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First-Ever AACC Virtual Conference to Focus on Personalized Diagnostics

AACC
6 Aug 2014
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Industry news

One of the major revolutions taking place in healthcare is the rise of personalized medicine, which is the practice of using genomic and other molecular analyses to tailor medical treatments to a patient’s individual biology. Personalized diagnostics—laboratory analyses that inform the practice of personalized medicine—will play a major role in the lab’s future.

This fall, AACC’s first ever virtual conference will feature the latest science in this exciting field and the novel technologies driving it forward, all in a convenient format that people can access without leaving their offices or homes.

“Personalized Diagnostics Today: Where the Omics Community Collaborates” will launch online on October 28 with a keynote address on the lab’s role in bringing omics technologies to the patient’s bedside by Eric D. Green, MD, PhD, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute and a significant research contributor to the Human Genome Project. Personalized diagnostic technologies are already enjoying some success in guiding therapy for a variety of medical conditions, and Dr. Green will discuss how genomic discoveries are making their way into clinical care.

Other sessions at this digital conference will deal with the role of precision proteomics in personalized medicine, the lab’s role in managing genomic data, new developments in high-resolution precision medicine, opportunities and challenges in companion diagnostics, and removing barriers to implementing pharmacogenomics in the clinic.

In addition to the educational sessions, the virtual conference will provide attendees with valuable networking opportunities. Participants will be able to engage in private chats with each other, create and exchange virtual business cards, take part in online poster sessions, and download white papers and brochures. Exhibitors will also be online during the event, and attendees will be able to interact one-on-one with them to request more information about products of interest.

“AACC continues to find new ways to help laboratory professionals adapt to the changing healthcare environment,” said AACC CEO Janet B. Kreizman. “For lab professionals who can’t spend time or money traveling, this virtual conference provides a unique and important opportunity to hear from leaders in the field, as well as to learn about the breaking research and pioneering technology that is set to change medical practice and advance patient health.”

How to Register for AACC’s Virtual Conference

Those interested in attending “Personalized Diagnostics Today: Where the Omics Community Collaborates” can sign up during the 2014 AACC Annual Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo at the AACC booth, #1531. The booth will be open during the following hours:

Tuesday, July 29 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday, July 30 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday, July 31 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Registration for the virtual conference is also open online at: http://www.aacc.org/personaldx14

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Precision MedicinePrecision medicine refers to the idea of customized healthcare, where medical decisions and treatments are tailored to the individual patient. Molecular diagnostics, companion diagnostics and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) play a pivotal role in this approach. AACCThe American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo is the largest meeting for clinical laboratory professionals in the world. This year's meeting is being held in Atlanta, USA, July 26th-30th, 2015.

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