AGT 2015 Annual Meeting Registration Brochure

0 4ANNUAL MEETING th

Savannah, Georgia June 4-6, 2015

Hyatt Regency Savannah Registration Brochure

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June 4-6, 2015

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Savannah, Georgia

Welcome I

f you happen to be attending a genetics scientific meeting on June 4-6 in Savannah, Georgia, make sure to wish your close friend (AGT) a happy 40th birthday! This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Association of Genetic Technologists! AGT is far from “over the hill” and is celebrating in grand southern style with scientificallyrelevant workshops, fantastic scientific speakers and all the vendors which make genetic testing such an exciting field!

We extend an invitation to you to celebrate the 40th anniversary of AGT in Savannah, Georgia! Savannah was Georgia’s first city and is what some call “the Southern Belle of the Georgia Coast.” Located near the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the border with South Carolina, Savannah is often referred to as “America’s First Planned City.” Savannah’s historic district (an area you really must see to believe) is one of the largest in the U.S. Much like genetic testing, Forrest Gump taught us life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. The park bench he was sitting on in that movie scene was located on the north side of Chippewa Square in Savannah. Many scenes from the movie were filmed in the area. You can now see that bench, and many other unique items from Savannah’s past, in the Savannah History Museum.

Locals also recommend a visit to River Street. River Street’s cobbled road runs along the Savannah River and features unique shops, mouth-watering restaurants and street performers. The Pirate House, a Savannah institution since 1753, is a restaurant that you won’t want to miss! Once an inn for sailors and pirates, they serve a one-of-a-kind southern buffet as memorable as the historic location in which it is set.

Whether your interest is in biochemical genetics, cytogenetics or molecular genetics, we have prepared an advanced program with some of the best speakers and teachers in your field. Scientific content, paired with genetic networking, makes the AGT 40th Annual Meeting one that you really should attend!

Also, remember to wish AGT a happy 40th when you come to town!

Genetically yours, 40th Annual Meeting Program Directors Jason A. Yuhas, Annual Meeting Director Adam H. Sbeiti, Annual Meeting Co-Director

Quotes

from Attendees of AGT’s 39th Annual Meeting

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This was a great educational and networking experience. I learned different troubleshooting techniques to try as well. Next meeting, here I come!

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This was the best AGT meeting in recent memory and I have been to almost all. The speakers and topics were excellent with a good balance.

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Attending the AGT meeting is an excellent opportunity to network with new and established colleagues from around the country in a wonderful professional and ‘academic’ setting.

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There is a reason we travel half way across the world to the AGT meetings; we love them!

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AGT

The Organization for Cytogenetic & Molecular Professionals

The Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT), founded in 1975, is a non-profit professional organization established to promote cooperation and exchange of information among those engaged in classical cytogenetics, molecular and biochemical genetics, and to stimulate interest in genetics as a career. Approximately 1,200 technologists, supervisors and lab directors who are members of AGT comprise a network of dedicated professionals who share a common bond: an interest in genetics.

40thANNUAL MEETING

June 4-6, 2015 Hyatt Regency Savannah

Registration Brochure

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The 40th Annual Meeting provides opportunities to earn continuing education credits and to develop professional contacts in the ever-expanding areas of clinical and research genetics.  Scientific general sessions and pre-conference workshops offer participants the opportunity to learn about current and up-and-coming topics of interest in genetics.  Poster and platform presentations allow attendees the opportunity to observe and ask questions about the research efforts of others as well as to receive continuing education credit.  The exhibit hall features vendors displaying the latest laboratory equipment, supplies and methodologies.

Who Should Attend?

Registration for AGT’s 40th Annual Meeting is open to members, non-members, students and single-day attendees. Please see the registration form at the end of this brochure for details on deadline dates and fees.

Join AGT Now! Take advantage of a special membership offer from AGT! Join AGT, pay the member registration fee and get member benefits starting July 1 through Dec. 31, 2016! You receive an additional six months of membership FREE and get to take advantage of the member registration fee – a $110 value!

Continuing Education Attendance:  15.0 contact hours for scientific sessions  3.0 contact hours for three-hour pre-conference workshops  2.0 contact hours for two-hour pre-conference workshops  1.5 contact hours for 90-minute pre-conference workshops  Up to 2.0 contact hours may be obtained for poster viewing (1.0 contact hour per five posters viewed).

Authors/Presenters:  10.0 contact hours for first authors on abstracts  5.0 contact hours for additional authors  10.0 contact hours for platform presentations Any changes will be noted in the Final Program. A continuing education certificate will be provided to you at the meeting. Please note that you must attend the entire meeting in order to receive all available contact hours.

40th Annual Meeting Program Directors

Jason Yuhas, BS, CG(ASCP)CM, Annual Meeting Director Adam Sbeiti, MT(ASCP)CMCGCMDLMCM, Annual Meeting Co-Director

Registration Form page 9

Hotel & Travel Information page 11

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Meeting Schedule

Wednesday, June 3, 2015 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Open

Thursday, June 4, 2015 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Open 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. FGT Board Meeting 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

AGT Board Meeting

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Poster Set-Up

Pre-Conference Workshops  8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Workshop 1: Promoting Critical Thinking Opportunities in the Clinical Laboratory Vicki L. Hopwood, MS, CG(ASCP)CM, Assistant Professor/Education Coordinator, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Have you ever asked yourself – “Why don’t these students/new employees/colleagues/managers, etc. critically think? This workshop will provide you with a basic understanding of the field of critical thinking, metacognition and inquiry with an emphasis on how these skills can improve clinical decision making and help you and your employees/colleagues become better thinkers by developing a critical thinking attitude. Participants will have opportunities to practice applying inquiry by using the IDEALS method, identifying assumptions of inquiry and applying the elements of reasoning and thinking.

 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Workshop 2: Improving Your Chromosome Mapping Skill Jun Gu, MD, PhD, CG(ASCP)CM, Assistant Professor/Program Director, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Chromosome mapping is an essential skill for cytogenetic technologists. Many certified cytogenetic technologists gained this skill through NAACLS-approved education programs or on-the-job training and improved their skill overtime. This workshop will provide attendees with strategies to improve their chromosome mapping skill systematically. The session will begin with an introduction to the commonly used mapping methods using examples. Attendees will be given metaphase prints to practice each strategy during the session. Attendees are encouraged to share their personal mapping experiences with the group. Finally, useful resources for self-guided chromosome mapping practice will be introduced and discussed.

This workshop is suitable for all levels of chromosome mappers.

 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Workshop 3: Overview of HER2 FISH Testing – Intricacies of Process & Challenges in Interpretation Reid G. Meyer, CG(ASCP)CM, Senior Technical Specialist/Technical Specialist Coordinator, Division of Laboratory Genetics, Mayo Clinic Jason Yuhas, BS, CG(ASCP)CM, Senior Education Specialist, Division of Laboratory Genetics, Mayo Clinic Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) HER2 testing has evolved dramatically. When FISH testing on paraffin tissues began, there was significant development regarding lab processes for consistent FISH analysis of these specimens. In 2007, ASCO/CAP provided published “recommendations and guidelines” for HER2 reporting which were recently updated in October 2013. Still, laboratories are not provided with processes on exactly how to score and select cells from paraffin tissue resulting in potential dramatic differences in the data generated and reporting of results. The presenters will focus on Mayo Clinic’s experience in HER2 testing, scoring and analysis variability and result interpretations. They will also share discussion on troubleshooting difficult cases, impact of automation on analysis and other challenges laboratories experience in daily practice.

 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Workshop 4: College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation: Preparing for a Cytogenetics Laboratory Inspection Jonathan P. Park, PhD, CG(ASCP)CM, Clinical Pathology Manager, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center The presenter will provide an item-by-item review and discussion of the current CAP inspection checklist with suggestions on how best to prepare, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls in the preparation and inspection process.

 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Workshop 5: FISH Analysis – Beyond Counting Dots Shirong Wang, MS, CG(ASCP)CM, Supervisor, Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute Many people think that FISH analysis is all about counting fluorescent dots. That is partially true, but not entirely! In our daily practice, we have encountered some unique probe patterns that could lead to incorrect interpretations. During the workshop, the presenter will discuss the importance of recognizing sizes and relative positions of probe signals, the usefulness of probe maps in helping interpret unexpected findings and strategies for handling under-the-cutoff abnormalities. The presenter will also provide some real cases for discussion. Workshop participants are expected to have FISH analysis background, preferably FISH oncology experience.

40thANNUAL MEETING

June 4-6, 2015 Hyatt Regency Savannah

Registration Brochure  1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Workshop 6: Array CGH & SNP Array Validation, Data Interpretation & Quality Control Ming Zhao, MS, MD, CG(ASCP)CMMBCM, Senior Health Professions Educator, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and SNP array have significantly increased the diagnostic yield over a karyotype for detecting unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities.

They are now accepted as a first tier diagnostic test for some clinical indications. The introduction of genomic microarray into clinical laboratories has presented unique validation and regulatory challenges. This workshop will include: • Overview of aCGH and SNP array and its procedure.

• Interpretation of aCGH and SNP array.

• Issues related to quality control of aCGH and SNP array.

• Detailed introduction of genomic microarray validation techniques.

• American College of Medical Genetics recommendation for microarray analysis.

 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Margaret Barch Memorial Workshop Workshop 7: Deciphering the Language of Cytogenetics – Clues to Understanding, Finding the Disease–Associated Abnormalities & Writing Up Moderate to Complex ISCN Su Yang, BS, CG(ASCP), Clinical Laboratory Coordinator, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Understanding ISCN could be both challenging and rewarding to laboratory directors and cytogenetic technologists. A comprehensive understanding of ISCN ensures proper presentation of the chromosomal changes which take place in a particular study. Yet many people, especially technologists, encounter difficulties when writing up moderate to complex ISCN for routine and FISH cases.

Part of the problem is due to lack of basic understanding of the principles behind writing accurate ISCN. Another part is due to lack of specific examples of particular chromosomal changes in the current ISCN textbook. The objective of this workshop is to identify some of the problems that present challenges to technologists and to demonstrate an easy-to-follow criteria to determine how to write up an accurate ISCN on challenging cases.

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 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Workshop 8: Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization – Past, Present & Future Tyler Hendershot, PhD, Technical Business Manager, Agilent Technologies, Inc. Application & Technical Considerations with FISH Sharon Alsobrook, MLS(ASCP)CMCGCM, Lead Cytogenetic Technologist, ProPath The Utility of FISH, CGH & NGS as Complementary Clinical Research Tools for Aberration Characterization Douglas Blake CG(ASCP)CM, Clinical Field Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc. Alex Siebold, PhD, Field Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc. During this workshop the presenters will cover current and emerging technologies being utilized for molecular analysis of oncological and congenital disorders. Some technologies that will be covered include: FISH, Next Generation Sequencing and CGH Microarrays.

These technologies have taken the resolution limitation for detecting chromosomal aberrations down to single gene copies or even individual base pair levels. The presenters will describe these methods and show how they help form a more complete picture of complex genomic and molecular alterations in a wide variety of pathology samples.

 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Workshop 9: Providing Comprehensive Cancer Mutation Screening Solutions – FISH, Microarrays & Sequencing Spencer M. Howell, Vice President, Sales and Support Americas, Oxford Gene Technology, Inc. Ephrem Chin, MBA, BTech(Hon), MB(ASCP)CM , QLC, Business Development Manager, Oxford Gene Technology, Inc. Attend this workshop to hear how the latest genomic technology is being used to comprehensively characterize genetic abnormalities.

Learn more about: • Cytocell® FISH probes: New Catalog FISH probes for your research and FISH tips and tricks.

• Complementing NGS and Sanger Sequencing with CytoSure™ aCGH arrays for accurate detection of point mutations and single exon copy number aberrations.

• New SureSeq™ NGS panels: Solutions for gene capture for oncology.

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Genetic Educators Meeting

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WELCOME RECEPTION IN EXHIBIT HALL/POSTER VIEWING/FGT SILENT AUCTION OPENING

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Friday, June 5, 2015 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Open

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

Scientific Sessions  8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.

Welcome to the AGT 40th Annual Meeting Mervat S. Ayad, BS, EMBA, CG(ASCP)CMDLMCM, CCS, AGT President, Director of Laboratory Operations, Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute Jason Yuhas, BS, CG(ASCP)CM, AGT Annual Meeting Director, Senior Education Specialist, Division of Laboratory Genetics, Mayo Clinic Adam Sbeiti, MT(ASCP)CGCMDLMCM, AGT Annual Meeting CoDirector, Manager, Cytogenetics Department, Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute  8:10 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Keynote Address: Cancer Genetics – Past, Present & Future Kevin C. Halling, MD, PhD, Section Head of Clinical Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic In this presentation, Dr. Halling will discuss the rapid advances that have been made in testing tumors for molecular genetic and cytogenetic alterations and the role that this testing has in guiding treatment. He will also venture a guess into what cancer testing will look like a decade from now.

 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.

Advances in the Diagnosis of Hematology/Oncology Diseases Using SNP Microarray Stuart Schwartz, PhD, FACMG, Strategic Director of Cytogenetics, Laboratory Corporation of America Microarray studies for hematology/oncology disorders have been effective in delineating abnormalities not seen with standard cytogenetic analysis and in resolving structurally abnormal chromosomes. These studies have also illustrated that there is a high incidence of copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) in all hematologic disorders. Results from microarray analysis have also assisted in providing both diagnostic and prognostic information.

9:50 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. BREAK IN EXHIBIT HALL/ POSTER VIEWING/FGT SILENT AUCTION

 10:20 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.

The Use of Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for Follow-up of CNVs Identified by High Resolution SNP Array on Patients with Intellectual Disability Barbara R. DuPont, PhD, FACMGG, Senior Director, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Greenwood Genetic Center Microarrays have been the first tier cytogenetics test for patients with intellectual disability, developmental delay and congenital anomalies for a number of years. Recently, the number of probes per array has increased to over 2 million probes per genome with the resolution of the array depending on the density of probes as well as the number of probes used by the software to define the copy number variation (CNV). As the number of probes has increased, the size of the CNVs called has decreased. Our laboratory has been using qPCR rather than FISH for confirmation, and family studies to determine the inheritance pattern of the CNV calls, in order to increase TAT and decrease the cost of these follow-up studies.

 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Studies of Discordant Identical Twins Reveal the Presence of Acquired Chromosomal Instability & Epigenetic Alterations Colleen Jackson-Cook, PhD, FACMG, Professor, Director of Cytogenetics, Virginia Commonwealth University Identical twins, also called monozygotic twins, are completely matched for germline DNA sequence, age, gender, maternal influences and childhood familial environment. Thus, studies of identical twins who are discordant for a trait (one twin has the condition and one does not) provide scientists with a robust method for identifying acquired epigenetic modifications and/or somatic cell chromosomal changes associated with a health condition and/or aging since many of the factors that confound data interpretation can be eliminated. In this presentation, the results from studies of adult identical twins who are discordant for a history of childhood sexual abuse will be used to: • Illustrate the value of twins in genomic science studies.

• Address the question, “How can a childhood adversity experience be biologically ‘remembered’ to result in an increased frequency of health problems (and even early mortality) decades later?”

12:00 p.m. – 1:40 p.m. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

40thANNUAL MEETING

June 4-6, 2015 Hyatt Regency Savannah

Registration Brochure  1:40 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

HER2 FISH Testing in Breast Cancer & the ASCO-CAP Interpretation Guidelines: Data on the New Equivocal Category & the Alternative Chromosome 17 FISH Test Robert Gasparini, MS, CG(ASCP)CM, DLM(ASCP)CM, Chief Scientific Officer, NeoGenomics Laboratories FDA-approved HER2 FISH testing for breast cancer has been with us since September 1998, but interpreting HER2 FISH has been difficult and controversial since that time. In 2006, a committee of medical oncologists and breast pathologists known as the ASCOCAP Committee convened and attempted to bring order and clarity to HER2 IHC and FISH interpretation. Their work culminated with the landmark January 2007 ASCO-CAP HER2 Guidelines publication.

Although successful, there were still multiple challenges that this first set of guidelines did not address or resolve, including the equivocal range, polysomy, tumor and genetic heterogeneity and hypodisomy.

In 2012 and early 2013, the ASCO-CAP Committee convened again, and in October 2013, published the most recent set of HER2 IHC and FISH Guidelines. Virtually all of the nuances or challenges of interpreting HER2 IHC and FISH were addressed by these new guidelines with one notable exception: the committee created an equivocal HER2 FISH category with a requirement that something “must” be done if this occurs. The three options available to a laboratory when an equivocal HER2 FISH result is obtained will be discussed including the presenter’s lab experiences with the one of those three options known as the “alternative chromosome 17 FISH test”. The following data will be presented and discussed.

• Overall HER2 FISH positivity rates.

• The percent of equivocal cases.

• The alternative chromosome 17 loci analyzed.

• The percent of patients that convert from equivocal to positive or negative.

• The “fulcrum effect” or tipping point observed with this alternative chromosome 17 FISH test.

 2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.

Genomic Studies of Solid Tumors: Hold on, It’s Going to be a Wild Ride Daynna J. Wolff, PhD, Professor, Director of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Medical University of South Carolina Cancer is a genetic disease that typically results from an accumulation of genetic aberrations driving a normal cell to become cancerous.

For over 50 years, genomic assessment using banded chromosome analysis has been standard clinical practice for leukemia and lymphoma. More recently, the use of microarray and massively parallel sequencing technologies has revolutionized our ability to study the genomes of solid tumors. These studies have provided diagnostic and prognostic information and have allowed targeted therapies to be offered. Dr. Wolff will discuss the current standards of care for genomic analysis of solid tumors and reflect on the future of genomic medicine for cancer.

3:20 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

BREAK IN EXHIBIT HALL/ POSTER VIEWING/FGT SILENT AUCTION

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 4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.

Mutational Landscape of Myelodysplastic Syndromes & Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Frederick K. Racke, MD, PhD, Medical Director, Hematopathology and Coagulation, Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute Widespread use of advanced sequencing technologies is rapidly advancing our knowledge about the mutational landscapes of myeloid neoplasms. This presentation will focus on the current status of the role of gene mutations in the diagnosis and risk stratification of myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.

 4:50 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.

Roundtable Discussions Join in a lively discussion on topics of interest to you! Participants will have a choice of 10 or more topics, and discussion leaders will guide the conversation regarding the issues relevant to genetic technologists. A great networking and information gathering opportunity!

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

AGT JOB FAIR

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

NEW THIS YEAR! Dine Around

AGT is hosting its first dine around! AGT leaders will make group reservations at several area restaurants, and participants can sign up for the restaurant of their choice either online or at the meeting.

Groups will head to dinner around 7:00 p.m. This is a great way for those attending the meeting by themselves to experience Savannah!

Please note: AGT does not cover the cost of your meal.

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Saturday, June 6, 2015 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Open 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

BUSINESS MEETING BREAKFAST

Scientific Sessions  8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.

Opening Remarks Mervat S. Ayad, BS, EMBA, CG(ASCP)CM, DLMCM, CCS, AGT President, Director of Laboratory Operations, Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute Jason Yuhas, BS, CG(ASCP)CM, AGT Annual Meeting Director, Senior Education Specialist, Division of Laboratory Genetics, Mayo Clinic Adam Sbeiti, MT(ASCP)CGCMDLMCM, AGT Annual Meeting CoDirector, Manager, Cytogenetics Department, Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute  8:10 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Gordon W. Dewald Lecture: Cytogenomics, from Yesterday through Tomorrow Arthur R. Brothman, PhD, FACMG, Professor of Pathology, University of Arizona; Adjunct Professor, University of Utah This lecture will cover the evolution of the field of cytogenomics from a personal perspective and note how looking at the human genome has dramatically changed in the past 40 years.

9:00 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. Abstract Platform Presentations & Student Abstract Award Winner Abstract Presentation 10:40 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. BREAK IN EXHIBIT HALL/ POSTER VIEWING/FGT SILENT AUCTION  11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

Hereditary Predisposition for Breast Cancer: Looking at BRCA1/BRCA2 Testing & Beyond Arturo Anguiano, MD, FACMG, International Medical Director, Medical Affairs; Vice Chairman, Genetics; Medical Director, Cytogenetics, Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute Dr. Anguiano will cover next generation sequencing and MLPA method applied to genes implicated in hereditary predisposition to breast cancer.

12:20 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

12:20 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

UCONN LUNCHEON

 1:45 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.

The Rise & Fall of the Maternal Serum Screening Empire James Waurin, MS, CG(ASCP)CM, Genetic Counselor, Quest Diagnostics Since the 1980s, maternal serum biochemical screening (MSS) during pregnancy has been the standard of care. It has been enhanced, changed, altered and used for things other than just a screening tool for aneuploidies. Now, with the advent of the noninvasive prenatal screen, its use seems to be declining. Mr. Waurin will cover the history of MSS and how it can still be a useful part of prenatal screening.

 2:35 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.

The Evolving Landscape of Cytogenomic Testing Hutton Moore Kearney, PhD, FACMG, Co-director, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Our field has experienced an explosion of technological advances over the past 10 years. Where once chromosomes and FISH were the sole offerings in most clinical cytogenetics laboratories, our test menus now include a variety of molecular genomic methodologies.

Dr. Kearney will review the molecular methodologies used for cytogenomic evaluation, including high-density SNP-microarrays, non-invasive prenatal screening and next generation sequencing for genomic rearrangements.

3:25 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Silent Auction Winners Announced

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

BREAK

 3:45 p.m. – 4:35 p.m.

A Brief History of Cell & Tissue Culture AnnMarie W. Block, PhD, FACMG, Director, Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory, Roswell Park Cancer Institute Dr. Block will share stories from the early days of tissue culture, researchers who helped develop the techniques used today and the products they created.

 4:35 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Closing Remarks Patricia Dowling, PhD, FACMG, Director, Cytogenetics, HistoPathology Services, Pathline Labs, AGT President-Elect 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

40thANNUAL MEETING

June 4-6, 2015  Hyatt Regency Savannah  Savannah, Georgia

Registration Form Registration Brochure Registration Register one personBrochure per form. Please use photocopies for additional registrants.

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To register online, please visit the AGT website at www.AGT-info.org.

STEP 1: Name Badge & Roster Information First Name

Last Name

Name Preferred on Name Badge Company/Institution Business Address City State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Business Phone

Cell Phone (to be used in case of emergency)

Country Email

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Specific requests (subject to availability)

 Vegetarian  Vegan  Gluten-Free   



 Other (describe allergies here)_____________________________________________________

I am a new AGT member since June 2014.

This is the first AGT meeting that I have attended.

Check here if the address information above is different from what appears on your AGT mailing label.

I DO NOT consent to allow my photo to be taken during the meeting to be published on AGT social media sites, AGT website or in publications to promote AGT or the Annual Meeting.

Liability Waiver & Emergency Contact Please read and sign. I agree and acknowledge that I am undertaking participation in AGT events and activities as my own free and intentional act, and I am fully aware that possible physical injury might occur to me as a result of my participation in these events. I give this acknowledgement freely and knowingly and that I am, as a result, able to participate in AGT events, and I do hereby assume responsibility for my own well-being. I also agree not to allow any other individual to participate in my place.

Workshop 1: Promoting Critical Thinking Opportunities in the Clinical Laboratory 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  $80 AGT Member  $100 Non-Member Workshop 2: Improving Your Chromosome Mapping Skill 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  $80 AGT Member  $100 Non-Member Workshop 3: Overview of HER2 FISH Testing 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  $55 AGT Member  $75 Non-Member

 No Charge

Emergency Contact Name/Relationship/Phone

STEP 2: Join AGT! Join AGT now and register for the Annual Meeting for the member price below. Membership will run through December 31, 2016.  Join AGT Membership benefits will begin in July.  Full - $95  Emeritus - $40  Student - $35

STEP 3: Full & Single-Day Registration Fees Member Non-Member Student Single-Day Member Single-Day Non-Member Single-Day Student

Please ensure that the workshops you select do not overlap! Space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Workshop 4: CAP Accreditation: Preparing for a Cytogenetics Laboratory Inspection 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Signature Date

Fees:

STEP 4: Pre-Conference Workshops – Thursday, June 4

Postmarked/ Faxed by April 13

Postmarked/ Faxed by May 8

On-Site Registration

 $350  $460  $125  $185  $245  $65

 $400  $510  $150  $210  $265  $85

 $425  $535  $170  $220  $285  $95

Single-Day Registration Only: Please indicate day attending:  Friday, June 5  Saturday, June 6

Workshop 5: FISH Analysis – Beyond Counting Dots 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  $80 AGT Member  $100 Non-Member Workshop 6: Array CGH & SNP Array Validation, Data Interpretation & Quality Control 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  $80 AGT Member  $100 Non-Member Workshop 7: Deciphering the Language of Cytogenetics (ISCN) 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  $55 AGT Member  $75 Non-Member Workshop 8: FISH – Past, Present & Future AND The Utility of FISH, CGH & NGS as Complementary Clinical Research Tools

3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  No Charge

Workshop 9: Providing Comprehensive Cancer Mutation Screening Solutions

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  No Charge

40thANNUAL MEETING

June 4-6, 2015  Hyatt Regency Savannah  Savannah, Georgia

Registration Form, continued Registration Brochure 10

STEP 5: Guest Registration

STEP 8: Send Your Registration

Are you bringing a guest to the Annual Meeting? Consider purchasing special events tickets so that your guest can join you at the following functions.

To register, complete the registration form and return it, along with the appropriate payment, to:

Welcome Reception Guest

(___ persons x $35)

Awards Banquet Guest (___ persons x $45) Guest Name:__________________________________________

 Mail: AGT Executive Office

P.O. Box 19193 Lenexa, KS 66285-9193

Please note: Each attendee will receive one ticket to each event at no additional cost as part of the registration fee.

Overnight mail only AGT Executive Office 18000 W. 105th Street Olathe, KS 66061

STEP 6: Total Fees

 Fax: 913-895-4652

Total Membership Fee

$__________

Total Registration Fee

$__________

Total Workshop Fee(s)

$__________

Total Guest Registration Fee(s)

$__________

Total Payment Enclosed

$__________

STEP 7: Payment Information Payment is due in full with your registration form. Fees are based upon the postmark date. Payment may be made by credit card or check in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank.

Please make checks payable to the Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT) – Federal Tax ID #94-2668057  Check enclosed  Credit Card  MasterCard  VISA  American Express  Discover Credit Card No. Expiration Date Signature Name as it appears on the card (please print) Cardholder Phone Number

Cancellations

All fees must be paid in U.S. dollars, with checks drawn in U.S. funds from U.S. banks. In the event of cancellation prior to or on May 8, registration fees will be returned, less a $50 processing fee. All refunds on cancellations will be issued after the meeting.

Substitutions are allowed. There will be no refunds issued or substitutions allowed after May 8.

Registration forms and payment information can be faxed.

 Online Registration:

Registrations can be completed and submitted online via the AGT website at www.AGT-info.org.

A link to online registration is located on the Annual Meeting page.

40thANNUAL MEETING

June 4-6, 2015 Hyatt Regency Savannah

Registration Brochure

11

Hotel & Travel Information

Hyatt Regency Savannah Two W. Bay St. Savannah, GA 31401 912-238-1234

Make reservations online at https://aws.passkey.com/g/20091235 or call 912-238-1234.

Rate: $169; rate includes guestroom wireless Internet Reservation Deadline: May 4, 2015 Hyatt Regency Savannah provides guests with opportunities to connect that satisfy and delight. From foods that feed the mind and body to inspiring spaces for conversation to gyms and spas for re-energizing, the Bay Street hotel combines gracious southern hospitality with contemporary services and amenities to get you to your next idea. Located on Bay Street, this Savannah riverfront hotel is situated near popular attractions like River Street, City Market, and Tybee Island also known as Savannah Beach. Stop by the Concierge Desk for maps, brochures, and other helpful information; they’ll be happy to help with tickets, tours, reservations, and more. You can even reach out before you travel with their E-Concierge service and via Twitter @HyattConcierge.

Hotel description from Hyatt Regency Savannah’s website: http://savannah.hyatt.com/en/hotel/our-hotel.html

Parking For the convenience of the guests, Hyatt Regency Savannah is pleased to offer secure underground valet parking. There is also self-parking available at a nearby City of Savannah garage.

Valet parking – $24 per night for standard cars and oversize vehicles/vans.* Full in/out privileges as much as needed.

Self-Parking – available in the Whitaker Street Garage at $16 per night. In/out privileges do not apply.

Ground Transportation in Savannah To access the Hyatt Regency Savannah from the airport, we suggest the following methods of transportation to and from the hotel: TAXI – approximately $25 + $3 for additional passengers.

* Vans and oversized trucks are allowed with maximum height of van approximately 7½ feet. There is very limited space available for vans and oversized trucks.

AMTRAK – 15 miles/10 minutes

Weather

Additionally, to help you get around Savannah during your stay, the following options offer convenient, local transportation: CHATHAM AREA TRANSIT (CAT) – the local transit system. Each CAT fare costs you $1, and if you have to transfer buses, you will have to purchase another fare on the second bus for $1.

DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE (dot) – complimentary shuttle service offering transportation throughout the Savannah Historic District. For route information, visit http://connectonthedot.com.

Attire Attire for the meeting and all social functions is business casual. Meeting rooms are often chilly so bring a sweater or jacket for the sessions.

Savannah’s average daytime temperature in June is in the low 80s, and the average nighttime temperature is in the upper 60s.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Olathe, KS 66061 Permit No. 727

P.O. Box 19193 Lenexa, KS 66285