2011 Webinar Descriptions

Multiple Sclerosis and Treatment
January 26, 2011 (12pm – 1pm ET)

Presenters: Sergion Torloni, MD - Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
Jonathan Carter, MD

Learning Objectives:

  1. Recognize the Clinical presentation diagnosis and current treatments for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
  2. Understand potential mechanisms of the MS and NMO
  3. Understand the role of Plasmapheresis for MS and NMO
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Graft vs. Host Disease
February 09, 2011 (12pm – 1pm ET)


Presenter: Marisa Marques, MD - University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital

Learning Objectives:

  1. Recollect the types of hematopoietic cell transplantation
  2. List common signs and symptoms of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
  3. Understand how GVHD happens and what is done to treat it
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Basic Concepts in Apheresis
March 30, 2011 (12pm – 1pm ET)

Presenter: Christina Anderson, RN, BSN, HP(ASCP) - Carter Blood Care, TX

Learning Objectives:
  1. List three basic elements in the process of apheresis
  2. List three possible side effects of apheresis
  3. Identify at least two actions to treat the three most common adverse events seen in apheresis

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Management of Adverse Reactions in Therapeutic Apheresis
April 20, 2011 (12pm - 1pm ET)

Presenter: Nick Bandarenko, MD - Duke University Hospital North, NC

Learning Objectives:
  1. Recognize the frequency and types of adverse reactions for donor and therapeutic apheresis procedures
  2. Discuss possible pathophysiologic mechanisms for these reactions
  3. Describe corrective actions / therapeutic interventions
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Central Line Access
May 11, 2011 (12pm - 1pm ET)

Presenter: Christine Fernandez-Roig, RN, MSN - Novartis, IL

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What's in the Bag? A Look at the Contents of a Stem Cell Collection Bag
June 29, 2011 (12pm – 1pm ET)

Presenter: Martin Korbling, MD - M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Learning Objectives:

  1. To become familiar with the lining-up of WBC subsets in a centrifugal field
  2. To become familiar with hematopoietic stem cell mobilization strategies and stem cell graft requirements
  3. To become familiar with accessory cells (T-, B-, NK-cells) and WBC subsets that have a potential use for solid-organ tissue repair

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Pediatric Apheresis
July 27, 2011 (12pm - 1pm ET)

Presenter:Kim, Haewon MD - University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Learning Objectives:
After participation to this educational program, the attendees will be able to:
  • Describe Goals of Therapeutic Apheresis
  • Define Indications for Therapeutic Apheresis in Pediatric Patient
  • List clinical applications of apheresis and rationale for using apheresis in selected Diseases
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Physicians Billing for Therapeutic Apheresis Services
September 14, 2011 (12pm – 1pm ET)


Presenter: Keith Berman, MPH, MBA

Learning Objectives:
  • Review of apheresis coding and billing basics
  • Documentation of the physician's apheresis supervision
  • When to bill apheresis and evaluation and management (E/M) services
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Highlights of the ASFA Annual Meeting
October 12, 2011 (12pm - 1pm ET)

Part 1: Dr. Don Siegel, MD, PhD presents "The Evolving Role of Apheresis in Cellular Therapies”

Presentation Objectives:

  1. Recognize the role of apheresis in personalized madicine
  2. Appreciate how basic research into the molecular basis of cancer, infectious diseases, and other disorders have led to autologous cell-based vaccines and regenerative medicine applications
  3. Describe how Apheresis combined with 'hit-and-run gene' therapy methods may lead to novel treatment for HIV

Part 2: Dr. Sally Campbell-Lee, MD presents“Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease: Red Cell Exchange vs Simple Transfusion”

Presentation Objectives:

  1. To review current guidelines for transfusion of red blood cells in sickle cell disease
  2. To discuss when simple transfusion or red cell exchange may be used

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Mobile Apheresis
November 16, 2011 (12pm – 1pm ET)

Presenter: Jan Hofmann, MD - California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA

Dr. Hofmann has over 18 years of experience in therapeutic apheresis, and manages the clinical operation of one of the largest mobile apheresis programs in California. He is the Associate Medical Director of Apheresis Services, Fresenius Medical Care.

Presentation Objectives:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participants should be better able to:
  1. Describe the similarities and differences of a mobile apheresis program versus a single institution apheresis program.
  2. Articulate the operations, logistic, and financial aspects of planning and setting up a mobile apheresis program.
  3. Discuss the clinical training, supervision, education and quality programs necessary to operate a high quality mobile apheresis program.
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Emerging Infections
December 7, 2011 (12pm – 1pm ET)

Presenter: Celso Bianco, MD - America's Blood Centers, Washington, DC

Celso Bianco, MD is the Executive Vice President of America’s Blood Centers. Previously, Dr. Bianco was the Vice President for Medical Affairs of the New York Blood Center. He has published many scientific papers on plasma membrane receptors of lymphocytes and macrophages, plasma proteins, and infectious diseases transmitted by transfusion.

Presentation Objectives:
  1. Understand concepts about Emerging Infections that may threaten blood safety
  2. Discuss at least three emerging infections offering differing levels of threat to blood safety
  3. Learn approaches that may be taken to prioritize and manage the transfusion risks posed by emerging infections

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