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Hello Alexander,

Please click here to download our Personnel Training and Competency Assessment guide!

This is just one of the many ways we support labs through education and coaching. Our collection of tools is designed to help you stay informed and educated, while easily maintaining your lab�s accreditation.

COLAcentral client portal gives you the tools you need to maintain compliant and inspection-ready labs at all times, seamlessly
Self-assessment checklists help you identify the areas in your lab that need improvement before the on-site survey
On-demand competency improvement materials make it easy for you to build a culture of consistent quality in your lab system�even through staff turnover

As the nation�s largest private accreditor, we have all the tools and support you need to stay accredited and produce accurate test results. Want more? Watch our FREE Meaningful Competency Assessment Webinar!

Gain access to all of our tools when you enroll with COLA. Call us at 800-981-9883 or visit us online at COLA.org to get started.

John Daly M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
COLA
p:	(800) 981-9883
w:	cola.org e: jdaly@cola.org

A student at North Dakota State University, Briena Jarvi�s interest in the field of medical laboratory science blossomed out of her love for science and people. When a friend was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), her decision to pursue a career in which she could contribute to the research and curing of the disease was finalized.

�Laboratory work is so much more than reagents, microscopes, and centrifuges,� said Briena. �It is easily forgotten that behind every lab test is an actual person. This is something that I keep at the front of my mind so that I can help provide the best care possible to each patient I serve. The excitement I have for my field of work, the determination I have to help people, and the exceptional education I am receiving will (and has begun to) mold me into an excellent laboratory professional.�

The GB365 Scholarship was created to help students like Briena reach their goals, and thereby ensure a positive and skillful future for our field. We are honored to present Briena with this scholarship and trust that she will go far in medical laboratory science.

Thanks to donors like you. GB365 is able to provide much needed financial support to the next generation of Laboratory Professionals.

To make a donation to future Medical Laboratory Scientists please click on the link below:

Support Future Medical Laboratory Scientists

Together we make an impact on our community and we thank you for your support.

GB365 is sponsored by COLA to encourage and facilitate philanthropy among laboratory professionals. Through GB365 laboratory professionals receive the opportunity to give back to the medical laboratory community and enrich the lives of future laboratory professionals. A core component of the foundation is the scholarship program. This nationwide program supports students currently pursuing a degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science within an accredited program. Click here to learn more about GB365.

FDA Warning: Potential False Negative Cardiac Tests

By Dr. John Daly, Thursday, November 14, 2019 7:45 AM

In late November 2017, the FDA issued a warning that patients with elevated levels of biotin (vitamin B7) can experience incorrect laboratory results using certain immunoassays that rely on biotin technology.

Biotin is an over the counter vitamin supplement used for its purported effects in strengthening skin, hair and nails. It also is administered to some patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.

5 Steps CDC Recommends for Hand-washing

By Dr. John Daly, Thursday, November 7, 2019 8:30 AM

Recently the CDC launched Life is Better with Clean Hands campaign. The goal of the campaign is to provide motivation for us all to make hand-washing part of everyday life to protect ourselves and set an example for our children. We in the laboratory are keenly aware of the need for hand washing in dealing with patients and during performance of activities involving potentially infectious materials. In fact, in the collection of a blood sample, the hands should be washed before applying gloves, and after gloves are removed, the hands again should be washed.

Scarlet Fever: The Comeback Kid

By ASCP) CM, Thursday, October 31, 2019 8:00 AM

I had not given scarlet fever much thought since I was a young child and parents would occasionally express concern that a childhood rash might be a manifestation of scarlet fever. Then, for many years it was rarely, if ever discussed. However, in some parts of the world, scarlet fever recently has shown evidence of recurrence. Scarlet fever is caused by certain strains of Group A Streptococcus and some of the same strains also can cause invasive Streptococcal infection.

High-Throughput Urinary Neopterin-to-Creatinine Ratio Monitoring of Systemic Inflammation

Background: Systemic inflammation is a marker of ill health and has prognostic implications in multiple health settings. Urinary neopterin is an excellent candidate as a nonspecific marker of systemic inflammation. Expression as urinary neopterin-to-creatinine ratio (UNCR) normalizes for urinary hydration status. Major attractions include (a) urine vs blood sampling, (b) integration of inflammation over a longer period compared with serum sampling, and (c) high stability of neopterin and creatinine.

Scholarship Recipient - Leah Williams

A career in medical laboratory science has been a dream, more than 10 years in the making for Leah Williams. After deciding at five years old that she wanted to pursue a medical career, Leah found a passion for medical laboratory science at the age of 18. Her dream, however, was put on hold. Leah spent a decade working full time in retail, unable to pay both for tuition and the basic necessities, so school was put on the back burner as she followed her military husband from city to city. But she didn�t give up, and eventually enrolled in an accredited program at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach.

�I couldn�t be happier with the path I have chosen for myself,� said Leah. �I have grown as a professional and as a person in this program. I look forward to spending time in the field next spring when my clinical rotations begin. I strive to bring my eagerness to learn, my compassion for others, and my determination to succeed to the work place.�

Succeed with the COLA difference

"Working with COLA has been a great experience! I love the resources COLA provides, especially the self-assessment checklist. It is very easy to understand, and I know if I can complete it, my inspection will go smoothly. Also, everyone have ever interacted with at COLA has been friendly and helpful. The surveyors are always looking for an opportunity to create a teaching moment."

-- Sherrie White
Technical Consultant - POL Consulting LLC

COLA's goal is to help you meet CLIA and state regulatory requirements and maintain the highest level of patient care at your clinical laboratory. That's why we've made our accreditation process as straightforward as possible - we use educational tools to prepare your laboratory before the onsite survey. For the most effective way to stay in compliance and give your patients the best possible care, begin by setting up your COLA account.

Hello Alexander,

COLA has many valuable resources to offer. I�d like to share one in particular, a webinar, Meaningful Competency Assessments, with you.

Say goodbye to stressful survey experiences. With our coaching approach, commitment to education, and streamlined, standardized inspection process, your lab will have everything it needs to maintain compliance, produce accurate test results, and offer quality patient care.

COLAcentral client portal gives you the tools your lab needs, all in one place
On-demand competency improvement materials make high-quality results a standard�even through staff turnover
Knowledgeable and accessible surveyors bring you into the process for a clear understanding of what your lab system needs to remain compliant.

As the only ISO 9001:2015 certified accreditation program for medical laboratories, we promise a standardized program you won�t find elsewhere, and staff dedicated to your satisfaction and laboratory quality.

Get started with zero service interruptions! Call us at 800-981-9883 or visit us online at COLA.org to get started and keep up with the latest industry news by following us on social media!

Lastly, have you gotten a chance to download our eBook, How to Verify Performance Specifications? If not, please feel free to download it by clicking on the title.

Kathryn Connolly
Quality Systems Manager
COLA
p:	(800) 981-9883
w:	cola.org e: kconnolly@cola.org

A career in medical laboratory science has been a dream, more than 10 years in the making for Leah Williams. After deciding at five years old that she wanted to pursue a medical career, Leah found a passion for medical laboratory science at the age of 18. Her dream, however, was put on hold. Leah spent a decade working full time in retail, unable to pay both for tuition and the basic necessities, so school was put on the back burner as she followed her military husband from city to city. But she didn�t give up, and eventually enrolled in an accredited program at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach.

�I couldn�t be happier with the path I have chosen for myself,� said Leah. �I have grown as a professional and as a person in this program. I look forward to spending time in the field next spring when my clinical rotations begin. I strive to bring my eagerness to learn, my compassion for others, and my determination to succeed to the work place.�

We are honored to present Leah with the GB365 Scholarship. She embodies the willingness to learn and passion for the field that makes us confident she will be an asset to the future of any lab that employs her.

�Ever since I was a young child, my passion has been geared towards the medical profession and helping others to the best of my ability. I am delighted to make my dreams become a reality,� said Leah.

Thanks to donors like you. GB365 is able to provide much needed financial support to the next generation of Laboratory Professionals.

To make a donation to future Medical Laboratory Scientists please click on the link below:

Together we make an impact on our community and we thank you for your support.

GB365 is sponsored by COLA to encourage and facilitate philanthropy among laboratory professionals. Through GB365 laboratory professionals receive the opportunity to give back to the medical laboratory community and enrich the lives of future laboratory professionals. A core component of the foundation is the scholarship program. This nationwide program supports students currently pursuing a degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science within an accredited program. Click here to learn more about GB365.

COLA has extended its engagement in its partnership with the CDC through the Laboratory Communicators' Network (LNC) in the Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) to provide additional updates and resources to our COLA laboratories and affiliates. Below is information from the most recent message.
	Information about the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Quality Initiative of the CDC and the Association of Public Health Laboratories is at https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dls/index.html#LCNNOV19. Free NGS quality management systems tools and resources is available at https://www.cdc.gov/labquality/ngs-quality-initiative.html#LCNNOV19.

	You may be interested in information about the CDC Basic Microscopy eLearning course, including information about continuing education credits and registration for the course, at https://www.cdc.gov/labtraining/training-courses/basic-microbiology/basic-microscopy.html#LCNNOV19.

	You may wish to read the Public Health Reports supplement, �Advancing the Public Health Laboratory System Through Partnerships,� at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0033354919882704#LCNNOV19 and https://journals.sagepub.com/toc/phrg/134/2_suppl#LCNNOV19.

Sincerely,


John Daly, M.D. Chief Medical Officer	P: 800.981.9883 F: 410.381.8611	E: jdaly@cola.org W: www.cola.org

Hello Alexander,

You can help bring awareness to the clinical laboratory profession and the importance of laboratory science through COLA�s GiveBack365 Program. On Giving Tuesday we ask that you join us in making scholarship money available for students attending Medical Laboratory Science programs across the US.

With the help of people like you the GB365 Program supports students like Ayesha Riaz:

ST001280 An immigrant from Pakistan, Ayesha Riaz is no stranger to challenges. After her graduation from high school, Ayesha�s family moved to the United States so that she could further pursue her education. Having to quit her full-time job in order to enroll in the rigorous Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, she dedicated herself to obtaining her bachelor�s degree despite the financial burden.

�When I discovered the profession of medical laboratory science, I believed that it would be a good career choice for me,� said Ayesha. �It seemed challenging, and it offered a great variety of career opportunities. But it was not possible for me to both pursue my degree and work full-time in order to pay for tuition. Receiving the GB365 scholarship helped me by reducing my financial burden and allowing me to focus more on my studies.�

We are committed to the success of laboratory science students and were impressed by Ayesha�s dedication, hard-work, and enthusiasm towards her future in this field. We were honored to present her with the GB365 scholarship. Ayesha graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in May 2019 and hopes to one day continue her education and obtain a master�s degree.

�I aim to become proficient in supporting the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment that contributes to quality patient care,� said Ayesha. �I am eager to apply my knowledge to give back to this profession and make a difference in people�s lives.�

Stand with us today to support the next generation of Laboratory Professionals.

GB365 is sponsored by COLA to encourage and facilitate philanthropy among laboratory professionals. Through GB365 laboratory professionals receive the opportunity to give back to the medical laboratory community and enrich the lives of future laboratory professionals. A core component of the foundation is the scholarship program. This nationwide program supports students currently pursuing a degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science within an accredited program. Click here to learn more about GB365.

Hello Alexander,

Please feel free to download our eBook on how to verify performance specifications!

As a physician-led organization filled with industry experts, providing labs like yours with valuable information is what we do best.

COLA�s surveyors are all laboratory experts with an average of at least 6 years of lab experience prior to working with COLA
Our technical advisors are available to you through our toll-free helpline

If you want access to more educational tools, plus surveyors and technical advisors who will work with you to ensure the most accurate results for your lab, call us at 800-981-9883 or visit us online at COLA.org.

Kathy Nucifora MPH, MT(ASCP)
Director of Accreditation
COLA
p:	(800) 981-9883
w:	cola.org e: knucifora@cola.org

COLA is engaged with the CDC to transmit their public health messages to our COLA laboratories and affiliates. Below are links from the most recent message to CDC Tuberculosis (TB) Partners.
	You may wish to read �Tuberculosis Screening, Testing, and Treatment of U.S. Health-Care Personnel: Recommendations from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC, 2019� in the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6819a3.htm?s_cid=mm6819a3_w&deliveryName=USCDC%20-%20DM14789.

	You can find the Medscape and CDC collaborative editorial commentary, �Updated Tuberculosis Guidelines for Healthcare Workers,� at https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/914019?deliveryName=USCDC%20-%20DM14789.

	You can learn about the free MMWR and Medscape continuing education resource, �Tuberculosis Screening, Testing, and Treatment of U.S. Health Care Personnel: Recommendations From the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC, 2019: Updated Recommendations,� on the Medscape CME and Education page at https://www.medscape.org/multispecialty.

	You may be interested in viewing the �Updated TB Testing and Treatment Recommendations for Health Care Personnel� video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsrFrdzmtRU&deliveryName=USCDC+-+DM14789.

	CDC TB information and resources are at https://www.cdc.gov/tb/default.htm including a baseline individual risk assessment form and an infographic about the updated TB recommendations for screening, testing, and treatment. You may be interested in �Tuberculosis (TB) Screening, Testing, and Treatment of U.S. Health Care Personnel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)� at https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/infectioncontrol/healthcarepersonnel-faq.htm?deliveryName=USCDC%20-%20DM14789.

	A contact information list of state TB control offices is at https://www.cdc.gov/tb/links/tboffices.htm?deliveryName=USCDC%20-%20DM14789.

Sincerely,


John Daly, M.D. Chief Medical Officer	P: 800.981.9883 F: 410.381.8611	E: jdaly@cola.org W: www.cola.org

Hello Alexander,

With the holiday season upon us, this is the perfect time to share the gift of education and support the future of laboratory scientists. We request your support during this season of giving by donating to the next generation of Medical Laboratory Professionals through the GiveBack365 Scholarship program.

GiveBack365 offers $500 scholarships to deserving students pursuing a career in medical laboratory science. With the help of people like you, the GiveBack365 Program can continue to support students like Concetta Capeon.

"Reception of the GiveBack365 award not only eased my financial burden, but also encouraged me to put forth my best effort during the last year of my MLS program. The course of study is very rigorous, so having COLA recognize and appreciate the work I have done thus far was emotionally revitalizing. I am very grateful for the support they provided me."
Concetta Capoen, University of Maryland, Class of 2018

Sponsoring the GiveBack365 Scholarship program is simple, click on the button below and make an impact.

All donations are tax deductible

GB365 is sponsored by COLA to encourage and facilitate philanthropy among laboratory professionals. Through GB365 laboratory professionals receive the opportunity to give back to the medical laboratory community and enrich the lives of future laboratory professionals. A core component of the foundation is the scholarship program. This nationwide program supports students currently pursuing a degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science within an accredited program. Click here to learn more about GB365.

Hello Alexander,

In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, this is a wonderful time to show your support for aspiring laboratory scientists through the gift of education. One way you can do that is by making a gift in support of the next generation of Medical Laboratory Professionals through the GiveBack365 Scholarship program.

GiveBack365 offers $500 scholarships to deserving students pursuing a career in medical laboratory science. With the help of people like you, the GiveBack365 Program can continue to support students like Concetta Capeon.

"Reception of the GiveBack365 award not only eased my financial burden, but also encouraged me to put forth my best effort during the last year of my MLS program. The course of study is very rigorous, so having COLA recognize and appreciate the work I have done thus far was emotionally revitalizing. I am very grateful for the support they provided me."
Concetta Capoen, University of Maryland, Class of 2018

Make an impact by clicking on the button below to sponsor the GiveBack365 Scholarship program.

All donations are tax deductible

GB365 is sponsored by COLA to encourage and facilitate philanthropy among laboratory professionals. Through GB365 laboratory professionals receive the opportunity to give back to the medical laboratory community and enrich the lives of future laboratory professionals. A core component of the foundation is the scholarship program. This nationwide program supports students currently pursuing a degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science within an accredited program. Click here to learn more about GB365.

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FDA Warning: Potential False Negative Cardiac Tests

5 Steps CDC Recommends for Hand-washing

Scarlet Fever: The Comeback Kid

Sustaining Quality While Cutting Costs

High-Throughput Urinary Neopterin-to-Creatinine Ratio Monitoring of Systemic Inflammation

Cherri Gregoire

Scholarship Recipient - Leah Williams

Succeed with the COLA difference

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