Elizabeth McDonald, clinical lab analyst with Newborn Screening, was selected to attend the “APHL NBS Molecular Training Workshop” at CDC in Atlanta for training on molecular methodology for newborn screening (NBS).

The March 10-14 workshop focused on molecular assays being used to identify a variety of newborn disorders, including cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, hemoglobinopatheis and maple syrup disease. Participants attended lectures and discussions ranging from the particular molecular testing procedures to comparisons of instrument platforms, laboratory design and workflow. They also discussed data reporting and clinical interpretation.

The workshop also featured hands-on experience with DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR – used to amplify a small amount of DNA for testing) and other newborn screening assays and procedures.

Elizabeth McDonald works on implementation of the SCID (severe combined immune deficiency) screening for the Newborn Screening Program in the Ankeny lab. McDonald recently was chosen to participate in a CDC newborn screening workshop organized by the Association of Public Health Laboratories.

McDonald, who works at the Ankeny Lab, enjoyed the laboratory portion of the workshop, but found the workshop’s emphasis on molecular laboratory design and workflow especially useful. “I’m more conscious of my workflow and processes and their impact on testing,” she said. As a result of the workshop, “I hope to offer up improvements or at least suggestions to our current workflow practices.”

Participants at the workshop included representatives of newborn screening programs from Puerto Rico and 10 states besides Iowa: Florida, Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

This mix of newborn screening scientists was also a plus for McDonald.

“It is an immense benefit for all involved [in newborn screening] to share their experiences – good and bad – regarding test implementation, QA/QC concerns, or other NBS-related topics.”

CDC’s Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program provided support both in equipment and advice. McDonald said that the variety of testing equipment available for observation in the CDC labs was double the equipment used by different state labs, and provided the opportunity for comparison.

McDonald also said the NBS scientists at CDC were candid and helpful.

“When you’re implementing new tests or trying to troubleshoot ones you’ve done for a while, it’s nice to have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in your corner.”