We are looking forward to the opportunity to provide continuing  education courses for Certified Genetic counselors.  

The purpose of this course is to provide genetic counselors with the latest expert-led education about two relevant areas in the field of hematology. First, an overview of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) will be presented, including the genetics of these antigens, inheritance patterns, and discussion on how to "read” HLA typing as may appear in a patient report.  Second, current information related to Fetal/Neonatal Allo-Immune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) will be presented, with an explanation of HLA typing and other factors that may play a role in the condition, as well as discussion of differential diagnosis and recurrence risks.

Three (3) major learning objectives of the course are:

1. Describe the HLA antigens and alleles and the physical structure, tissue distribution and function of the genes and protein products of the three major classes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).

2. Define key concepts inherent to the HLA system (polymorphism, codominant expression, linkage disequilibrium, antigen frequency, crossreactivity)

3. Identify the appropriate information needed to evaluate if a pregnancy is at risk for FNAIT or if future pregnancies are at risk for recurrence.

 
 Basics of the HLA System
    Karen Pierce, BS, CHS(ABHI)
   Technical Specialist, Histocompatibility Laboratory                                 
   BloodCenter of Wisconsin
 Fetal and Neonatal Allo-Immune Thrombocytopenia
       Janice McFarland, MD 

       Medical Director, Platelet and Neutrophil Immunology Laboratory
       BloodCenter of Wisconsin

Ms Pierce and Dr McFarland have no relevant financial disclosures.  Dr McFarland will be discussing the off-label use of IVIG and prednisone.

Genetic Counselor CEUs: The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized BloodCenter of Wisconsin to offer up to 0.1 CEUs or 1.0 Category 1 contact hours for the online course Hematology for Genetic Counselors: HLA and NAIT. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification.

Program Name: Hematology for Genetic Counselors: HLA and NAIT
Program Sponsor: BloodCenter of Wisconsin
Date Approved: 12/6/2017
Approval Valid Through: 12/6/2019
CEUs Approved: 0.1
Contact Hours Approved: 1.0

The CEU fee of $25 per participant will be paid to the National Society of Genetic Counselors by BloodCenter of Wisconsin for the filing and awarding of CEU certificates.