Certification in Apheresis and Therapeutic Apheresis in Cardiovascular Disease
Program Code: 309-TC
Monday, October 25, 2004
8:30 AM to 12:00 PM (ET)

SPEAKERS
Patrick Moriarty, MD, Kansas University Medical Center
Douglas Losordo, MD, Tufts University School of Medicine
Laura Culver Edgar, MBA, MT(ASCP), ASCP Board of Registry
Patricia Jost Golden, RN, HP(ASCP)

DESCRIPTION
The first half of the program will focus on the process of certification of health-care professionals in the field of apheresis medicine. Speakers will address the statistical models by which certification is measured from year to year, the various levels of certification available in apheresis and how these certifications apply to physicians and allied health professionals. The second half will focus on therapeutic apheresis in cardiovascular disease. In particular, speakers will address how altering the rheology of the blood using apheresis therapies can affect human vascular disease and how peripheral blood stem cells may be used for neovascularization of ischemic myocardium in patients with inoperable coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVES

• Explain the statistical models employed to determine the suitability of candidates for certification as hemapheresis practitioners or apheresis technicians
• Describe specific credentialing levels for certification in apheresis and the process of preparing for and taking certification examinations
• Assess the impact of blood rheology in human vascular disease and the potential impact of therapeutic apheresis on the treatment
• Describe the role of human peripheral blood progenitor cells in neovascularization of ischemic myocardium

AUDIENCE
Physicians, Technologists, Nurses, Managers/Supervisors

PROGRAM LEVEL
Intermediate to Advanced