A few TOQUE-aways from AMP!

By Inga Rose, CEO

The annual Association for Molecular Pathologists (AMP) meeting was right before Thanksgiving, and we had so much fun attending! AMP is particularly close to my heart because it is so much more than just a clinical meeting – it’s a vibrant space for collaboration, innovation, and connecting with like-minded individuals. It's an event that blends cutting-edge science with genuine face-to-face networking in a way that’s as inspiring as it is impactful.

Because it was in Vancouver this year (BRRR!), we gave away toques as a part of our booth swag, and because I can’t resist a pun, here are a few TOQUE-aways from my time there.

Some “Hat” Topics:

• I was thrilled to hear about several innovations that could enable genome sequencing in small pathology departments or even at the bedside. The promise of this kind of innovation could allow for faster, more accurate tumor profiling and diagnostic capabilities, dramatically impact health equity by enabling better care for patients who might otherwise have limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, and save lives. 
• Progress and innovation continue on liquid biopsies and plasma and blood sampling generally, and we’re increasingly seeing more research focused on other liquid samples like urine and saliva. The potential for early detection and non-invasive sampling is enormous—I can’t wait to see where this field goes.

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Three “Cap”tivating Companies to Watch

• We were neighbors on the expo floor with Ceres Nanosciences and learned about their new partnership with Streck, in which Streck’s blood collection tubes will be distributed alongside the Ceres NEAT Liquid Biopsy Kit. The NEAT (Nanotrap® Extraction Advanced Technology) Liquid Biopsy Kit utilizes Ceres Nanosciences' proprietary Nanotrap® particle technology to capture and concentrate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma samples. When combined with Streck's Cell-Free DNA BCT® blood collection tubes, this kit enhances the purity and yield of cfDNA, which is crucial for downstream applications such as qPCR, dPCR, ddPCR, and sequencing assays. It was inspiring to learn more about the Ceres products and discuss the exciting possibilities ahead.

• Sapio Sciences has made some truly innovative strides in lab management and data analytics. Their cutting-edge LIMS, ELN, and analytics solutions are setting new standards for efficiency and collaboration in the life sciences field. It’s inspiring to see their commitment to driving discovery and operational excellence. As CEO of a company that works hard to turn our core values into meaningful action, I love that Sapio Sciences also places such focus on their core values, known as the Sapio Seven. These include Embrace the future, Make a difference, Be true partners, Remember why we’re here, Act with empathy, Commit to transparency, and Excel in quality. Their commitment to driving discovery and operational excellence is inspiring, and I’m excited to see how the Sapio Seven will continue to shape their future advancements.
• Known for their innovative approach to empowering precision medicine, Golden Helix brought their creativity to life with some of the coolest swag in the industry. I was absolutely blown away by their shirts, which showcased a brilliantly creative fusion of genomics and pop culture—turning scientific themes like the double helix into iconic designs inspired by rock legends and timeless classics. As a company that appreciates creative marketing, we’re inspired by their ability to stand out while making a difference. Can’t wait to see what they bring next—both in genomics and in style!

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Shameless Plug – “Hats” Off to Reference Medicine

We didn’t just attend AMP—we made some noise ourselves!

• New Product Launch: Our new line of characterized specimens, which provide researchers access to specific cancer subtypes, made its debut—learn more here.
• Collaboration in Action: We were thrilled to be working with Robust Diagnostics – leading experts at measuring epitope-level antibody response using peptide microarrays – with two impactful presentations. Find the details here and here.

While the first quarter of 2025 will be quieter for meetings, we’re using the time to focus on delivering high-quality specimens to our customers, as always. Our mission remains clear: to bring exceptional science to life and fuel innovation that improves health, with a generous helping of delight.