QuidelOrtho Science BYTES Podcast

Our latest episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes explores hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) – a complex and often misunderstood condition that can have life-threatening consequences during pregnancy. Host Michelle Mullens is joined by Bethany Weathersby, Founder of the Allo Hope Foundation, to connect diagnostic science with real patient experiences. Together, they explain how alloimmunization occurs, why many patients are unaware of their risk and how laboratory testing plays a central role in guiding care. The conversation reveals how gaps in awareness, inconsistent care practices and delays in acting on lab results can significantly impact outcomes. It also highlights the importance of patient advocacy and collaboration between laboratories, clinicians and patients to improve care pathways. About Our Speaker: Bethany Weathersby Bethany Weathersby serves as the Executive Director at The Allo Hope Foundation. She received her BS degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education at Jacksonville State University. She received her MEd degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Columbia International University and spent the next 15 years teaching ESL before transitioning into patient education and advocacy. Bethany lives with her husband, Josh, and their five children in Tuscaloosa, AL. During her third pregnancy in 2013, Bethany was diagnosed with maternal alloimmunization (Kell antibodies) and her daughter was at risk for severe HDFN due to Bethany’s incredibly high titer. Bethany and her husband struggled to find the proactive medical care that Bethany and her unborn baby needed. Unfortunately, due to lack of monitoring and treatment, their daughter, Lucy, was stillborn just shy of 20 weeks. Determined to continue growing their family, Bethany partnered with two maternal-fetal specialists out of state who supported her throughout her next three pregnancies, helping the Weathersbys have the large family they had always wanted. In 2019, Bethany founded the Allo Hope Foundation to provide resources and support, and improve care practices for alloimmunized women and HDFN patients.

Our latest episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes features Dr. Lindy Carlstrom, Global Medical Affairs Manager for Acute Care, unpacking how high-sensitivity troponin is reshaping early cardiac diagnosis, where seconds matter most. From detecting heart injury earlier and reducing emergency department bottlenecks to improving equity in cardiac care with sex-specific cutoffs, this episode highlights how precision diagnostics are accelerating decision-making and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Carlstrom explains the power of serial testing, the importance of assay precision and why today’s emergency teams rely on high-sensitivity troponin to confidently rule in, or rule out, acute coronary events. High sensitivity troponin is more than a test, it’s a critical link in a faster, safer, more informed cardiac care pathway. Tune in to learn how this powerful tool is helping clinicians deliver timely insight when it matters most. About Our Speaker: Dr. Lindy Carlstrom, Global Medical Affairs Manager for QuidelOrtho Lindy's clinical experience spans from emergency medicine to critical care and primary care. Currently, she's responsible for providing medical support for the QuidelOrtho acute care menu throughout the product life cycle. Lindy is passionate about clinical education, testing guideline updates and assay utilization to drive improved patient-centered outcomes.

Our 54th episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes features Jonathan Siegrist, PhD, Executive Vice President of Research & Development and Chief Technology Officer, exploring the breakthroughs shaping diagnostics in 2025. From high-sensitivity troponin testing for faster cardiac care to non-invasive assays improving gastrointestinal health, rapid combo tests for respiratory surges and advances in molecular diagnostics, informatics and AI – these innovations are transforming workflows, guiding timely decisions and redefining patient care across the continuum. Dr. Siegrist shares how cutting-edge research and next-generation platforms are driving smarter diagnostics – delivering fast, reliable insights that empower clinicians and improve outcomes worldwide. About Our Speaker: Jonathan Siegrist, PhD Executive Vice President of Research & Development & Chief Technology Officer at QuidelOrtho Jonathan is responsible for the company’s global R&D strategy, driving innovation and advancing next-generation diagnostic solutions. He brings over 15 years of leadership experience in the biotechnology and diagnostics industries, with a focus on molecular diagnostics, microfluidic platforms and biomedical engineering. Before joining QuidelOrtho, Jonathan served as Chief Technology Officer and head of assay research and development at Cepheid. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary teams while fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. Jonathan holds a PhD and Master of Science in biomedical engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Our 52nd episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes features George Wierschem, Senior Global Product Manager – informatics, discussing how informatics is transforming clinical labs. From streamlining workflows to strengthening cybersecurity, informatics helps labs turn data into decisions – faster, smarter and more securely. George shares how modern platforms improve lab efficiency, ensure data integrity and support better patient outcomes through centralized access, automation and accountability. About Our Speaker: George Wierschem Senior Global Product Manager for informatics at QuidelOrtho George is a trained medical technologist with more than 30 years of laboratory experience. Over the first half of his career, George worked in a number of community-based hospitals progressing from bench technologist into leadership positions. In 2010, George entered the in vitro diagnostics industry, where he's been able to leverage his strong laboratory experience in consulting, product development and product management roles. Currently, George is helping to support legacy QuidelOrtho informatics platforms while also developing several innovative next-generation solutions. George holds an MBA with a healthcare administration specialization and is certified in Lean Six Sigma and change management.

Our 50th episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes features Dr. Jonathan Temte, a leading public health expert, discussing how schools, families, and healthcare providers can stay ahead of respiratory illnesses this school year. As students return to classrooms, familiar viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19 often resurge. Dr. Temte explains why symptoms alone can’t reliably distinguish between these illnesses and how rapid diagnostics are essential for early detection, accurate treatment, and preventing further spread. About Our Speaker: Dr. Temte joined the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1993. He is a professor of family medicine and community health and the Associate Dean for Public Health and Community Engagement for the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Temte received his BA from Luther College, an MS in Biological Oceanography from Oregon State University, and his PhD in Zoology and Minor in Epidemiology from the University of Wisconsin. He pursued his medical training at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, where he received his MD. Dr. Temte also served as the Director of the Wisconsin Research and Education Network from 2000 to 2005. He chaired the American Academy of Family Physicians Commission on Science in 2008, the AAFP, and he currently chairs the Wisconsin Council on Immunization Practices. He also served as AAFP liaison to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices from 2004 to 2008, where he was appointed a voting member from 2008 to 2015 and served as chair from 2012 to 2015. Dr. Temte has also been active on pandemic influenza and bioterrorism working groups for the state of Wisconsin. In addition to his outstanding credentials, Dr. Temte's research interests include respiratory viruses, influenza, COVID-19, schools, and immunization policy.

In this episode, you'll hear a conversation with transfusion medicine expert Michelle Mullens about how blood donation underpins patient health and the critical role it plays in healthcare. Discover how donated blood is vital not only for trauma care, but also for cancer treatments, chronic illnesses like sickle cell disease, and a wide range of surgeries. The discussion explores the growing challenges of blood supply shortages, the importance of specialized blood types, and how automation in blood banks is helping labs maintain safety and efficiency despite staffing pressures. Learn how each donation makes a difference and why maintaining a robust blood supply is essential for patient care and safety. About our speaker: Michelle Mullens Global Portfolio Marketing Manager for Transfusion Medicine, QuidelOrtho Before beginning her career on the vendor side with QuidelOrtho, Michelle was a senior medical technologist at Baptist Health, serving in leadership roles in transfusion medicine and immunohematology for nearly 30 years. With QuidelOrtho, Michelle has served as a technical specialist, business development consultant and clinical science liaison before taking on her current role.

In this episode, we spotlight the essential yet often-overlooked role of medical laboratory technologists – the backbone of today’s healthcare. With 70% of clinical decisions relying on lab results, these professionals face challenges including staffing shortages, rising diagnostic demands, burnout and low compensation. We explore what's driving the crisis and, more importantly, what can be done to solve it. About Our Speaker: Katy Marcum Global Head of Clinical Labs Business Unit QuidelOrtho Katy is responsible for leading innovation and commercial success of the business unit worldwide, including strategic direction and solutions development for laboratory diagnostics. In her more than 13 years in the clinical laboratory and invitro diagnostics industry, Katy has served in corporate leadership roles and in the lab with top-tier hospitals, including specimen processing and registration, core lab generalists, and microbiology and serology.

In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of cardiac testing at the point of care with two renowned experts on the topic, doctors Martin Than and Paul Collinson. Both of our guests today have extensive experience on the front lines of patient care and have witnessed firsthand how point-of-care testing can save time and save lives. About our speakers: Doctor Martin Than currently holds several positions in the field, including consultant specialists and director of research for the emergency department at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand. He has authored 187 peer-reviewed journal articles on emergency medicine, cardiac care and diagnostics. Doctor Than is recognized worldwide for his research on the rapid diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. Doctor Paul Collinson is presently a professor of cardiovascular biomarkers and consultant cardiologist at City Saint George's Medical School in London. Doctor Collinson has held clinical staff and university faculty positions in orthopedics, general family medicine, cardiology and pathology. He has published over 300 papers and review articles, 281 abstracts and 15 book chapters. Doctor Collinson has also been recognized numerous times for his research by the American Association of Clinical Chemists, including the Outstanding Research Award in point-of-care testing, as well as the high test award, now the IFCC Award for Lifetime Achievement and Cardiovascular biomarkers.

Rh disease remains a significant health challenge, particularly impacting expectant mothers and their newborns. In this episode of Science Bytes, Dr. Steven Spitalnik discusses the milestones in Rh disease treatment, the ongoing challenges and future opportunities to combat this condition. About our Speaker Dr Spitalnik, MD is a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, and a member of the Medical Staff at New York Presbyterian/Columbia. He has authored over 250 publications and served as an investigator on ~30 grants and contracts including Principal investigator on ~20 of those grants. Additionally, he has sponsored more than 15 Training Grants. Dr. Spitalnik is a member of multiple professional societies, including the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) and the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT). He has served on multiple committees within these organizations and was on the Board of Directors for the AABB. He has received multiple society awards and was elected to the Hall of Fame of the AABB Foundation (previously the National Blood Foundation). Dr. Spitalnik is the Founding Member and Executive Director of the Worldwide Initiative for Rh Disease Eradication (WIRhE).

Did you know that women are 10 times more likely than men to develop a thyroid condition, yet often remain undiagnosed due to medical bias and lack of awareness? We often see women present themselves to an emergency department with health concerns that are brushed off as “stress” or “weight-related” versus conducting diagnostic testing to identify the root cause. How can we address that? Don’t miss this episode on how healthcare providers can address these types of biases including timeliness of diagnosis, screening practices, and interpretation of lab results to enhance the quality of care for women with thyroid conditions. About our speaker Jeff Houtz, Senior Global Product Manager Jeff Houtz is the Senior Global Product Manager for QuidelOrtho covering thyroid and reproductive endocrine products. Jeff has 35 years of experience in research and development, product development, and medical education in a variety of disease states including reproductive and thyroid disorders. Providing accurate and meaningful diagnoses in furtherance of improved healthcare has always been a driver and motivator. Jeff has been instrumental in creating numerous CME and P.A.C.E.-accredited content for physicians, nurses, and laboratorians in the U.S. and Europe. In addition to assay development Jeff is passionate about patient advocacy which is why he has worked closely with the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation and Thyroid Federation International. Jeff has also collaborated with LifeTime TV in support of programs on The Balancing Act and Access Health surrounding thyroid disease. Jeff is also a family man married for 30 years with 2 wonderful kids.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients are at risk of developing multiple complications from transfusions, including alloimmunization to red blood cell antigens, delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and hyperhemolysis syndrome (HHS). While HHS is a rare complication of repeat blood transfusions in patients with SCD, clinicians and the laboratory have important roles in its detection and management.In this podcast, Wally R. Smith, MD, the inaugural Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professor of Sickle Cell Disease at Virginia Commonwealth University shares insights to screening for and managing HHS. About Our Speaker: Wally R. Smith, MD, is an experienced implementation scientist and expert in clinical and health services research in sickle cell disease (SCD). He serves as Vice Chair for Research of the Division of General Internal Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and was Scientific Director of the Center on Health Disparities at VCU. Dr. Smith has authored over 100 publications and served as an investigator on over 50 grants and contracts. He has been principal investigator on 26 federal or foundation-funded grants and contracts including: Pain in Sickle Cell Epidemiology Study (PiSCES), the largest and most detailed adult cohort that changed our understanding of SCD pain in adults and, since 2012, Start Healing in Patients with Hydroxyurea, the first-ever randomized controlled trial of implementation science in SCD.

Reference intervals (RIs) are a fundamental decision support tool used by clinicians and lab professionals to interpret laboratory reports and assess an individual’s health status. The establishment of reference intervals, however, can be challenging due to many physiological factors that influence their values and heterogeneities that inherently exist in populations. In this podcast, Dr. Lindy Crimmins will provide a comprehensive explanation of the influencing factors and evolving methodology of RIs from how they are established to how they are advancing. About Our Speaker: Dr. Lindy Crimmins is a Manager of Medical Affairs at QuidelOrtho. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Medical Degree from the University of Illinois. Her clinical experience spanned from Emergency Medicine to critical care to primary care. Her time in the industry focused on clinical chemistry and point-of-care technical support prior to Medical and Scientific Affairs. Currently, she is responsible for providing medical support for QuidelOrtho’s acute care menu throughout the product lifecycle.

Transfusion reactions are adverse events associated with the transfusion of whole blood or one of its components. They range in severity from minor to life-threatening and can occur during a transfusion, termed acute transfusion reactions, or days to weeks later, termed delayed transfusion reactions. Transfusion reactions may be difficult to diagnose as they can present with non-specific, often overlapping symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms include fever, chills, urticaria, and itching. Some symptoms may resolve with little or no treatment. However, respiratory distress, high fever, hypotension, and hemoglobinuria may indicate a more serious reaction. All cases of suspected reactions should prompt immediate discontinuation of the transfusion and notification of the blood bank and treating clinician. Learn in this podcast episode the evaluation and management of transfusion reactions and highlights the role of interprofessional team members in collaborating to provide well-coordinated care and enhance outcomes for affected patients. About our Speaker: Dr. Aaron Tobian received his medical degrees from Case Western Reserve University. He is highly involved with the transfusion medicine community serving on the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies' Board of Directors and is president-elect of the board. Dr. Tobian has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed articles in journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Blood, and TRANSFUSION, and has been featured on BBC World Service, Today Show, National Public Radio, and USA Today. He is board certified in clinical pathology and blood banking/transfusion medicine and divides his time between research and clinical service.