T078. Diagnostic Medical Parasitology Update, 2009: What’s New?
Originally Presented: April 8, 2009
Speaker: Lynn Garcia

Summary of Session: This teleconference will review routine O&P testing vs the fecal immunoassays (ordering, etc.), an updated status of various organisms (morphology/testing), changes in diagnostic methods for the coccidia and microsporidia, relevant case histories, risk management pros and cons of blood testing (ordering, collection, testing, reporting, recommended report comments), rapid vs traditional methods for malaria testing (pros/cons), molecular testing options, and patient concerns related to service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Objectives: Upon completion of this Teleconference, participants should be able to:

• Describe the pros and cons of the routine O&P examination vs the fecal immunoassays;
• Discuss relevant tests for coccidia and the microsporidia and appropriate ordering;
• Describe new information related to some of the pathogenic protozoa;
• List potential problems related to malaria testing including risk management issues;
• Name at least two organisms for which molecular testing is currently available; and
• Discuss potential diagnostic problems related to specific diseases being seen in those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Intended Audience: The teleconference is intended for clinicians, laboratorians, microbiologists, public health personnel, teachers, students (medical, graduate, undergraduate), parasitologists, and hematologists.

CME Disclosures: Lynne S. Garcia has disclosed the following financial interests:
Medical Chemical – Consultant
Meridian Diagnostics - Consultant

ASM Policy on Faculty Discussion of Unapproved or Unlabeled Uses of Drugs of Devices
In accordance with the ACCME Essential Areas and Policies relating to commercial support, the audience is advised that Lynn Garcia will not be discussing any off-label usage of products.

Termination of CME Credit: This program will not be eligible for CME credit after April 8, 2010