Anatomic Pathology

Molecular Diagnostics Laboratories

First Genetic Counselor Joined Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Service

We are pleased to announce Meggie Dinh, MS, CGC has joined the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratories for the expansion of the Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Service. Meggie is board certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and licensed in California.

She received her MS in Genetic Counseling from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and her BS in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prior to her genetic counseling training, Meggie worked at Fulgent Genetics where she gained extensive knowledge and experience in clinical molecular testing. Meggie is the first genetic counselor joining the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratories. We look forward to her contributions to expanding our Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Service in molecular testing of both inherited conditions and cancers (solid tumors and hematologic malignancies).

New IDH1/IDH2 Idylla Test Offers Faster TAT

In September, the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories launched the new IDH1/IDH2 Idylla test. We are one of the first clinical laboratories to implement the new Idylla testing platform for IDH1 and IDH2. The new test platform features:

• IDH1 and IDH2 hotspot mutation detection in one test
• Faster 2-day turnaround time (TAT)
• Higher sensitivity of 1-5% compared to standard Sanger sequencing test with a sensitivity of 10-15%

Abstract Accepted for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)

An abstract reporting the test validation of this assay has been accepted for poster presentation at the AMP 2024 Annual Meeting and the abstract will be published in the November 2024 issue of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics:

• Rapid IDH1/IDH2 Mutation Assessment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Glioma
• Authors: Thien A. Huynh, Liying Zhang, Yan Li, Jose Solis, Allison W. Stanley, Hua Jin

Histology & Immunohistochemistry Promotions

Congratulations to our new leaders in the the Histology and ICH labs! We appreciate your hard work and leadership!

• Sandy Htay promoted to Supervisor of Histology – 12/10/23
• Deomarie Sy promoted to Lead Histotechnologist in Histology – 12/10/23
• Nancy Gomez promoted to Lead Histotechnologist in Histology – 4/14/24
• Inna Lozovskaya promoted to Supervisor is Immunohistochemistry – 6/23/24
• Janet Austria promoted to Lead Histotechnologist in Immunohistochemistry – 8/4/24

Laboratory Medicine

Clinical Chemistry

• Total Lab Automation (TLA) went live for chemistry at the Ronald Reagan Laboratory on Aug 27, 2024 and the old Modular Pre-Analyticals (MPA) line was removed.

(L to R) William Purcell, Gil Gungab, Brian McDaniel, and Brandy Ward in the TLA Staging Area

Above: (L) Gil Gungab and William Purcell on the TLA line (R) Brian McDaniel on the TLA line

Below: Photo Array of the TLA line at Ronald Reagan Laboratory 

Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) Annual Meeting – Chicago, IL

• The team presented at the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) Annual Meeting from July 28-Aug 1, 2024 in Chicago.
• Poster Presentations
  • "Activation" of Macro-AST by Pyridoxal Phosphate Supplementation
    • Lu Song, Erica Fermon, Thomas Drake
    • Their poster won the third place Best Abstract Award from the Industry Division of ADLM!

  • Comparative Analysis of Serology Test Performance: Evaluation of Elecsys Platform for Hepatitis Markers
    • Imir Metushi, Susana Kim, Ginny Javier, Diana Ciobanu, Gary Nunez, Richard Jurie, Thomas Drake, Omai Garner

• Roundtable Discussion
  • From Theory to Reality: A Closer Look at Toxicology Screens for Drugs of Abuse
    • MC: Dr. Imir Metushi - the roundtable presentation and discussion format was attended by 19 individuals (10/session max) and occurred over two sessions.

Dr. Erica Fermon (L) and Dr. Lu Song (R) with their poster "Activation" of Macro-AST by Pyridoxal Phosphate Supplementation. Other department contributor, Dr. Thomas Drake. Their poster won the third place Best Abstract Award from the Industry Division!

Lab Efficiency in Virology Section: Converting manual multi-step low-throughput Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to fully automated high-throughput platform (Roche Cobas 6800/8800 for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and BK polyomavirus (BKV) viral load tests and FluA/B & Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) PCR tests).

Lab Efficiency in Bacti Section: Converting culture-based labor-intensive and time-consuming tests to high-throughput rapid molecular tests (Laboratory developed tests for Legionella PCR and Nocardia PCR).

Lab Efficiency in NGS Section: converting manual multi-step NGS library prep to fully automated system (Tecan MagicPrep); save one day of labor per run and allow workflow flexibility.

• Published the 2024-2026 edition of the “Transfusion Medicine Pocket Reference” with the addition of our first Clinical Laboratory Pocket Reference. These pocket references contain important information on blood bank tests, transfusion products, transfusion reactions and blood bank protocols, as well as specimen collection information. They are distributed to nursing and housestaff. Hard copies are available from the RR Blood Bank. Examples below (click to enlarge).

 

Dr. Zhen Mei and Dr. Vivian Chang (Peds Heme-Onc), were awarded a grant from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) to help set Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) reference ranges for Duffy-null individuals. 

 

Patients with Duffy Associated Neutrophil Count (DANC) often get labeled with and worked up for neutropenia, resulting in unnecessary medical procedures, exclusion from clinical trials, and mental stress. Many of these patients are of African or Middle Eastern background whereas the current absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ranges are based on individuals of European or Asian descent. Addressing this with an appropriate reference range will help reduce the amount of systemic racism and inappropriate care decisions that this patient cohort faces. Congratulations, Dr. Mei and Dr. Chang!

Dr. Dawn Ward was selected to serve as the Secretary for the California Blood Bank Society (CBBS) for FY25. Congratulations, Dr. Ward!

Dr. Alyssa Ziman was honored by the California Blood Bank Society (CBBS) with the 2024 Dennis Goldfinger Award for Excellence in Clinical Transfusion Medicine! The distinction is awarded to a transfusion medicine physician who "consistently demonstrated one or more of the following throughout their career: dedication to clinical practice of transfusion medicine, commitment to training of future transfusion medicine physicians and/or leader in bringing about innovative changes to the field." Congratulations, Dr. Ziman!

 

 

From now until December 6, 2024, we are calling on all donors to help UCLA WIN the "We Give Blood Drive" competition sponsored by Abbott Labs and The Big Ten! Read the article published in the Daily Bruin here.

Abbott Labs and The Big Ten have launched a conference-wide competition to help fight the largest blood shortage facing the U.S. in a generation. The process is easy! All you need to do is donate by December 6th and log your donation at Big Ten Conference. You will need to provide proof of your donation so make sure to take a selfie during or after your donation. For more information regarding the We Give Blood Drive click here.

 

I am thrilled to announce that, thanks to your generous support, the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Team helped UCLA raise a total of $157,976 for 2024 Light the Night! This achievement reflects our commitment to this vital cause and highlights the incredible spirit of our team. A special thank you to our Team Captain, Ron Gonzalez, and all the department participants!

(L) Team Captain, Ron Gonzalez (R) Group Photo

Dr. Dipti Sajed Appointed Vice Chair for Postgraduate Clinical Education

I am pleased to announce Dr. Dipti Sajed has been selected as the Vice Chair for Postgraduate Clinical Education, to assume the role as of July 1, 2025. She will work closely with Dr. Scott Nelson over the next year to ensure a smooth transition. I would like to thank the search committee, Drs. Scott Nelson, Andrea McGonigle, and Jonathan Zuckerman for their service.

Dipti has prior experience as our Associate AP Residency Program Director (2020-present), Head & Neck Pathology Service Chief (2023-Present), and Frozen Section Training Director (2020-present).

I would like to thank Dr. Scott Nelson for all his hard work, dedication and commitment to resident education over the past four years in this role, and over 20 years in various educational positions. Scott has been a passionate and committed voice for resident educational needs since his days as a Chief Resident and I know we all are grateful for his efforts and service.

 

 

UCLA Health and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted the Aerin Rose Glaser Pediatric Sarcoma Research Symposium on November 11, 2024 at the Luskin Conference Center. Department attendees included Dr. Sarah Dry and Dr. Yazhen Zhu.

 

The Glaser Family Pediatric Sarcoma Fund was established in honor and memory
of Aerin Rose Glaser. The fund supports research in the UCLA Division of Pediatric
Hematology and Oncology, under the direction of Dr. Noah Federman, toward better
understanding and treatment of pediatric sarcomas.

Dr. Yazhen Zhu presenting on "Personalized Diagnostics for Noninvasive Detection and Monitoring of Pediatric Sarcomas Using Extracellular Vesicles".

(L to R) Dr. Nicholas Bernthal, Johnese Spisso, Jon Glaser, Dr. Nancy Glaser, Dr. Noah Federman, Dr. Yazhen Zhu, Dr. Steven Jonas, and Dr. Hsian-Rong Tseng

Dr. Sarah Dry and Dr. Yazhen Zhu attending the Symposium.

 

The American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) Annual Conference took place from November 7-10, 2024 in Orlando, FL. Department attendees included Dr. Precious Fortes (Cytopathology Fellow) and Dr. Erika Rodriguez. 

Dr. Precious Fortes at the ASC Annual Conference in Orlando, FL.

Dr. Precious Fortes presented her poster "Assessing the Use of Telecytology for Rapid On-Site (TC-ROSE) of Thyroid Fine Needle Aspirations: An Endocrinology Clinic Experience." Department collaborators include Mary Levin, Po Chu Fung, Ying Yong, and Dr. Jianyu Rao.

Dr. Erika Rodriguez (L) and Dr. Precious Fortes (R) taking a "cellfie" at the ASC Annual Conference. 

 

The American Society for Dermatopathology Annual meeting took place from November 7-10, 2024 in Chicago, IL. Department attendees included Dr. Joe Giessinger (PGY-3), Dr. Cullen Lilley (PGY-2), Dr. Josh Mo (Dermatopathology Fellow), and Dr. Heather Ross (PGY-2).

Dr. Joe Giessinger presented his poster "Pilar Peril: A Malignant Transformation." Department collaborators include Dr. Josh Mo and Dr. Chandra Smart.

Dr. Cullen Lilley presented his poster "Primary Cutaneous CD8+ Aggressive Epidermotropic Cytotoxic T-cell Lymphoma (PCAETL) and Its Indolent Mimics." Department collaborators include Dr. Josh Mo and Dr. Peter Sarantopoulos.

Dr. Heather Ross presented her poster "Arthropod Bite Clinically Simulating a Proliferative Nodule in a Congenital Melanocytic Nevus." Department collaborator includes Dr. Chandra Smart.

Dr. Josh Mo presented on "The Spectrum of Round Cell Sarcomas Involving the Skin."

International Symposium on Blood Substitutes – National Harbor, MD   

 

The 19th International Symposium on Blood Substitutes (ISBS) Conference was took place from November 14-18, 2024 in National Harbor, MD. Our Department attendee was Dr. Joe Giessinger (PGY-3).

Dr. Joe Giessinger presented on his poster" Sanguinate Saves Lives: A Retrospective Review of Expanded Access Use in 15 Previously Published Case Reports in Whom Blood Was Not an Option." Department collaborator includes Dr. Zhen Mei.

 

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) Annual Conference was took place from November 20-23, 2024 in Vancouver.

 

Department attendees included Dr. Josh Deignan, Dr. Wayne Grody, Dr. Helen Jin, Dr. Fumin Lin, Dr. Anamaria Munteanu, and Dr. Lily Zhang.

 

(L to R) Dr. Helen Jin, Dr. Wayne Grody, Dr. Lily Zhang, Dr. Anamaria Munteanu, Dr. Fumin Lin, and Dr. Josh Deignan

Dr. Josh Deignan presented “Laboratory Considerations for the Incidental Detection of Acquired Variants in Germline Genetic Testing” in the Germline Genetic Testing Session.

ADLM Middle East Conference & Exposition – Abu Dhabi

 

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) Middle East Conference & Exposition took place from November 23-24, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Dr. Allison Chambliss attended and gave two presentations: “Advances in Sepsis Biomarkers” and “Updates in Diabetes Testing Guidelines.”

The ADLM US speakers group at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

 

(L to R) Dr. Allison Chambliss, Dr. Stephen Master (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Dr. Khushbu Patel (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Dr. Melanie Yarbrough (Washington University in St. Louis), Dr. Christopher Farnsworth (Washington University in St. Louis), and Dr. Robert Nerenz (Medical College of Wisconsin).

(L to R) Dr. Allison Chambliss and Dr. Christopher Farnsworth at the ADLM Conference

 

The UCLA Health Research and Research Finance Professionals Job Fair was held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Luskin Conference Center. Department attendees included Krystal Kendall, Dr. Clara Magyar, Carly Nguyen, Kelli Scott, and Djoko Setiyawan. Our Talent Acquisition partner, Karen Zeng, was also in attendance. 

 

With over 200 potential applicants onsite, participants had a chance to meet with individuals at their booths and attend a Resume & Interview Workshop hosted by UCLA recruiters. Thank you to our team for representing the department at this event!

 

(L) Dr. Clara Magyar at the Staff Research Associates booth. (R) Participants lined up at the booth.

(L to R) Djoko Setiyawan, Karen Zeng, Kelli Scott, Carly Nguyen, Krystal Kendall, and Dr. Clara Magyar

Congratulations to Dr. Ting Zhang (Neuropath Fellow and first author) and collaborators on their article published in Nature Aging "Brain-wide alterations revealed by spatial transcriptomics and proteomics in COVID-19 infection."

 

Department collaborators include Yunfeng Li, Kazu Williams, Dr. Shino Magaki, Chao Niu, Yoojin Lee, Yu-chyuan Su, Dr. Xinmin Li, and Dr. Harry Vinters.

 

The study examined cortical and subcortical regions in postmortem brains from COVID-19 patients and controls (n=42) using spatial transcriptomics, bulk gene expression, and proteomics. They found a widespread antiviral response without direct SARS-CoV-2 infection, alongside dysregulation of mitochondrial and synaptic pathways in deep-layer excitatory neurons, and increased neuroinflammation in glial cells. These changes were similar to those observed in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Their findings highlight the brain-wide effects of severe COVID-19 and suggest potential therapeutic targets linked to neurodegeneration and aging.

Dr. Wayne Grody and colleague, Dr. Terri Getzug (Gastroenterology), were featured in UCLA Health News regarding Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). FMF is a genetic disorder characterized by painful inflammation. Drs. Wayne Grody and Terri Getzug lead UCLA Health's unique FMF clinic that is the only one of it's kind in Western hemisphere.

Our Pathology Art Collective showcases the creativity of the members of our Department. We are now accepting submissions to be displayed and featured here, which may include paintings, drawings, photography, poems, etc. If your creativity involves home improvement projects, cooking, gardening, sewing, theater, musical performance etc., please feel free to submit photos. Please send your submissions to Anastasia (agustafson@mednet.ucla.edu). 

Terri Hill, Community Liaison for the Blood & Platelet Center, was part of the recent production of Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette at the LA Opera! She has been a member of the chorus for 29 years! Preview her beautiful costumes below!

Allison Delimba, Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Blood Bank, recently started throwing on the pottery wheel! She has even participated in a pottery market hosted by her preferred studio. Check out her creations below!

Tiffany Sanchez, Post Junior Fellow, and her sister crafted llama and alpaca sculptures with clay. They even hand-painted their creations!

 

 

Congratulations to our Caption Contest Winner, Dr. Rosa Valencia, with the caption "That moment when you realize the best part of the ice cream is the guy next to you."

The below photo captures our trainees at a recent outdoor activity.

The below photo captures our trainees at a recent activity.

Please send your captions to Anastasia (agustafson@mednet.ucla.edu) by Monday, December 9, 2024 for a chance to win a prize! One entry per person.

 

Thank you to our October Grand Rounds Speakers! To view or listen to the presentations, please visit our DOMTV channel.

 

Friday, November 1, 2024
Clinical Seminar Series – Topic: Molecular
Jakob Kather, MD, MSc
TUD Dresden University of Technology
“Artificial Intelligence-Based Biomarkers in Precision Oncology”

 

Research Seminar Series
Nima Mosammaparast, MD, PhD

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

 

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 8:00 AM PT - Virtual
Clinical Seminar Series - Topic: Renal
Astrid Weins, MD, PhD 
Brigham and Women's Hospital