AACC’s second-ever virtual conference this April aims to enhance the multifaceted skillset laboratorians possess in managing point-of-care testing (POCT) programs. The self-paced “Practical Solutions for Patient Centered POCT: An AACC Virtual Conference” will feature expert faculty members and offers continuing education credit. The program chair overseeing the conference is Roger L. Bertholf, PhD, DABCC, FACB, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine and director of clinical chemistry, toxicology, and point-of-care testing at the University of Florida Health Science Center in Jacksonville.
“The conference will focus on issues associated with POCT, including evolving accreditation standards, best practices, current and emerging applications of POCT technologies, and controversies surrounding POC blood glucose testing,” Bertholf told CLN Stat. “All laboratories and POCT programs struggle with the expanding and constantly changing regulatory environment, and this conference should provide an exciting and unique opportunity to hear the comments of representatives from the regulatory and accrediting agencies.”
The conference also will offer laboratorians who attend a chance to see new products and speak with vendors via virtual exhibits. In addition, “the poster sessions describe ongoing research, [and] chatrooms provide the opportunity for discussions with colleagues,” Bertholf said. “And the program covers vital issues related to POCT. The format is innovative—you can attend from your desk at work or home, or even from a mobile device.”
The conference will be held April 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and offers 5.5 ACCENT credits. The cost is $99 for AACC members and $149 for non-members. Register online.