- American Medical Technologists
Transcription
- American Medical Technologists
TENN-O-SCOPE Official Publication of the Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists Volume LIX December 2012 No. 2 Tennessee The Volunteer State Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists 2013 Officers www.americanmedtech.org President Jerry Hudgins 227 Windsor Park Lane Hendersonville, TN 37075 [email protected] (m) 615-218-9154 (w) 615-328-5503 Vice President Agnes Oslica, MT 90 Hancock Cove Eads, TN 38028-3548 [email protected] (h) 901-867-3644 Secretary Annie Washington, MT 1186 Mary Jane Cove Memphis, TN 38116-8900 [email protected] (h) 901-345-2887 (m) 901-734-6649 (w) 901-595-3644 Treasurer Walter Parsons, MT 1011 McMahan Avenue Nashville, TN 37216 [email protected] (h) 615-262-4229 (m) 615-415-8001 Ex-Officio District Councilor Martha Duncan, MT 6014 Clifton Drive Columbia, TN 38401 [email protected] (h) 931-380-3423 Shannon Newman, MT 249 Willie Craig Road Bassett, VA 24005 [email protected] (h) 276-629-7827 (m) 276-732-9334 fax: 276-629-2621 Judiciary Councilor 2 Kimberly Cheuvront, Ph.D. 100 Fair Oaks Drive Fairmont, WV 26554 [email protected] (m) 304-641-0126 (w) 304-367-7488 31 Legislative Update By Kaye Tschop, MT (AMT) There are no legislative actions pending that effect American Medical Technologists or the Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists. Important information from the Director of the Tennessee Medical Laboratory Board: Retirees must retire their license. If license are not officially retired, the licensee will be responsible for maintaining continuing education hours. These members can be cited and fined if audited and not in compliance. If you are retired and have no plans of working, please retire your license. Public Chapter 230 Provides that each health-related board shall establish a procedure to expedite the issuance of a license, certificate, or permit for an applicant who is certified or licensed in another state to perform the same profession that is the subject of the application; whose spouse is a member of the armed forces; whose spouse is the subject of a military transfer to Tennessee; and who has left employment to accompany the person’s spouse to Tennessee. The procedure shall include issuing the applicant a license, certificate, or permit if the licensure requirements in the other state are substantially equivalent to Tennessee’s requirements or developing a method to authorize the applicant to practice in Tennessee with a temporary permit in accordance with current law (T.C.A. §63-1-142). Visit this site for legislative updates: http://health.state.tn.us/ boards/MedLab/legislative.htm Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists 2013 Board Members www.americanmedtech.org Board Member 2013-2016 Board Member 2013-2016 Board Member 2012-2014 Board Member 2012-2014 Board Member 2010-2013 Board Member 2010-2013 Legislative Updates: Current through October 23, 2012 If you wish to review any of the following Public Chapters in their entirety, please visit: http://www.tennessee.gov/sos/acts/index.htm. 30 Editor Kay Burnett, MT 35 Cypress Heights Lane Buchanan, TN 38222 [email protected] (h) 731-232-8675 (m) 615-830-6320 (w) 731-644-8549 Charles Haun, MT 3520 Cherokee Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37412 [email protected] (h) 423-867-3925 Kim Wheeler, MT 105 Sunset Drive Unicoi, TN 37692 [email protected] (h) 423-735-7915 Valerie Owens, RMA 521 Haynes Street Nashville, TN 37207 [email protected] (h) 615-227-3473) (w) 615-327-3603 Diane Robbins, MT 827 Apple Drive Livingston, TN 38570 [email protected] (h) 931-823-1879 (w) 931-403-2125 Debbie Stinnett, MT 623 Greenleaf Avenue Smyrna, TN 37167 [email protected] (h) 615-459-7561 (w) 615-562-9282 Kaye Tschop, MT 4954 Hopedale Drive Nashville, TN 37211-4853 [email protected] (h) 615-833-3427 (w) 615-873-7464 3 Table of Contents Table of Contents…………………………………..…………….…...4 President’s Message ………………..………………….…………..…….…..4-5 District Councilor’s Message………………………………….…...6-7 Editorial………………………………………………………………8 Dates to Remember…………………..………………………………..…..9 Delegate Reports………………………………….…10-11, 26, 28-29 RMA Week Report……………………………………….…………12 TSSAMT Fall Meeting Report………………………………..….....13 TSSAMT Speaker Photo’s………………………………...………..14 TSSAMT Service Ribbon and Award Photo’s………………...……15 AMT National Convention Photo’s San Antonio……………….16,17 TSSAMT National Award Recipients………………………….…...18 Magnolia Educational Treasures 2014………………………….…..19 CASMET 2013…………………………………………………..….20 TSSAMT New Members………………………………………...21-24 Heart Attacks and Water………………………………………..…...24 On the Cover………………………………………………………...25 Synthetic Cannabimimetrics………………………………………...27 Legislative & TN Med Lab Board Report………………………......30 AMT’s 75th National Meeting Pittsburg, ……………………….....31 President’s Message Fall 2012 Hello my TSSAMT family, it has been such a wonderful year, from the beginning with the Magnolia Education Seminar, our TSSAMT Board of Directors meeting at the Path Group’s Lab in Nashville, the National AMT Conference in San Antonio, Texas and finally our Mountain Education Retreat in Sevierville, Tenn. Would you take it to heart if I said the TSSAMT is active in many different areas and we are still growing with new members, but why are our numbers of attendance at these meetings staying the same. We have approximately 1300 members and only 40-60 will come to our TSSAMT educational seminars and only 7-10 will go to the National Convention as delegates. Yes, the cost is not going down at the National Meeting, but the places we go to are rated at approximately $200-$250 dollars per day and we will pay $119. The speakers are some of the better educated individuals on their subjects and there is always a good choice of foods to be purchased. All of your time doesn’t have to be 4 spent in a lecture. Pick out your favorites and save some time for you Delegate Report (continued) By Agnes Oslica, MT (AMT) Korean War, Vietnam War and the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. During WWI the Influenza Pandemic killed more soldiers than the war itself. Many of our military men and women died from Malaria, TB and Typhoid Fever. During WWII a Sulfonamide drug and Penicillin, known as the miracle drug was used to treat open wounds and trench foot. Insecticides like DDT were used to kill bugs and body lice. In the Korean War our wounded soldiers were transported by helicopter to mobile army surgical headquarters for treatment. These Mash units set up for medical care increased the survival rate of many soldiers. Transporting them by air to these units increased their chances of quick recovery and fewer complications. During the Vietnam War, soldiers were plagued with the drug resistant malaria and HCV. Poor hygiene resulted in fungal and bacterial infections. Agent orange was a harmful chemical that caused many problems after they returned home. The soldiers who spent time in the Iraq and Afghanistan War became ill with infections and diseases that have long incubation periods and often were not noticed until they returned to the states. The parasite, Leishmania, commonly called Baghdad Boils may take up to 20 years to present symptoms. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected sand fly. There is no vaccine. The preventive treatment is to use N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, also known as DEET. Coxiella burneti, and Q fever came from domestic animals by ingesting the meat or milk. Camels were carriers of many of the infections transmitted to our soldiers but the local population was not affected by these infections. I enjoyed being with the Tennessee delegates and friends for the awards banquet and convocation. On Friday night we attended the President’s reception overlooking The Alamo. It was nice to spend time with people socially on our last night in San Antonio. There is just one thing we didn’t get together and do. Ride the Segway’s thru the streets of San Antonio. Maybe they will have them available in Pittsburgh at next year’s meeting. 29 Delegate Report President’s Message Fall 2012 (continued) By Agnes Oslica, MT (AMT) I attended this year’s meeting in San Antonio because it had been many years since I had been to this city, 50 to be exact. The Alamo is the only building that I can recall being there and certainly none of the high rise hotels, restaurants or other buildings were around the river walk at that time. It’s a beautiful area, day or night—lots of families were visiting and enjoying their summer vacation. We could walk to many places of interest from our hotel, The Alamo, for example, and there were plenty of trolleys and sightseeing buses to hop on and off so we could enjoy the century old missions and churches at our leisure. At night, the river walk cruise was especially beautiful. Our convention started with a couple of workshops on Monday. The keynote speaker, Charlie Todd, shared his idea of humor with videos from scenes on a subway ride prank called “no pants”, and scenes from people frozen in place at Grand Central Station. His experiment with these and other silly videos have received over 235 million views online. I attended the session, Dealing with Difficult People by Deborah Janeczko. The following are a few questions we might ask to help us identify the basic behaviors of difficult people. 1. What characteristic identifies them as difficult? Do they always insist on getting their way? 2. How do they make other people feel? Do they need to control their anger, be less of a bulldozer personality? 3. What is your definition of a difficult person? Do they think they are an expert in everything? Do they tend to get attention by complaining? 4. Is this person always difficult or occasionally? Do they need to get attention by being a drama major? Are they always looking for approval or attention? 5. Did their background play a part in their behavior? Another session I attended was “Infections Seen in Returning Military. This topic included infections and health issues seen in WWI and II, 28 and your family, companion, or fellow AMT members to tour the city, shop a little, do something that will take your mind off of the working environment that you left at home. The same idea is used for our Fall Meeting, cost of the last hotel was $74 per night (which included a full breakfast) on Friday and Saturday Nights, normally these rooms would have gone for $119 per night and our registration was kept to the lowest dollar amount and it included a lunch each day along with snacks in the morning and afternoon. At the fall conference it was mentioned that only a certain percent of your CE can be gotten from the internet, so why not come to our meetings and get approximately 13-15 hours and have some enjoyment in meeting other techs and sharing some “war stories”. National Headquarters only requires that we supply 3 hours per year for our members, we on the Board of Directors feel that you deserve the best qualified speakers, a comfortable environment to sit and listen, and refreshments as needed and wanted during these lectures. Our speakers are given a small token for their lectures and the rest of the cost is their own, some of our last speakers traveled 3-5 hours and furnished their own lodging, now that is dedication to our TSSAMT Group. We have some of the most qualified AMT members here in the state of Tennessee and their education and years of experience can’t be topped by any other group. If you haven’t ever had the opportunity to have been called back in the middle of the night to work on an OB patient having trouble giving birth, a bad car wreck with people needing blood or even the worst yet, a chronic GI Bleeder that has developed several difficult antibodies and they need blood STAT, then you have missed the thrill of seeing any of the above improve from your technical abilities. Our Father is with us at all times, he just allows our hands to help do his work. We in the TSSAMT are a caring group of individuals and we want you to join us at the next opportunity. My phone is (615) 2189154 and my e-mail is ([email protected]). Get in touch with me and talk about your possibilities of becoming a BOD member or studying to become an officer. We need NEW Blood in our group. There is always a learned hand to help you on this very important journey, please let me hear from you. Jerry Hudgins MT President of TSSAMT 5 Synthetic Cannabimimetics District Councilor’s Message Fall 2012 First I would like to thank the Texas State Society for hosting the National Convention this year in San Antonio. Second, it is always sad to see the end of the week at the National Convention and saying good-bye to friends and family. Third, if you were unable to attend this year’s convention, you missed an awesome meeting. There were some changes to the convention this year by adding an evening session and one session during lunch. “Breakfast of Champions” is now the “Lunch of Champions” served on Tuesday at lunch. This year’s convention offered 24 hours of continuing education with wonderful speakers. Next, I would like to give an update on membership and education. Since March 2012, the education department has been very active. The registered medical assistant on-line practice exam went live as of June 7th. The cost is $30.00 for nonmember and $25.00 for student members. The practice exam consists of 220 questions and it can be taken twice. The Education Department has regrouped the step articles similar to the old CE modules, which will be retired by the end of 2012. These new packages went live on June 9th. There were 7 on demand courses from last annual meeting that went live in May. The cost for on-demand courses and webinars are $15-$30 depending on the amount of credits that are offered. Also, there will be a membership survey sent out sometime in September and by January 1, 2013; there will be a universal application. Also, check Facebook and YouTube about this year’s convention and other social events. Next year’s annual meeting will be July 8-12, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the Omni William Penn Hotel. The cost is $119.00 plus 14% taxes (rate valid from July 2-15, 2013). The 2014 meeting will be held in the Great Lakes District. Next, I would like to congratulate the following members in the South for their time and dedication to AMT: Paul Brown, MT from Alabama received the Order of the Golden Microscope, Chris Seay, MT from Tennessee received the O.C. “Skip” Skinner Armed Services Award, Kay Fergason, MT from Florida received the Cuviello Commitment to Excellence Award, Patricia Poitier-Sands, RMA from Florida received the Silver 6 By Valerie Owens, RMA (AMT) I had the pleasure of attending the TSSAMT Mountain Educational Retreat in Sevierville, Tennessee on September 28,2012 and had a big eye opening experience. Dr. Kenneth Ferslew gave a very dynamic lecture on Bath Salts and Synthetic Cannabimimetics. He explained to us how we should be aware of what people are using to get high with an illegal but underlying legal ways. Routine laboratory instruments are not used for testing and detection of bath salts compounds. Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) is the instrument of choice for testing of suspected bath salts ingestion and are very costly ranging between $75-$200 per specimen with very little insurance reimbursement if any at all. There is no easy way to screen for these compounds that are mixed together due to several different ways to mix/compound them. Not to think of the time that it takes to run just one test and the cost of the instruments. With a lot of our younger generation becoming codependent on these drugs, it is going to be worth our time and effort to do more research on them. Mr. Ferslew informed us that a lot of people used the drugs several times daily because of the short duration of the high. Tolerance develops to subjective feelings of mood elevation, euphoria, and increased energy. When the usage is increased the drug produces toxic paranoid psychosis. The abuse of the drugs are mostly by inhaling or smoking, but may also be injected or ingested. When the drug is over used it can cause some people to become suicidal because it inhibits the re-uptake of and stimulate the release of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. The more toxicologist study the chemicals that are being used in Bath Salts and Synthetic Cannabimimetics, the more knowledgeable we will become in treatment for abuse in the drugs. The next time that you hear a person mention taking a 420 break tell them that’s the wrong thing to do. They may be smoking an illegal drug that can be toxic to their body. 27 Delegate Report 2012 By Charlotte Mitchell, MLT (AMT) This was my third AMT National Conference, and once again I was truly amazed. I have been hooked since my first attendance in Las Vegas three years ago when my lab director suggested we go. I plan on attending every year if at all possible. The planning committees do a wonderful job. I always enjoy the variety of sessions presented. I must say I enjoyed the presentation by David Plaut on "The Laboratory and Kidney Function.” Chronic kidney disease effect's 20 million people. One in fourteen adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease and another 20 million are at risk. The major causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes, hypertension, as well as glomerulonephritis. Chronic renal failure of any etiology is characterized by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Stages are measured 1 thru 5 with 1 being kidney damage with normal or increased GFR to stage 5 with patients on dialysis. Methods for assessment of GFR and eGFR are serum urea, serum creatinine, urine creatinine, and serum cystatine C levels. Some of the problems with creatinine as a marker are variable secretions, muscle mass, and dietary protein. Cystatine C is gaining acceptance and maybe used as an alternative to creatinine and creatinine clearance to screen for and monitor kidney dysfunction in those with known or suspected kidney disease. It can be very useful in patients that have liver problems, obesity, or malnutrition. What does the cystatin C test result mean? An increased serum cystatine C level corresponds to a decrease in GFR and kidney dysfunction. Since cystatine C is produced throughout the body at a constant rate and is filtered and eliminated by the kidneys, it should remain at a steady level in the blood if the kidneys are working efficiently and the GFR is normal. Some of the advantages of measuring cystatine C is the ability to detect decreased GFR earlier then creatinine. Cystatine C is also independent of urine collection as well as measurable by automated methods. One recent study indicated that it is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Case studies show cystatine C was superior to other markers. Creatinine clearance had the worse diagnostic efficiency. I found the information in this session very interesting. Many of us either know of or have family members with related kidney issues. As I stated earlier, I look forward to attending many more AMT conventions. 26 Hope to see everyone again in Pittsburg! District Councilor’s Message Fall 2012 (continued) Service Award, Ray Dean, MT from North Carolina, Cynthia Jones, MT from Georgia, Naomi Melvin, MT from Florida, and Georgia Morrison, MT from South Carolina for receiving the Pillar Award, J.D. Lookadoo, MT from Florida received the Distinguished Achievement Award, and Harry Narine, MT, RPT from Trinidad received the Exceptional Merit Award. Writing award winners were: Gerald P. Boe, PhD, from South Carolina-1st place technical award and Alice Macomber, RN, RMA, AHI, RPT from Florida - 1st place in the feature writing award and Maria Cristina Guzman, MT from Georgia - 2nd place in the feature writing award. Publication awards: 1st Place Journal Tennessee -TennO-Scope, Kaye Tschop, editor and 3rd place Newsletter Georgia Peaches and Peanuts, Chevy Newham, editor. Most Improved Publication North Carolina - Tarheel Tech, Tommie Williams, editor and a special thanks to the honor roll states and to the 1st time attendees to the National convention and I hope to see the 1st timers attend next year for their second convention. Let’s not forget the week to recognize and celebrate the medical assistants. This year the National Medical Assistants Week is October 15 th19th. Mary Burden, MT was re-elected to the National Board and Heather Herring was elected for the RMA position to the National Board. Our national officers are Mary Burden, MT as President, Everett Bloodworth, MT as Vice-President, Jeff Lavender, MT as Secretary, and Janet Sesser, RMA as Treasurer. Linda Jones, MT was re-elected to AMTIE and the new member elected was Taffy Durfee, MT. The new officers of AMTIE are Linda Jones, MT President, Art Contino, AHI, RMA Vice-President, Marty Hinkel, MT Secretary and David Yocum Jr., MT as Treasurer. Make plans now to attend your state and national meeting. It’s a great way to attend a family reunion and still get continuing education at the same time. I wish each of my states a great year. Respectfully submitted, Shannon H. Newman, BSMT AMT Southern District Councilor 7 Editor’s Message Here we are at the end of another year and what a grand year it has been! The Tennessee State Society has been very active this year. In February we took part in the Magnolia Educational Treasures in Montgomery, Alabama. July we traveled to San Antonio to take part in AMT’s 74th National Convention and in September we traveled to Sevierville and The Great Smokey Mountains for our Mountain Educational Retreat. What a bounty of educational opportunities. I’d like to thank the Tennessee State Society for the opportunity to represent this great state as a delegate to the National Convention. I’d also like to thank Mr. Jerry Hudgins, MT President, Tennessee State Society for his guidance and wisdom and the Board of Directors for allowing me to serve as the editor of your state society journal, the TENN-O-SCOPE. From taking pictures to writing reports, I am always appreciative of all your help in making this journal the award winning journal it is today. To those who were in harms way earlier this year with Hurricane Sandy. My heart goes out to you and your family who have lost loved ones and who’s properties were destroyed by mother nature’s furry. Here are my wishes for you…... Hours of happy times with friends, family and loved ones Abundant time for rest and relaxation Prosperity Plenty of love when you need it the most Youthful excitement at life’s simple pleasures Nights of restful slumber (you know - don’t worry be happy) Everything you need Wishing you love and light Years and years of good health Enjoyment and mirth Angels to watch over you Remembrances' of happy years! (Author unknown) Kaye Tschop, MT Editor 8 On The Cover By Kaye Tschop, MT (AMT) My coordinates are 35°08′33″N 90°03′07″W 35.142514°N 90.051944°W I am located in west Tennessee and I reside at 149 Union Avenue Memphis. My custom began in the early 1930’s by Frank Schutt who returned from a weekend hunting trip and found it quite amusing to leave three of his live English Call Duck decoys in the hotel fountain. The idea was a hit with the guests and ever since then, five Mallard ducks have played in the fountain every day. A gentleman by the name of Edward Pembroke volunteered to care for us in the 1940’s. Edward painstakingly cared for our every need for over 50 years and taught us everything we know including how to march. Every day at 11:00 a.m., we march to the accompaniment of the King Cotton March by John Phillip Sousa. We are escorted down the red carpet in front of many guests as we make our way to our favorite fountain. This famous fountain was carved out of an enormous piece of Italian travertine marble and shipped from Italy for the hotel’s 1925 opening. At 5:00 pm everyday, after a six hour swim in the fountain, we ceremoniously make our way back to our beautiful renovated palace which is located on the rooftop. The 24 by 12 foot enclosure which features granite flooring, ceiling fans, a scale replica of the hotel, a fountain decorated with a pair of bronze ducks, and a large viewing window for guests to see us in our new home. Rumor has it the cost of the renovation was upwards of $ 200,000 to complete. We are very popular with the guests and have made appearances on the television along with our handlers to shows like Johnny Carson, Oprah Winfrey and Sesame Street. We even had a spread in People Magazine. Do you know who I am? If you guessed… The Peabody Ducks… you are absolutely correct! FYI—The ducks are raised by a local farmer and a friend of the hotel. Each team lives in the hotel for only three months before being retired from their Peabody duties and returned to the farm to live out the remainder of their days as wild ducks. The colorful flowers adorning the top of the fountain are changed out every other day in the middle of the night. (See back cover for picture) 25 HEART ATTACKS AND WATER Dates to Remember By Kaye Tschop, MT (AMT) National Dental Assistants Week.…………………. .March 3-9, 2013 . Heart Attacks and Water - Who knew!! National Laboratory Professionals Week……….....April 21-27, 2013 Did you know?? I didn't know. Here’s the question. AMT 75th National Meeting ……………………..….July 8-12, 2013 Omni William Penn Hotel Pittsburg, Pennsylvania Why do we urinate so much at night time? TSSAMT Fall Meeting …………………………….….Oct 4-5, 2013 Paris Landing State Park Answer...Gravity holds water in the lower part of your body. When you are upright your legs swell, when you lie down, your lower body is level with the kidneys. It is then that the kidneys remove the water because it is easier. Drinking water at bedtime aids in proper hydration and will also help prevent night time leg cramps. You need a minimum amount of water to help flush the toxins out of your body but do you know the correct time to drink water? According to a Cardiac Specialist, drinking water at certain times during the day can maximize its effectiveness on the body. The best time and amounts of water to consume are as follows: 2 glasses of water after waking up helps activate internal organs. 1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal helps digestion. 1 glass of water before taking a bath helps lower your blood pressure. 1 glass of water before going to bed avoids stroke or heart attacks. A small price to pay for the inconvenience of getting up in the middle of the night. Drink Up!!! Welcome New Members to the Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists National Medical Assistants Week………………….Oct 21-25, 2013 Magnolia Educational Treasures……………….……Oct 17-18, 2014 Edgewater Hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee The TENN-O-SCOPE is the Official publication of the Tennessee State Society of the American Medical Technologists and is published two times a year. If you requested a paper copy of the journal, it will be mailed first class mail from the Main Post Office 525 Royal Parkway, Nashville, Tennessee 37230. Publication is available on our website at www.americanmedtech.org. Select meeting and events, state society, specific state society, then select Tennessee. Once on the Tennessee site, select newsletter and select current issue. Articles appearing in this publication are the opinion of the author and do not reflect the opinion of the Tennessee State Society and/or the American Medical Technologists. The editor reserves the right to edit all articles when necessary. This publication was printed by Allegra Print & Imaging, 601 Grassmere Park, Suite 19, Nashville, Tennessee 37211 ♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯ Advertising Rates - 2012 One Page ½ Page ¼ Page Business Card 1 Issue $ 75.00 $ 60.00 $ 40.00 $ 20.00 $ 80.00 $ 40.00 Jacqueline Sterrett, RMA Jenny Luster, AHI Shalkia Doss, RMA Kristen Jarrett, RMA 2 Issues $150.00 $ 120.00 24 Jessica Baker, RMA ♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯ 9 Delegate Report By Chris Seay, MT (AMT) Aspirin and Plavix Sensitivity and Resistance: Are Different Tests of Platelet Function Comparable When Taking Aspirin and Plavix? Presented by: David L McGlasson, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM This trip to San Antonio, TX was truly a memorable one. The meeting was great. Since I started and ended my military career in San Antonio, I was afforded the chance to see family and friends. I got a chance to see my last military assignment location. It was quite a nostalgic visit. As I was preparing for registration, I was checking the topics and presenters. To my surprise, I saw a colleague from my Air Force days at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center listed. Both of us served as Non-Commissioned Officers in the Department of Pathology. David was always an efficient and thoroughly competent technician. Besides being interested in the topic, I got a chance to reminisce with an acquaintance. Also, it is always good to have a friendly face in the audience. Dave began his presentation with general information about the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Many of us were unaware that 5-40% (1-2 million) patients taking aspirin did not get the full benefit of aspirin due to resistance. His presentation showed that several studies have suggested a significant increase of major vascular events associated with aspirin resistance. It may be reasonable Chris Seay & Dave McGlasson to alter therapy in the aspirin resistant population rather than continue to take a drug that a test suggests is ineffective. During the presentation, he showed there were several reasons for possible resistance. These included: (1) Poor compliance by subjects; (2) Drug interaction: ibuprofen, naproxen and (3) Inadequate ASA dose. As most of us know, there is a big push for taking a 81mg aspirin on a daily basis. However, how can the effectiveness of an 81mg aspirin be validated? Would it be best for some individuals to take a 325mg aspirin? TV commercial suggest when you think you might be having a heart attack to take an aspirin. Dave was asked “If you only have 81mg aspirins, what should you do?” He responded, it might be just as effective to take four 81 mg aspirin tablets. 10 Welcome New Members to the Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists Christy Vandergriff, MLT Amanda Tucker, RMA Nikisa Hunphrey, RMA Paolo Flores, RMA Anna May, RMA Yvette Garcia, MLT Cherise Thomas, MLT Cynthia Wise, MLT Elizabeth Whittle, RMA Mikayla Evans, RMA Denita Putnam, RMA Britney Thornton, RMA Dionna Cyson, RMA Resmi Lenoy, MT Brandi Adkins, RMA Erin Kilgore, RMA Amanda Fouch, RMA Jacqueline Whitener, RMA Tonia Pastor, RMA Brandy Whitehouse, MLT Jessica Walker, RMA Tanya Phillips, MLT Tiffany Mullins, RMA Nancy Phillips, RMA Linda Diaz, RMA Jennifer Whatley, RMA Michele Gray, MLT Jessica King, RMA Candice Nelson, RMA Diane Boake, RPT Angela La Pietra, MLT Candyce Mitchell, RMA Pernita Gist, RMA Jo Ann Kounlabong, RMA Kellie McCormick, RMA Jilian Fox, CMAS Ashley Smith, MLT Natalie Yang, MLT Ashley Farley, MLT Geneva Xiong, RMA Ginger Robinson, MLT Alexis Sherley, RMA Brittany Rahn, MLT Ronald Trubilowicz, MT Molly Morris, RPT Tammy Hughes, RMA Lisa Verse, RMA Susan Hannah, MLT Ada Neeley, MLT Tonya Turner, RMA Amanda Buttler, RMA Crystal Parks, RMA 23 Welcome New Members to the Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists Titania Thompson, RMA Dixie Bradberry, AHI Regina Kall, RMA Danielle Parker, RMA Brittany Cartwright, RMA Pattisha Boles, RMA Timery Houghtalin, RMA Lisa Taylor, RMA Patricia Hardison, RMA Katrina Byars, RPT Stacey Frear, RMA Connie Miller, MLT Lynda Gaines, RMA Christina Jackson, RMA Kimberly Jones, RMA Mariza Gonzalez, RPT Amanda Borden, RMA Priyanka Patel, RMA, PRT Pathana Bouttavong, MLT Shameka Berry, MT Beverly Martinez, RMA Sandra Martin, RMA Shirley Gibson, RMA Amy Messer, RMA Tawana Beal, RMA Angela Nystrom, RMA Tracy Lilley-McRee, RMA Taja Bennett, RMA Lisa Perry, RMA Nadira Jama, RMA Amanda Deming, RMA, RPT Carolyn Groves, RPT Sonia Gipson, RMA Katie Garduno, RMA Cindie Moss, RPT Carstasha Essie, RMA Rebecca Huskey, RMA Le Anna La Fever, RPT Viakedia Lewis, RMA Cinella Howard, MLT Eric Gallego, MLT Ashlee Vanoer, RMA Steffany Copas, RMA Constance Denney, RMA Conecia Barlow, RMA Bertha Sanchez, RMA, RPT Rashondra Hicks, RMA Jolean Cirullo, RMA Cristen Youssef, RMA Melissa Ray, RMA 22 Kirsten Baldwin, RMA Samatha McGill, RMA Delegate Report (continued) By Chris Seay, MT (AMT) This should give the individual the same effect as one 325 mg aspirin. Also discussed were commercial methods of testing aspirin effectiveness. Four commercially available assays were used in this study • Whole blood aggregometry: examines platelet aggregation by using platelet agonists Collagen, ADP, Arachidonic Acid. • PFA-100: tests platelet aggregation by measuring time to occlude an aperture. (Closure time) • Verify/Now Accumetrics: studies platelet function by using arachidonic acid reagent. ASA inhibits platelet function and does not react to AA. Platelet aggregation is quantified as ARU (aspirin resistance units). • Aspirin-works: Measure level of urine 11Dehydrothromboxane (metabolite of Thromboxane A2) in pg/mg of creatinine. There were several studies to confirm resistance and effectiveness. There were studies that checked the effectives on 24 hour versus a 7 day regimen of 81 mg vs 325 mg aspirin. All in all, the presentation and data presented was very revealing. David and his colleague presented some very compelling data. This was a great presentation. Those of us who attended really benefitted from the information that was shared. AMT is changing the format for this years National Meeting in Pittsburg! See you there! 11 Welcome New Members to the Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists RMA Week By Valerie Owens, RMA (AMT) Given all the negativity in the world today, it gives me great pleasure to write a positive article about a great discipline in the medical field. I have been wonderfully blessed to have such a great job in a down spiraling economy. It is easy to have negative thoughts but we must stay focused on all the positive things that life has to offer, rather than being concerned with the negative. Nancy Bonham, RMA Rebecca Abernathy, RMA Mindy Carter, RMA Shameka Jenkins, RMA Rachael Oldham, RMA Amber Pruett, RMA Angelina Marino, RMA Kaveeda Jackson, RMA, RPT Melissa Trobaugh, MLT Ashley Bentley, RMA Teya Lowery, RMA Mindy Bond, RMA The week of October 15-19, 2012 was set aside for the recognition of Medical Assistants. We should not only feel honored during this week, but everyday that we show our expertise in the medical field. Medical Assistants are generally the first person to make contact with the patients, doctors, and other personnel to give our services in a rewarding and professional way. Each day I look forward to caring for my patients and providing them with the most recent and up to date techniques available. Being able to provide this kind of service to patients gives me a wonderful feeling. In a world that never stops advancing, you must be knowledgeable and eager to learn new things. Even in this growing medical society, one can never stop learning new things. Ashley Bentley, RMA Melissa Ayers, RMA April Tidwell, RMA Pamela Gentry, RMA Stefany Miller, RMA Alendria Ragland, RMA Elizabeth Ray, MT Yolanda Beasley, RMA Melissa McCoy, RMA Dina Perry, RMA Menyatta Perkins, RMA LaShonda Knaff, RMA Kristen Voce, RMA Crystal Overbey, RMA Samantha Mooneyham, RMA Jennifer Cross, RMA Darrel Winchester, RMA Cynthia Nieto, RMA Natasha Hensley, RMA Loretta Roll, RMA Johnetta Taylor, RMA Kristina Lambert, RMA Davida Henderson, RMA Pamela Fitzgerald, RMA Sarah Williams, RMA Brittney Gulmire, RPT Genia Brown, RMA Victoria Everett, RMA Nancy Vance, RMA Cynthia Farmer, RMA Terri Taylor, RMA Alexandria Ciero, RMA MAKE Shanika Ward, RMA Danielle Sheridan, RMA THE Porshia Jones, RMA Colleen Hobbs, RMA Latrice Reed, RMA Ebony Henderson, MT Lisa Light, RPT Thad Johnson, RPT As I reminisce on the 2012 Olympics, I can only think about all the athletes that won gold medals and how hard they strived to achieve their ultimate goal. As a Registered Medical Assistant we also must strive to achieve perfection and gold medal status in our field. I encourage each and every Medical Assistant to stay in the winners circle of great champions in the medical field. Keep your positive attitudes, great smiles, and warm hearts and remember ….... YOU 12 DIFFERENCE!! 21 TSSAMT Fall 2012 Mountain Educational Retreat A By Kay Burnett, MT (AMT) nother wonderfully put together meeting!!!! Where to begin about this meeting, I guess I will start with the location. The motel is beautiful and the staff was excellent. The speakers were all excellent but my favorites were Mike O’Neal and Dr. Kenneth Ferslew. I could have listened to these two speakers all day. Mr. O’Neal’s session about Drug Abuse in Health Care was eye opening. We know that you should never share prescription drugs with anyone but we know that people do this because of the cost or that they are addicted to them. He spoke about ways that you can tell if someone is abusing drugs or alcohol. There is always telling signs that can give them away. Some of those are: loss of interest in work and play, quality of work, change in behavior, calling in sick more often and being late to work. Dr. Ferslew spoke on the Challenge of Bath Salts and Synthetic Cannabimimetrics. This session was very informative. I didn’t realize that bath salts with the same name sold in different parts of the Unites States have different compounds in them. When one bath salt is identified and banned from sale another one pops up until that one is identified and banned and this is an ongoing process. How do we get ahead of the illegal processors of these drugs and make our streets and schools safe? These bath salts and other synthetic drugs are very toxic and deadly to young adults and to anyone that uses them. These bath salts are composed of a common chemical and then changed in the making of it. These bath salts are not processed in a clean environment but out in the open where anything impure can get in it. This session just blew me away. It makes you wonder about other items that are sold under names that seem safe. 20 Another wonderful aspect of these meetings is spending time with your fellow AMT members who are now family. Friday night we went out to dinner with Kim and Lewis Wheeler, Jerry Hudgins and Teresa Warren, and Charles Haun and his lovely wife Kathleen at the Applebarn Restaurant. We enjoyed our meals and the time we spent together. Saturday night we went into Gatlinburg to eat at the Peddler. We had a group of eleven and that was a blast. 13 TSSAMT Fall 2012 Mountain Educational Retreat Speaker’s Magnolia Educational Treasures 2014 Magnolia Educational Treasures proudly presents 1 12 11 10 9 1. Chris Seay, MT 2. Jerome Jackson, RRT & Kim Wheeler, MT 3. Ed Michaud, PhD & Kay Burnett, MT 4. Homer Moss, MT (retired) 5. Linda Jones, MT 6. Michael O’Neal PharmD. 7. Rosa Newton, RN 8. Anna Fritz, MT, RMA 9. Anna Fritz, MT, RMA & LeeAnn Limburg, CMA (AAMA) EMTIV 10. Leigh Ann Stamps, MT 11. Kenneth Ferslew, PhD. & Kim Wheeler, MT 12. Ken Harbert, PhD. & Jerry Huggins, MT 2 3 October 17 & 18, 2014 At the beautiful Edgewater Hotel in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Visit the web at www.edgewater-hotel.com 4 Make your reservations now by calling: 1-800-423-9582 (Reservation code is Magnolia) Room Rate: $109.00/night (plus 12.75% tax) (Single or Double). 5 Includes complimentary continental breakfast & free parking. Visit www.gatlinburg.com for a comprehensive listing of the Gatlinburg scene. 8 6 7 14 Meeting Registration Fees, Speakers and Topics: To follow. 19 TSSAMT National Award Recipients AMT National Convention in San Antonio Texas O. C. “Skip” Skinner Uniformed Services Award was presented to Christopher Seay, MT by Roxanne Clifton, MT National AMT President. 2012 TSSAMT Fall Meeting Awards and Service Ribbons. Charles Haun 50 years. Pat Carr 50 years. Diane Robbins 15 years. Honor Roll Society was presented to Jerry Hudgins, MT President TSSAMT by Shannon Newman, MT Southern District Councilor. Anna Fritz Special Appreciation Award First place Journal was presented to Kaye Tschop, MT, Editor, TENN-OSCOPE by National Publication Chair Nancy Gabl. 18 Kay Burnett Silver Lens Award Jerry Hudgins Merit Award Joseph Howard and Bamidele Kayode. Jerry Hudgins 45 years. Kim Wheeler Merit Award Junior Basant 5 years. Martha Duncan Years of Service Award. Barbara Sowder 25 years. Bamidele Kayode Medical Technologist in Africa attends TSSAMT Fall Meeting. 15 AMT National Convention 2012 Pictures San Antonio, Texas Various AMT National Convention 2012 Pictures Boat Cruise Down The Riverwalk Agnes Oslica Chris & Jeri Seay St Joseph’s Catholic Church Tower of the Americas T H E A L A M O of Torch Friend chop e Ts y a K ship Teryo 16 ay T Segw o San ur of nio Anto es legat e MT D A S S T gins Hud t!! y r r Je ske ell & TN Ba b s I e th ise Lou se won i u Lo Cox & Jerry Donna, Charlotte, & Diane Hudg ins 17