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.

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

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.

The raw materials of healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) revolution are scattered all around us. However, within the laboratory environment, a generalized lack of AI integration and regulation has led to overall uncertainty. This session will cover topics, such as the need for common regulatory, ethical, educational, and institutional frameworks for AI integration and the practical facilitation of trust and transparency as AI continues to emerge within healthcare.

This webinar reviews the importance of following standards and procedures during phlebotomy. Examine a legal case study involving a pre-analytical error that reinforces the responsibilities of the MLA/T during phlebotomy to ensure patient safety.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Despite being notoriously difficult to standardize, flow cytometry has become a mainstay in the clinical laboratory. This presentation will cover the basics of cytometer operation, sample prep and data analysis with real world examples.

Despite being notoriously difficult to standardize, flow cytometry has become a mainstay in the clinical laboratory. This presentation will cover the basics of cytometer operation, sample prep and data analysis with real world examples.

Join Chris Kong, Technical Supervisor at the National Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (NIRL) as he explores blood bank testing procedures, testing for both donors and blood products, and the role of the MLA/T and MLT at NIRL.

Discover "Bench Buddies," a pioneering mentorship program cultivating effective trainers in campus lab and clinical settings. From student cohorts to workforce integration, learn how this initiative empowers individuals to own their training journey.

Establishing benchmarks for processes, like establishing quality control parameters for analytical processes, is vital for improving the quality of clinical laboratory testing processes. This session introduces participants to the value of using benchmarks to identify the level of quality and incorporating a benchmarking program as a tool for improving patient safety.

This session will include an introduction to the basics of thyroid function, including diseases and hormones. We’ll review the recommended lab thyroid function testing algorithms and outline biological and environmental variables that impact reference intervals for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4).

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.

Hear from 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.

Ethics in health care extends beyond research, education, and clinical environment. This session is designed to explain how one’s personal and professional ethics bridge the gap to the profession in laboratory medicine and leadership. It will briefly evaluate the complexities of ethics and applications to the three levels and how they impact the daily demand of the lab professional.

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

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

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

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

This session will provide an overview of the rapidly evolving clinical landscape of ctDNA testing in oncology. The biology and history of ctDNA, featuring its clinical applications including screening, minimal residual disease (MRD), and biomarker treatment selection will be discussed.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Join three former military medicine leaders/lab managers in this interactive presentation with actual case scenarios regarding leading and managing in a lab. Walk away with relevant examples and decision tools to lessen your reaction time.

In this session, Dr. Bas Gohar shares the details of his qualitative research study that applied a solution-focused approach to help frontline, management, and senior leaders working in hospital labs across Ontario envision changes required to retain MLTs.

In this session, we will explore how Excel-based digital tools can save valuable tech time, reduce communication errors, minimize transcription tasks, and refine laboratory processes. By implementing innovative solutions, such as online communication logs, inventory management sheets, and digital checklists, labs can enhance workflow efficiency and ensure accurate, streamlined operations.

This presentation explores the integration of proteomics and molecular diagnostics to enhance personalized medicine. Combining these technologies can improve the identification of disease-specific protein profiles, leading to more accurate diagnostics and tailored treatments for various diseases, including cancer.

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

This presentation will review instrumentation and methodology of flow cytometry. Interesting cases will be presented to demonstrate the immunophenotype of T and B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

​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.

Two presentations: Effective Methods for Monitoring Diabetes in Patients with Hemoglobinopathies & How to Address Biotin Interference on Laboratory Test Results.

Hear from three former military medicine leaders/lab managers in this interactive presentation with actual case scenarios regarding leading and managing in a lab. Walk away with relevant examples and decision tools to lessen your reaction time.

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.

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.

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.

This session will outline the close association of common viruses with lymphomagenesis. Several well-known viruses, such as EBV, human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8, and hepatitis C virus, are associated with an increased risk of certain lymphomas.

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

Today’s workforce is comprised of six generations, all unique and all with talents that can be leveraged to push your team to new heights. Let’s delve into each generation, from the Silent Generation to Generation Alpha, to find out their values and goals, which will help you understand how to capitalize on their strengths as you build stronger teams to navigate today’s healthcare challenges.

Learn about how MLT shortages can significantly impact healthcare delivery by causing delays in the delivery of test results, hindering timely diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to poorer patient outcomes. Biomarker testing and its importance for colorectal cancer patients will also be discussed.

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.

​Imposter Syndrome is a sneaky psychological condition that seems to impact more people than we know but is not well known. In this session we will uncover if you might be a sufferer from its under-minding grips and if it is holding you back personally and professionally. Then we will work through 4 tactics to improve and overcome Imposter Syndrome.

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.

This presentation uses case studies to improve problem-solving in coagulation. Attendees will analyze diagnostic interpretation, therapeutic decisions, and pre-analytical challenges, proposing cost-effective testing strategies. They will gain insights into managing complex coagulation abnormalities and learn best practices for accurate, step-by-step testing to enhance patient outcomes.

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.

This session will discuss new data which shows low risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) following the transfusion of RhD-positive blood to females of childbearing age.

Many clinical laboratories are unfamiliar with handling specimens from a possible bioterrorism incident. This session will instruct laboratories in identification, responsibilities, and limitations in the handling of these specimens.

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

​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.

Are you an MLA/T looking for a job or a new opportunity? Join us as we share tips for resume writing, preparing for an interview, and searching potential job opportunities. We’re also excited to host employers from across Ontario who will share information about the opportunities they have in their communities.

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.

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.

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.

Join Dr. Martin Ekiti as he discusses the burden of diabetes in Ontario, the risks associated with inaccurate glucose monitoring, the new guidelines for the management of hyperglycemic crisis, and investigates some contributing factors like low/high ionized magnesium levels.

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.

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

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

Look around your lab—are people wearing PPE? Are they using cell phones and ear buds in the department? Learn how unsafe practices become the norm in a laboratory, and discover tips for making changes that will erode those bad habits away for good.

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.

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.

Using a case-based approach, Dr. Liontos will review some of the common and uncommon blood film abnormalities of patients presenting to the hospital. She will review how additional laboratory tests provide clues to determining the patient’s diagnosis, and show how follow-up testing, such as flow cytometry and bone marrow investigation, rendered a final diagnosis.

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.

Insider threats present serious risks to clinical and public health microbiology labs, where staff have access to sensitive pathogens and data. This presentation explores real biocrime cases, key behavioral indicators, and explores motivations behind insider threats. Learn strategies to recognize, respond to, and prevent breaches, ensuring a secure lab environment and protecting public health.

Age-appropriate thresholds are needed for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) serology tests, and the indications for use of hepatitis B and varicella serology tests should be reevaluated.

The results of blood gas analyses are used for many patient management decisions, often in a time-sensitive setting. Several pre- and post- analytical factors can affect blood gas and oxygen saturation results. Using a case-based approach, this presentation explores best practices, common pitfalls, and quality improvement strategies to ensure reliable results and optimal patient outcomes.

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.

Examine the quality assurance program associated with successfully running a point of care testing program.

​This webinar looks a the procedures involved in serous fluid cytopathology and examines several case studies that highlight a modern medical approach in the era of personalized 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.

Changing roles from frontline employee to leadership can be an overwhelming experience. This presentation will dive into some anecdotal experiences, as well as provide some real life examples of lessons learned and resources that have been beneficial.

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.

​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.

This interactive keynote address will demonstrate the importance of helping students acquire simple, but effective, learning strategies based on cognitive science principles. We will engage in reflection questions and activities that will allow attendees to experience strategies that can significantly improve student success by transforming students’ attitudes about the meaning of learning.

The laboratory is known to be one of the most hazardous work settings. Understanding workplace safety is important in protecting employees from harm and improving patient safety. This talk will take an ABC approach to the multitude of safety topics associated with a laboratory and provide insight on addressing the most common safety issues.

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.

Fentanyl overdoses are on the rise, but not every hospital laboratory tests for fentanyl as part of its routine drug screens. This session will discuss why fentanyl should be added to routine drug screens and the consequences of failing to do so.

This webinar examines when the Division of Anatomic Pathology went live with Digital Pathology in August 2024. This presentation will shares experiences of the journey, from the early days of planning to workflow considerations, the implementation process, and lessons learned.

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.

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.

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

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.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) represents an emerging and potentially life-threatening acquired meat allergy from tick bites. AGS challenges conventional understanding of uncommon allergens, manifesting in a spectrum of responses from hives to anaphylaxis, including adverse reactions to transfusions. Increasing awareness is crucial for the effective diagnosis and management of this complex condition.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

For too many labs, their QC practices remain mired in the past. Rejecting, and worse, repeating, controls that exceed 2 sd is not science; it's a tradition that's over half a century old, and it generates too much waste and expense. An updated approach—Westgard Sigma Rules—offers a 21st century QC for 21st century methods. Even QC evolves with the times.

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.

​Examine the impurities associated with prescription medications, similarities among generic pills, and illicitly manufactured pills that could lead to unexpected positive drug results.

​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.

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

In this session, we will explore the profound impact of inclusion and psychological safety on fostering a productive work culture. Participants will gain insights into how a sense of belonging and appreciation for unique perspective enhances patient care. Through this understanding and strategy, leaders can help transform their workplace to a thriving and seamless tapestry of inclusion.