GramStainology (W)

GramStainology: Gaining Proficiency in Diagnostic Interpretation and Results Reporting 

Speaker: Linda Zuchowski, MT(ASCP)SM 

Location: Wichita State University, Ahlberg Hall, 3rd floor, Room 300

SWACM contact: Sarah Nickel - sarah.nickel@wichita.edu

 ***Non-member registration includes a 2020 membership.***  

 

PARKING

Parking is free on campus. The parking garage does charge a fee for parking as stated at the entrance. Some parking spots are marked with a red sign and may not be utilized.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

7:45 – 8:00 Registration 

8:00 – 8:30 Understanding the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Value of the Gram Stain 

8:30 – 9:30 Staining Technique and Interpretation Tips 

9:30 – 9:45 Break - Refreshments 

9:45 – 10:30 Morphology Review 

10:30 –11:30 Clinically Relevant Reporting 

11:30 – 12:00 Competency Assessment Practical 

12:00 – 12:30 Case Studies, Q&A  

COURSE OBJECTIVES 

The workshop will provide participants with the information that will allow them to: 

1. Enumerate and characterize cellular elements on Gram stained smears 

2. Report bacteria to the probable genus level 

3. Identify poor quality smears 

4. Calculate Q-scores on sputum and evaluate specimen acceptability 

5. Develop greater expertise in performing and reporting Gram stains 

SPONSORS

Wichita State University

ThermoFisher Scientific Microbiology Division

P.A.C.E.® 

SWACM is approved as a Provider of Continuing Education Programs in Clinical Laboratory Sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. Completion of this program will provide 4.0 contact hours of continuing education. SWACM programs are approved for California-licensed clinical laboratory scientists and personnel. The instructional level of this program is intermediate. 

ABOUT THE SPEAKER 

Linda Zuchowski MT(ASCP)SM, received a B.S. degree in Biology from St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, Kansas. She interned at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri and is board certified as a clinical microbiology specialist through ASCP. She has over 30 years of laboratory experience. She taught clinical microbiology in the RMC School of Medical Technology for 5 years. She served as a microbiology education specialist for 9 years and managed the gram stain competency program for the Health Midwest/HCA lab system. She has worked at Quest Diagnostics, Inc. since 2004 and is currently the microbiology manager at their facilities in Lenexa, KS, St Louis, MO and Denver, CO. For more than 20 years, Linda has directed Gram stain workshops and presented microbiology symposiums for professional organizations and lab professionals nationwide, such as ASCP’s Workshops for Laboratory Professionals, ASCLS, SWACM, and regional ASM organizations. Linda received the SWACM Professional Achievement Award and the ASCP Making A Difference Award for her contributions to laboratory continuing education.