The COVID-19 Pandemic: Primed and Prepared

Late-breaking scientific sessions detail the testing and response landscape, latest science on SARS-CoV-2 virology and therapeutics, quest for vaccines, more effective mobilization against new global health threats.

Seven late-breaking sessions at the 2020 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo address the game-changing topic of SARS-CoV-2, exploring the virology and characteristics of this novel virus and the recent landscape of testing and therapeutics. “Each of these scientific sessions will provide attendees a much deeper understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of the various tests that are being performed for SARS-CoV-2, from molecular to serology,” Paul Jannetto, PhD, DABCC, FAACC, chair of the Annual Meeting Organizing Committee (AMOC), told CLN Stat.

Participants will gain a deeper comprehension of how this virus differs from others and of current treatment strategies.

The postponement of the 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo from July to December underscored the importance of providing the latest scientific information on the COVID-19 pandemic, said Jannetto. AMOC wanted to highlight timely and novel research on antibody/antigen testing, therapeutic strategies, and the latest information about a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

The panel also wanted to include a general session on virology and diagnostic paradigms, supply chain and laboratory testing issues, and the role of clinical labs in global pandemics. “As a result, the AMOC actively recruited experts in each of these areas who graciously agreed to provide attendees the cutting-edge scientific information around each of these relevant topics,” said Jannetto.

In a special session on Tuesday, December 15, Assistant Secretary of Health Adm. Brett P. Giroir, MD, who coordinates SARS-CoV-2 testing efforts across the Department of Health and Human Services, will discuss the past, present, and future of SARS-CoV-2. This session will take place from 4:30–5:30 p.m. (U.S. Central Standard Time)

Jannetto is also looking forward to the Chair’s Invited Session this year, Pandemic Preparedness: The Role of Clinical Laboratories and Public Health in Controlling Outbreaks Representing a Global Health Threat. His colleague Matthew Binnicker, PhD, director of clinical virology at Mayo Clinic, will be talking about the role of clinical labs and public health in controlling global outbreaks and what laboratories can do to be better prepared for the next pandemic. This presentation takes place on Monday, December 14, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Related Links:
2020 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo
Annual Meeting Organizing Committee
Pandemic Preparedness: The Role of Clinical Laboratories and Public Health in Controlling Outbreaks Representing a Global Health Threat