[Histonet] RE: QIHC change

[Morken, Tim - Labvision]

Jamie, It seems from what you say that you are working in a research lab. Is
that correct? My understanding about the ASCP certification is that it is
aimed at providing a modicum of proof that a person is qualified to work in
a medical diagnostic lab. Research labs are not  considered diagnostic labs.
As you imply, a person in a research lab will often work on only a limited
sample set. Therefore, it is meaningless to apply the the ASCP standard to
research people.

 If you are planning to move into the diagnostic field, then I'll bet you
could easily find a job in a diagnostic lab, get the experience, and qualify
to take the test. It may be that some diagnostic labs have a suggested
requirement to be ASCP certified as a QIHC, but the vast majority would be
happy to find someone with the experience you outline, even if they had not
previously worked in a diagnositc lab.

Tim Morken
Lab Vision - Neomarkers
www.labvision.com

Free webhosting for US State Histotechnology Societies:
http://www.labvisioncorp.com/demowebsite/index.cfm

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of James Watson
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 7:28 AM
To: novanity <@t> nc.rr.com; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: QIHC change


This is my point.  With the requirements listed below someone with 25 years
of experience doing immuno (single, double, triple antibody staining, making
own antibodies, and in situ Hybridization: all with and without using kits,
all with and without using an automated stainer) is not qualified for this
certification if they work in a research facility where immunophenotyping is
not done. There is no system of doing it on your own to prove that you have
the capability to do immunophenotyping in order to fullfil this requirement.
I guess it is time to start harrassing ASCP about the unfairness of this
system. 
 
>From almost always sunny San Diego
Jamie

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of
novanity <@t> nc.rr.com 
	Sent: Wed 11/16/2005 5:55 AM 
	To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
	Cc: 
	Subject: [Histonet] RE: QIHC change
	
	

	James, to qualify for the qualification you take the 50 question
test
	and submit an employer reference form + of course satisfy one of the
	three routes.  There is no practical to submit anymore.  I think
that is
	what you are asking.  It seems to me that it wouldn't matter about
	specificity antigens/markers or what diseases or human cells.  There
is
	no requirement other than what is requested on the employer
reference
	form which you can't see the details until you order and receive
your
	packet. Is it possible for anyone to post a copy of the employer
	reference form.  From the ASCP website this is what it says "
	
	Qualification in Immunohistochemistry
	Experience requirements
	
	Applicants must have experience in the following areas
	
	    * Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescence Preparation
	      All of the following should have been performed by the
applicant
	          o staining technique
	          o selection of proper control material
	          o titration of immunologic reagents
	
	    * Immunophenotyping
	      in at least one of the following applications
	          o immunodeficiencies
	          o immunoproliferative disorders (neoplastic and
non-neoplastic
	disorders)
	          o transplantation biopsies
	          o other immunophenotyping applications
	            please specify: ______________________
	
	    * Quality Assurance
	      The applicant should have participated in Quality Assurance
	related to all of the following
	          o specimen fixation, processing, microtomy
	          o reagent selection, preparation, storage, disposal
	          o method selection, validation, documentation
	          o quality control
	          o safety
	
	"  This is the experience which I am assuming is only documented for
the
	ASCP through the employer reference form, hence if you only do A and
C
	and not B you can't qualify unless your employer is dishonest on the
	form. Because even if you crosstrain into what I assume is flow
	cytometry but don't actually work it day to day as part of your job
you
	do not qualify because you have not had experience doing it for a
	minimun of 12 months.  As for research, same thing if you do all of
it
	every day then your good to go.  If not it is a grey or is it gray
area
	 that I'm looking more information/details on.  In the past you
	qualified your work with different immuno stains as a practical , I
	don't remember there being a flow requirement.  Maybe I'm wrong but
	anyone have this info I'm looking for.
	
	G Hurlburt HT(ASCP)
	sunny and warm NC
	
	_______________________________________________
	Histonet mailing list
	Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
	http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet