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October 14: Things I Wish I Knew in Clinic: The Realities of Lab Operations and Industry
Includes a Live Web Event on 10/14/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)
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- Non-member - $50
- Member - Free!
This session pulls back the curtain on modern genetic testing laboratories, mapping out the lifecycle of a sample from initial accessioning to complex variant classification and reporting. Panelists will demystify the operational, regulatory, and business constraints that shape lab policies, explaining the root causes behind turnaround times and reporting limitations. By addressing the perspective gap between clinic and laboratory, attendees will learn practical strategies to troubleshoot common delays and collaborate effectively with lab genetic counselors for better patient care.
Presented by:
NSGC Lab/Industry SIG
1. Matt Tschirgi, MS, CGC
2. Elizabeth Kramer Dugan, MGC, CGC
3. Elysia Pagano, MGC, CGC
Learning Objectives:
1. Evaluate the operational, business, and cross-functional drivers behind genetic testing laboratory decisions, business metrics, and turnaround times.
2. Trace the journey of a sample through accessioning, triage, automation, and reporting.
3. Identify factors that impact testing capacity and workflow limitations.
4. Analyze the root causes of discrepancy between clinical expectations and lab capabilities, including requisition requirements, variant classification constraints, and reporting policies.
5. Apply practical communication strategies and best practices—such as providing detailed phenotype data and engaging effectively with lab genetic counselors—to streamline case management and optimize patient outcomes.
Elysia Pagano, MGC, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
Elysia is a board-certified genetic counselor and Senior Marketing Manager at Natera. She received her Master's in Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. In her role as a clinician, Elysia provided genetic counseling services for patients in high-volume maternal-fetal medicine clinics for about 10 years. As an educator, Elysia has been involved in didactic and clinical teaching of a variety of learners, including medical students, residents, and fellows, as well as genetic counseling students. Elysia has enjoyed a number leadership roles in professional committees with the NSGC, the ABGC, and the ACGC.
Elizabeth Kramer Dugan, MGC, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
Elizabeth holds a Masters in Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a B.A in English and Biology from Georgetown University. Elizabeth has over 20 years of genetic counseling experience in both clinical practice and laboratory settings. She has also authored or co-authored numerous publications and conference presentations on prenatal diagnostics. Elizabeth’s professional interests include prenatal genetics, education and multi-state licensure.
Matt Tschirgi, MS, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
Matt Tschirgi earned his BS degree from Washington State University, and his MS degree in genetic counseling from University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He has more than 25 years combined experience in clinical genetic counseling, higher education, industry, and consulting. Matt’s professional interests include prenatal genetics; artificial intelligence; academic and industry partnerships; and multi-state licensure.
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