ESCCA Industrial Partner Presentations (IPP) are scheduled as plenary session in the programme.

WEDNESDAY 17 September

15:00-15:30 - Sysmex

More infornation will follow

16:00-16:30 - BD

More infornation will follow

ThURSDAY 18 september

11:15-11:45 - Beckman Coulter

Title: How to make the workflow work in the flow lab

Speaker: 
Nicolas Istaces
Clinical Pathologist
Hematology Laboratory
CHIREC Hospital Belgium

Abstract:
Traditional hematology laboratory workflows typically position microscopic review as the primary step for resolving flags from automated analyzers, with flow cytometry often serving as a secondary, confirmatory test. However, this conventional approach can introduce workflow inefficiencies due to the subjective nature and inter/intra-observer variability of microscopic examination, particularly challenging in cases like leukopenic samples or those with low numbers of circulating malignant blasts or lymphoma cells.

In a strategic shift to optimize our laboratory workflow, our facility has for several years integrated flow cytometry as a first-line solution for reviewing white blood cell flags generated by automated hematology analyzers and seamlessly incorporated classical flow cytometry immunophenotyping into this process. This presentation will detail the evolution of our day-to-day operational workflow, from its current setup to future potential enhancements.

Through real-life case studies, we will demonstrate the practical workflow advantages and operational efficiencies gained by this comprehensive diagnostic approach. A significant focus will be placed on the practical steps involved in establishing and maintaining this integrated workflow, highlighting the critical role of automation in sample preparation, streamlined data acquisition, optimized supervised gating strategies, and robust data management via middleware solutions with integrated expert rules.

While microscopy retains its crucial role in specific confirmatory diagnoses, our laboratory has successfully transitioned to a fully integrated flow cytometry workflow, encompassing both efficient first-line flag resolution and streamlined general immunophenotyping, reserving microscopy for targeted, select cases. This comprehensive operational model underscores the profound impact of automating technical and analytical processes, positioning it as a highly cost-efficient and streamlined diagnostic approach for modern clinical hematology laboratories.

Friday 19 September

12:15-12:45 - Cytek Biosciences

Title: Pairing Of Spectral Flow Cytometry And Machine Learning Based Decision Support System For Accurate Diagnosis Of Leukemia and Lymphoma

Speaker:
Joseph C. Lownik, M.D./Ph.D.
Hematopathologist, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Cedars-Sinai

Abstract:
Flow cytometry is an essential methodology in the diagnosis and prognostication of leukemias and lymphomas (L&L). While flow cytometry data quality has improved with the increasing performance of instrumentation and the availability of novel fluorophores, the analysis of this data is complex, requiring significant training and time. Profiling >40 markers in a single tube is possible using spectral flow cytometry, but visualizing and analyzing these assays using standard bivariate plots is complex and inefficient in a clinical laboratory workflow. Here, we present an integrated solution for clinical workflows that covers the validation and implementation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs). The LDTs were developed as L&L diagnosis panels, consisting of reagents from multiple manufacturers, on the Cytek Northern Lights™ instrument, together with a novel machine learning algorithm and hematopathologist-developed clinical decision support software. This machine learning based method incorporates automatic fluidic abnormality detection, doublet detection, as well as red blood cell removal. Additionally, the machine learning based approach allows for automated adjustments of unmixing, decreasing technician time and effort. Overall, we demonstrate how the use of a machine learning based approach improves the clinical workflow by reducing the burden of data analysis on laboratory technicians and improving overall laboratory efficiency. Our work demonstrates that clinical decision support software can be implemented alongside spectral flow cytometry in routine diagnostics of L&L.