Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Diagnostic Principles and Procedures (588-525-26)

Starts:  Tue, Dec 8, 2026 12:00 PM (ET)
Ends:  Sat, Dec 12, 2026 12:00 PM (ET)

Presented by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE), Laboratory Branch (LB), in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health, Public Health Laboratory (GA PHL).

DESCRIPTION

This workshop will further educate participants on diagnostic Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) principles and procedures. Lectures, hands-on laboratory exercises, group discussions and interactive sessions will be used to increase knowledge. State-of-the-art diagnostic molecular and growth-based methods for detection, isolation, identification (ID) and drug susceptibility testing (DST) of MTBC will be discussed and compared. Attendees will be provided with the tools necessary to determine appropriate safety practices and testing algorithms. Case studies will highlight interesting tuberculosis case results including the importance of accurate result interpretation, collaboration with TB  Programs and other laboratories, lessons learned and problem-solving. Attendees are expected to present case studies and to participate in group discussions by describing testing algorithms/methods. 

AUDIENCE

This workshop is intended for laboratory professionals with a minimum of one year of experience in a laboratory that identifies MTBC and performs detection, isolation, ID, and DST with preference given to laboratory professionals working in public health laboratories. 

OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of the program, the participant will be able to:

  • Discuss important risk assessment considerations for the mycobacteriology laboratory
  • Identify appropriate biosafety practices for the mycobacteriology laboratory work
  • Compare and contrast test methods for processing, AFB smear, culture and ID, growth-based DST and molecular detection of MTBC
  • Describe mutations associated with drug resistance for MTBC and common correlations between mutations and growth-based results
  • Discuss mycobacteriology case studies related to testing algorithms and interpretation of results
  • Explain the importance of assessing laboratory-specific data and quality performance measures for the mycobacteriology laboratory
  • Recognize accepted validation methods 
  • Describe next generation sequencing (NGS) and its potential use in the mycobacteriology laboratory

FACULTY

Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE), National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), CDC, Atlanta, GA 

Scott Burns, MS, Biologist
Lauren Cowan, PhD, Microbiologist
Melinda Dunn, PhD, Safety Officer
Pei-Jean Feng, MPH, Epidemiologist
Stephanie Johnston, MS, Team Lead
Danielle Miller, BS, Quality Manager
Janná Murray, MS, MPH, Biologist
Jamie Posey, PhD, Team Lead
David Sikes, BS, MT(ASCP), Microbiologist
Cortney Stafford, MPH, MT(ASCP), Laboratory Consultant
Angela Starks, PhD, Branch Chief
Stephanie Swint, MPH, MLS(AMT), Laboratory Consultant
Sarah Talarico, PhD, Epidemiologist
Jonathan Wortham, MD, Medical Officer
Monica Youngblood, MPH, M(ASCP), Laboratory Consultant

Alaska Division of Public Health, State Public Health Laboratories, Anchorage, AK

Yvette Vergnetti, MS MLSL, MT/MLS (ASCP), TB Technical Supervisor 

Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, GA

Lauren Miller, MPH, Epidemiologist II 

Georgia Public Health Laboratory, Decatur, GA

Blake Bertrand, PhD, MB(ASCP), Sequencing Manager
Jean Patel, PhD, D(ABMM), Microbiology Service Director
Kelsie Pasley, BS, MB(ASCP), Mycobacteriology Manager

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI

Jolene Vanneste, BS, Mycobacteriology Unit Senior Microbiologist

Oregon State Public Health Laboratory, Hillsboro, OR

Mackenzie Clary, MLS(ASCP)CM, Microbiologist III 

Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Richmond, VA

Kathleen Milloy, MS, MLS(ASCP), Principal Scientist

TRAVEL

  • All travel and logistical details will be provided upon acceptance into the workshop. 
  • Some states have lengthy travel approval processes so it is important to begin the process as soon as possible. However, DO NOT make any travel arrangements until you are notified of acceptance into the workshop. 
  • Participants are responsible for all lodging, meals and travel costs. 
  • A group lodging discount is being negotiated at the current federal per diem rate (plus tax and fees) per night. 
  • A limited number of travel scholarships will be available for accepted participants.
  • Transportation between the hotel and GA PHL will be provided. 
     

ACCESSIBILITY

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals seeking special accommodations must email a request to Ashton Blair (ashton.blair@aphl.org) at least three weeks prior to the workshop’s start date.

CREATE AN ACCOUNT WITH APHL!

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REGISTRATION CONSENT

By registering for this event, you are consenting to have your information shared with APHL event stakeholders, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Public Health Labs. We will not, in any circumstances, share your information with other individuals or organizations without your permission, including corporations or individuals, except when applicable by law. We do not sell, communicate or divulge your information to any mailing lists.

Location

Decatur, GA