Available for sale: January 1, 2013
Sold Until: December 31, 2013
Program Access Available: January 1, 2013-July 15, 2014

This program was developed to provide laboratorians with an understanding of nine different areas within mass spectrometry. The program is composed of nine courses, listed below, which can be completed online in 1-4 hours each. Each course contains a lecture, slides and transcripts, and a quiz, and some include additional reading and practice exercises. There are opportunities for interaction with faculty and other participants using the certificate program discussion boards.

• Basics of Mass Spectrometry Theory
• Basics of Liquid Chromatography Theory
• Setting up a Clinical Mass Spectrometry Laboratory
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting of LC-MS/MS
• Making Accurate Calibrators and High Purity Reagents for LC-MS/MS Methods
• Principles and Best Practices for Quantitation Using LC-MS/MS
• Validation of LC-MS/MS Methods
• Tips for Achieving and Maintaining Consistent High Quality Production in a Clinical Mass Spectrometry Laboratory
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in Clinical Laboratories

You can earn 12 ACCENT® continuing education credits for completing the entire program. To receive the certificate, you must successfully complete all nine courses by the program end date.

Certificates are awarded online upon successful completion of the program. Graduates are recognized at the AACC Annual Meeting and are listed on a register located on the certificate program web page.

After completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand and apply the basic principles of chromatography and mass spectrometry theory that are needed for routine operation of clinical mass spectrometry systems
• Be familiar with common maintenance protocols and troubleshooting procedures for LC-MS/MS instruments, including practical tips for obtaining consistent, high-quality results in a clinical laboratory service environment
• List six important steps to take in preparing for installation of an LC-MSMS instrument and start-up of a clinical mass spectrometry laboratory
• Describe detailed steps for preparing accurate standards, high purity reagents, CAP compliant validation protocols, and precise quantitation procedures for LC-MSMS methods

The faculty recognizes the nuances of training within the field and worked to provide participants with important tips and hints for practical application within their own laboratories. The following individuals developed the Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry in the Clinical Laboratory certificate program and contributed to content in this course:

• Judith Stone, PhD, DABCC, MT (ASCP), Faculty Chair
  TPMG Kaiser Permanente, Berkeley, CA
• Uttam Garg, PhD
  Childrens’ Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO
• Elizabeth Pattison, BS, ASCP
  ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT
• Douglas Stickle, PhD, DABCC
  Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

PROGRAM ACCESS

This certificate program is supported by AB Sciex and Waters Corporation.

Open Enrollment: January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013
Program Access Available: January 1, 2013-July 15, 2014

• 12 ACCENT® continuing education credits
• Nine online courses in the program
• Fee: $275 AACC Member/$550 Non-member
• Course Number: 7744
• If you purchase the program over the telephone, the online access information will be emailed within 1 week of enrollment.  If you purchase the program online, the login information will be on your confirmation page. If you have not received your access information, please contact AACC Customer Service.
• If you purchase the program via mail or fax, please allow 2 weeks for processing.
• Participants can begin their course work on January 1, 2013, but it is not available prior to that.

ACCREDITATION

ACCENT® credit will be offered. AACC is an approved provider of continuing education for clinical laboratory scientists in the states of California, Florida, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.