The Association of Genetic Technologists
May 2026 E-newsletter |
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The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT), and Society of American Federal Medical Laboratory Scientists (SAFMLS) holds a single Joint Annual Meeting (JAM), integrating educational programs, abstracts/posters, and industry engagement platforms. |
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| "Hope to see you at JAM!" - Celesta Gibbs, AGT Secretary and Treasurer |
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| Join us for the 51st AGT Business Meeting St. Louis, MO
Monday, June 29, 2026 at 10:00 am CDT |
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Additional Learning Opportunity: Pre-Conference Workshop (in-person JAM attendees only)
Optical Genome Mapping: Validation, Analysis, and Technical Considerations Sunday, June 28 1:00-4:30pm CT | $100 to members, $150 to non-members
This practical educational session delivers a three (3) hour comprehensive, clinic-focused program on implementing Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) across validation, analysis, and laboratory workflow. Attendees will learn how to establish and document assay performance—covering sample requirements, limits of detection, sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and key validation metrics—illustrated with case-based, real-world examples. The program presents a structured, stepwise approach to OGM data analysis using current software tools, including quality-control review, cutoff thresholds, use of analysis-specific BED files, differentiation of pathogenic and benign structural variants, variant curation and classification, report generation, and application of ISCN nomenclature for OGM. Practical technical guidance addresses the full laboratory workflow from ultra-high–molecular-weight DNA extraction through chip loading, with troubleshooting strategies to optimize data quality and assay performance.
Designed for laboratory professionals, this session equips participants with actionable strategies to strengthen validation, analysis, and implementation of OGM in clinical practice. |
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Presenters: Rashmi Kanagal Shamanna, MD, MD Anderson Cancer Center Brandon Shaw, PhD, Henry Ford Medical Center
Gordana Raca, MD, PhD, F(ACMG), Cincinnati Children's Hospital |
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2026 Gordon Dewald Lecture |
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| Chromosomal Structural Rearrangements Implicate Long Non-Coding RNAs in Rare Germline Disorders
Presented by: Cynthia Morton, PhD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
JAM 2026 – St. Louis, MO Tuesday, June 29, 2026, 4:00-5:00 pm CT Session is open to all in-person and virtual JAM registrants |
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Inside CAP Inspections in Cytogenetics and How to Navigate the Checklist May 21, 2026 12:00 - 1:00 pm EST |
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| Artificial Intelligence Integration in the Genomics Lab: The Future is Now June 4, 2026 1:00 - 2:00 pm EST |
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Presented by:
Yang Cao, PhD, FACMG
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Immunology
Program Director, Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Fellowship
Medical Director of Cytogenetics, Clinical Genomics Laboratory
Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine
Description:
Join us for a 1-hour virtual webinar designed for cytogenetics laboratory professionals seeking practical guidance on CAP inspections. This session will focus on commonly misunderstood checklist requirements, frequent pitfalls observed during inspections, and actionable strategies to ensure compliance. Participants will gain insights to confidently prepare for inspections, maintain laboratory standards, and improve overall quality management.
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| Presented by:
Rachel Burnside, PhD, MBA, FACMG
Clinical Professor and Section Director, Cytogenetics
Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine
University of Florida Health
Description:
This webinar will explore the ways that artificial intelligence is being integrated into the day-to-day workflows of cytogenomics and molecular genomics laboratories to support the expertise of scientific staff, discuss the responsible use of AI in the clinical lab, and provide thoughts on future applications. After this session, you will understand the difference between automation and artificial intelligence be able to describe the role of AI in support of the clinical scientist, and recognize limitations of AI and the responsibility of the user.
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Virtual webinar provides 1.0 CE credits. Complementary registration available to AGT members. Non-members can receive CE credits for $20. |
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2026 AGT Memberships All AGT memberships expired on December 31, 2025. Renew or join now to become a member now through December 31, 2026. |
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| Login to the AGT website and view and pay your invoice or use the buttons below. |
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Journal of the Association of Genetic Technologists and Test Yourself Test Yourself Q1 2026
3.0 CE credits per issue included with AGT membership Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026 |
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As a reminder, all members receive free access to JAGT issues. These issues are now located within the Member Area of the website.
Members: Each JAGT issue also contains a Test Your continuing education offering, free to members. Upon successful completion you will receive 3.0 CE
hours.
Non-members: The Test Yourself opportunity is available for a fee of $30. Non-members must initially register as “prospective members" here to gain access to the learning modules. There is no fee for this process. Once you have set up your profile as a prospective member you can follow the access link provided above for members or click here to pay your fee and continue on to the Test Yourself offering.
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