antibiotic use and how laboratory-based interventions can help support stewardship initiatives.

Utilization of Advanced Molecular Techniques in Clinical Microbiology: Challenges and Solutions

This session will describe the use of advanced molecular techniques, strategies for their implementation, and understanding limitations and challenges surrounding result interpretation.

Understanding the Landscape of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): Past, Present, and Future Outlook (Coming Soon)

This presentation will delve into the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). Learn about the history of the virus and the risks this virus poses now and into the future.

Virus Surveillance and Vaccination

This presentation will examine the pros and cons of population-based versus individual-based surveillance for virus outbreaks and epidemics. It will provide an overview and pubic health perspective of virus outbreaks.

Wastewater Testing and COVID

Learn about how wastewater testing was used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for predicting and monitoring outbreaks.

Why do Pathogens Continue to Emerge and Re-emerge? An update

This presentation will discuss several pathogens, including pathology, epidemiology, treatment, prevention, and other microbiological and infectious disease aspects to consider going forward.

Best Practices in Venipuncture

A blood specimen should provide a “snapshot” of the status of the patient’s blood at the time of collection. This course provides guidance on practices to follow to obtain the best possible quality blood specimens via venipuncture.

Best Practices to Avoid a Potential Law Suit in Phlebotomy

This presentation will review guidelines to avoid lawsuits, describe situations and cases that may have legal ramifications, and discuss the best practices to avoid legal aspects in a potential law suit associated with phlebotomy procedures.

Beyond Phlebotomy - The Evolving Role of the MLA/T

Join our panel of MLA/Ts who have interesting roles beyond phlebotomy. Learn about roles in quality, POC, and pediatric phlebotomy, and how you can seize opportunities to learn and grow as an MLA/T.

Focus on Pre-Analytic Processes

Platelet Collection Process Improvement ProjectIn-house platelet collections are critical at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) because German national platelets are not FDA equivalent. This session will review how LRMC was able to significantly reduce or eliminate purchase of German platelets to become a self-sufficient collection center.

MLA/T Scope of Practice

This panel discussion explores the expanding role of the MLA/T in chemistry, hematology, point of care, microbiology and pathology lab from experts around the province who are utilizing MLA/Ts to their full scope of practice.

Pre-examination/Pre-analytical Variables in Laboratory Testing

The pre-examination process is an important step for the accuracy of laboratory results which impact patient safety and the quality care given. Guidelines for collecting quality samples is essential because acceptance of improper specimens for analysis may lead to erroneous laboratory results.

What's all the fuss about the blue top tube?

Coagulation is performed in the laboratory when the clotting process is imbalanced which can cause excessive bleeding or an unwanted clot. The integrity of specimen collection for coagulation testing plays a major role in patient management. This talk will focus on the integrity of the blue top tube and an overview of the coagulation mechanism.

Albumin - Understanding the Controversy

This webinar will delve into what albumin is and how it's used as a resuscitation fluid. Learn about the controversies surrounding fluid management, specifically albumin.

Antibody to a Low-frequency Antigen - Important or a Nuisance?

This session provides useful present-day case presentation(s) of uncommon findings, such as the detection of antibodies to low-frequency antigens.

Babesiosis and Transfusion Medicine

This session includes a discussion on Babesiosis, including how it can be transmitted by blood transfusion, the treatment of severely infected patients with red cell exchange, and how warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia can occur as a late complication.

Convalescent Plasma

Explore the concept and the use of convalescent plasma to see how its use can help others recover.

Oh G - How to Deal With Anti-G in Pregnancy?

In this presentation, learn about a case of maternal anti-G and the blood bank's role in managing fetal anemia in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

ORBCoN and the Ontario Massive Hemorrhage (coming soon)

An overview of the Ontario Regional Blood Coordinating Network (ORBCoN), the rationale for provincial blood coordinating activity, their projects and resources with a specific focus on its Ontario massive hemorrhage protocol.

Patient Blood Management

This presentation will provide an overview of what Patient Blood Management (PBM) is and will include discussion of the risks associated with blood transfusion as well as provide ideas for how medical laboratory professions can get involved in this patient centered, patient safety initiative.

Transfusion Reactions

Take a closer look at transfusion reactions; gain valuable insights into the undesirable responses to blood or blood products that can occur during or after a transfusion.

Unveiling Von Willebrand Disease

Learn the details about the most common genetic bleeding disorder, Von Willebrand disease, what's happening at the cellular level, and how sophisticated lab testing is helping patients get an accurate diagnosis.

When Complement Isn't a Compliment

Postpartum kidney injury diagnosis is complex. This case study illustrates a doctor of clinical laboratory science's involvement in managing a 24-year woman with hemorrhage and thrombocytopenia using diagnostic management teams in an interprofessional healthcare setting.

An MLA/T Intensive Webinar

Calling all MLA/Ts - you don't want to miss this webinar. Learn tips for job searching, interviewing, professional practice and about the MLPAO credential.

Career Development for Med Lab Professionals

This webinar provides information on searching for a job, preparing for an interview, and interviewing skills.

Clinical Laboratory Medicine and Transgender Health

This session will outline current scientific evidence and standards of care in relation to transgender health and discuss the role of clinical laboratories in promoting positive patient outcomes for transgender patients and those who are in gender-affirming therapies.

Clinical Placements and the Shortage of MLTs

Learn more about the MLPAO research study into the challenges with clinical placements and the shortage of MLTs.

Demystifying Artificial Intelligence By Leveraging the Analytical Lab Mind

This presentation demystifies artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) in a manner specifically designed for clinical laboratory professionals and leaders.

Future and Possibilities for MLA/Ts

Take a look at what the future holds for MLA/Ts and the possibilities for navigating an exciting and rewarding career as an MLA/T.

Harmony in Healthcare: Navigating Clinical Misunderstandings

This session will address these issues by analyzing scenarios, understanding their origins, their impact, and teaching strategies to learn from these mistakes.

Labs Are Asked to Do More with Less: Vendor-Neutral Middleware is an Important Solution to that Problem

Learn about the vendor-neutral middleware - what it does and how it can improve lab processes.

MLPAO Virtual Symposium

This 3-hour symposium provides an opportunity to learn about how clinical epigenetics will transform genetics, D-dimer testing, and advances in flow cytometry related to minimal residual disease testing.

MLPAO Virtual Symposium - Mental Health and Wellness

This symposium brings together a variety of speakers on the topics of mental health and wellness including a look at the landscape of the mental health and well-being of MLTs, rethinking health and wellness so it's sustainable, and resiliency in the face of the pandemic.

Supporting Mental Health

In this webinar, you will learn easy tips and tricks to support your mental health; simple things that you can do everyday to ensure that you are at your best.

The Basics of POCT and the Role of the MLA/T

This presentation provides the basics of point of care testing (POCT), where it is used, types of POC devices, accreditation requirements related to POC, and who performs POC, including the role of the MLA/T in POC testing.

The Ever-Changing Landscape of Laboratory Informatics

Webinar - The early history of laboratory informatics, review auto-verification case studies where medical laboratory professionals played a major role in the implementation, and discuss future projects and the involvement of medical laboratory professionals.

Trauma-Informed Care for Lab Professionals

This presentation will review the basics of trauma-informed care as well as ways to create safe and supportive environments where laboratory staff are empowered to take part in their own wellbeing.

The Positive Power of Social Media in the Medical Laboratory Profession

This presentation highlights the power, the reach and the benefit of social media for lab professionals.

Understanding Burnout in MLTs

Take a closer look at the evidence-based research about burnout in MLTs in Ontario. Learn about the recommendations to promote workplace health.

2024 Town Hall with Michelle Hoad

Join Michelle Hoad, MLPAO CEO, as she shares the great progress that MLPAO has been making for lab professionals in Ontario.

Assessment of Somatic Variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Ovarian Cancer

Learn about the establishment of current genetic laboratory testing to identify somatic variants in ovarian tumours and provide a review of one laboratory’s experience since the implementation of testing.

Clinical Utilities of Optical Genomic Mapping at Clinical Cytogenetic Labs

Optical genome mapping (OGM) is an emerging technology. It reveals genome-wide structural and copy number variants, some of which are important to classify cancer risk. Given a simple workflow and analysis pipeline, it is adopting into clinical labs.

Endometrial Receptivity & the Role of Conception for Successful Pregnancy

Endometrial receptivity requires both fetal and maternal systems to cooperate for successful pregnancy. We examine the fetal contribution that causes failure of pregnancy—how chromosomal error or maternal response affects placental development.

A Day in the Life of Pathologist's Assistant

Explore the role of the Pathologist's Assistant as a PA shares her passion for the role, working together with the entire pathology team to provide best care for patients, including examination of several case studies.

Forensics and the Opioid Crisis

This webinar examines the opioid crisis and forensic science. Learn about opioid drugs and the current crisis and how it relates to the work of a forensic pathologist and forensic science, with an emphasis on how the opioid crisis and the pandemic have collided.

New Developments in Biomarker Testing

This webinar reviews what biomarker testing is, the main tests done for biomarker testing including NGS panel testing and immunohistochemistry testing.

The Importance of High Quality Histology in Digital Pathology

This webinar examines one hospital's experience with the implementation of digital pathology, the required process changes, and the importance of the role of medical laboratory professionals in the success of digital pathology.

Clinical Validation of a Novel QMS for Blood Gas

Learn about the innovative process developed for clinical validation of a novel quality management system for blood gas, electrolytes, metabolites, and co-oximetry.

Garbage in = Garbage out: The Importance of Specimen Quality & Integrity

This session will review various preanalytical situations and potential patient consequences as a means for teaching the importance of specimen integrity.

Getting to Know the 12 QSEs

Are you familiar with all 12 of the QSEs? This webinar provides an excellent overview of the 12 quality system essentials (QSEs) that are the foundation of the quality management system.

Quality Assurance and POCT

This webinar examines the quality assurance program associated with successfully running a point of care testing program.

Laboratory Accreditation: The guardrails that keep us in our proper lanes

This presentation will provide the context of how accreditation provides the guidance for laboratories to provide quality outcomes. The various accrediting agencies will be reviewed and how they relate to CLIA/CMS and each other.

Reducing Diagnostic Error with Integrative Diagnostics

The growth of diagnostic information has increased exponentially along with the incidence of diagnostic error. Utilizing the DCLS as an advanced practitioner within the integrative diagnostics model can help meet this challenge.

Significance of Quality Improvement Projects in Laboratory Medicine

This presentation will explain the basic principles of overall quality management, the significance of quality improvement projects, and strategies to create effective quality improvement projects.

Translating Quality Jargon into Problem Solving Skills any Laboratorian Can Use

This is a crash course in basic quality tools and how to use them to benefit your medical laboratory as well as how to communicate these benefits through storytelling with data.

Who's Liable Anyway? The Laboratory's Role in AI Adoption

Artificially intelligent (AI) solutions containing clinical laboratory data could possess inaccuracy. As stakeholders in patient safety, laboratorians should be informed of where errors and bias can occur in the applications of healthcare AI.

Balancing Act - Tools and Resources You Can Use to Better Manage Your Time

Attend this interactive session where you will receive new tools and learn new skills and techniques to keep your business in order – identify where you do want to spend your time and rearrange your workflow to reduce time spent on emails and other non-value-added time wasters!

Communication Biohazard: Did You Really Just Say That?

Communication failures can undermine the perception of the lab in a heartbeat. We have incredible expertise, but sometimes our delivery sabotages our value. Avoiding “communication biohazard” is critical to how the lab is viewed by those we serve.

Emotional Intelligence: The Ultimate (EQ)ualizer

Emotional Quotient (EQ) is an important part of a person’s occupational skills, especially when working on a team or with customers. This session will define EQ and build a roadmap for self-assessment and for guiding others to increase their own EQ.

Herding Your Cats: Multigenerational Workforce

We are in a unique time where there are four generations of people in the workforce at once. It is helpful to know the general characteristics of these distinctive generational cohorts and identify strategies that empower each in a way that builds a cohesive team.

How to Lead with Data-driven Laboratory Stewardship

Data is an essential piece of any stewardship initiative, but setting up the right infrastructure for success can be challenging. In this presentation, we will explore the necessary steps to establish your data-driven program, setting you up to lead your organization in value-based and cost-saving initiatives.

Professionalism: Forming a Professional Identity

In this module on Forming a Professional Identity, participants will learn about individualized professional identity. Throughout the module, participants will be presented with several reflection questions to encourage a deeper understanding, facilitate discovery and meaning, and foster personal growth.

High Reliability Safety in the Laboratory

High reliability organizations are those which maintain consistent positive outcomes without major safety incidents. What would it take to get your lab to that level? Learn about the processes you need to have in place to improve lab safety.

Safe and Sound

In this presentation, we will explore important concepts of workplace safety culture and strategies to improve wellbeing for medical laboratory professionals.

The Dish Podcasts

The Dish helps you keep up with all of your Ontario-specific medical laboratory news and issues. If you would like to share your story, email us at mlpao@mlpao.org!