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"Kaizen" but never do "Kaizan"
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Kaizen -- LEAN in a week," by Gitte Wennecke in the August 2008 issue.
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A common goal worlds apart.
The article focuses on laboratory management. The laboratory staff remains the key to accurately and timely diagnostic information. They continue to become more complex with greater demands for economy and timeliness. The laboratory team decided to share its knowledge and expertise in point-of-care testing by organizing the North Texas POC Network, providing forum for the discussion of POCT, as well as the complexities in the care and treatment of patients.
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A day in the life of Bagdad's Ibn Sina Hospital.
The article features the Ibn Sina Hospital located in Baghdad, Iraq. The hospital was founded by four Iraqi doctors on March 20, 1964 but ceased to operate in 1974 under the leadership of Saddam Hussein. In April 2003, the hospital brought back its high-quality standards under the control of coalition forces. Ibn Sina provides healthcare services to all resident soldiers. In February 2008, Ibn Sina laboratory technicians were recognized as the first medical-laboratory technicians in a war zone.
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A Florida hospital's POC solution.
The article offers information on the adoption of the Florida Hospital (FH) in Orlando, Florida of a system to enhance its specimen-collection process. It states that FH laboratory went live with its specimen collection management solution (SCMS) in 2004. One reason that determined FH's product selection was the chosen SCM's real-time notifications for new orders as well as the product's full incorporation with the laboratory information system (LIS) in use at the hospital.
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A new option.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to Pam Elsins' correspondence "Lab pro's new perspective," which was published in the July 2008 issue.
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A re-energized debate on stem cells.
The beginning of stem-cell history
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A review of automated slide stainers for IHC and ISH.
The article presents a review of automated slide stainers for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). A more detailed analysis of the capabilities of IHC/ISH will be provided. Areas in which IHC/ISH are to be discussed include their applications and approaches, capacities and capabilities, layouts and limitations and about continuous or random access.
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AABB announces unique data network.
The article announces the launch of American Association of Blood Banks' (AABB) U.S. Biovigilance Network (the Network). It is the country's first and only nationwide data-collection program for the transfusion and biological-therapy community. It will also collect and analyze data to identify trends and recommend best practices to reduce adverse reactions and incidents associated with blood transfusion and related biological therapies.
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Accurately determine levels.
The article evaluates the VerifyNow System from Accumetrics Inc.
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Addressing management issues.
The article provides an answer to a question regarding the panel's knowledge of any successful incentive plans that motivate staff members not to use sick time needlessly.
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Addressing management issues.
The article provides an answer to a question on how to handle and cultivate a better rapport between laboratorians with derogatory, accusatory, and demanding behavior towards the nursing staff.
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Addressing management issues.
The article presents questions and answers related to hospital laboratory management including speaking a foreign language and productivity with the administration.
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Addressing management issues.
The article provides an answer to a question of how to train a person to become an effective supervisor.
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Addressing management issues.
The article presents questions and answers related to management issues including the factors to be considered while deciding to add new technology or instruments in a clinical laboratory and on controlling procrastination.
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Addressing management issues.
The article presents two questions and answers related to personnel management, including how to speak up to Human Resources director and chief executive officers regarding concerns on wages in a hospital setting and the aspects for companies to consider in sending staff to association meetings to get maximum return from their attendance.
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Addressing management issues.
The article provides an answer to a question whether there are any time-management tips for using voicemail effectively.
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Addressing management issues.
The article presents an answer to a question of what constitutes insubordination and if failure to respond by a deadline qualifies.
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Addressing management issues.
The article provides an answer to a question of how medical management teams conduct an effective meeting.
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Addressing management issues.
The article presents questions and answers related to medical laboratory technology including the search for a night-shift medical laboratory staff and ways to improve laboratory operations from employee feedback.
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Addressing management issues.
The article presents questions and answers related to the medical laboratory management including how to deal with co-workers who used to say offensive languages, phlebotomist incompetency and replacing staff who cannot meet the job standards.
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Adulterants and and drugs-of-abuse testing: an update.
The article discusses the two categories of products that are commercially available in order to beat drug tests. The first category is the utilization of specific fluids or tablets along with substantial water intake. Among them are L-ascorbic acid, Visine eye drops, Drano, golden-seal root, lemon juice, lime solvent, Clorox, liquid hand soap, and methanol. The second category includes the use of urinary adulterants such as Stealth, Clean ADD-IT-ive and Urine Luck.
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Against the grain: a celiac disease review.
The article offers information about celiac disease. It is one of the most commonly inherited diseases that is usually underdiagnosed. With improved testing, healthcare professionals can provide patient education and therapy for patients with celiac disease. Most patients can control their disease by eliminating gluten from their diet.
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All-hazards laboratory needs.
The article reviews several laboratory materials which include Protection Plus DL151-BJ Lab Coats from DenLine Uniforms, GeneXpert System from Cepheid, and Emergency Eyewash Stations from Encon Safety Products.
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Alternate careers for 'burned-out' medical lab personnel.
The author reflects on issues about the lack of qualified personnel to staff the nation's medical laboratories. The author believes that there is an equal concern about the departure of qualified personnel who have burned out because of any number of reasons including shift scheduling and substandard salaries. With this, these well-educated healthcare professionals go once they have left the laboratories.
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American med techs volunteer in Haiti.
Ten Tips for a Successful Short-Term Volunteer Trip
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An LIS supports quality initiatives.
The article offers information about the laboratory information system (LIS). It is a quality-indicator toolbox, able to capture a goldmine of information. LIS can easily be configured to reduce the chances of introducing errors and to automatically generate quality reports on a pre-defined schedule. Alternative tools found in the LIS would be the cancelled-orders log or a query configured to capture hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia flags from the analyzers.
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An overview of current practice in hepatitis C testing.
The article discusses the background of the global hepatitis C testing practice. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3% of the population in the world is infected with the virus of hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is referred to a RNA virus that is composed of genetic material core. It is also difficult to diagnose because most of the patients does not exhibit a symptom. The treatment should also gain a sustained virologic response.
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Analyzers of all types.
The article evaluates several analyzer instruments which include the Unicel DxC 880i Synchron Access clinical system from Beckman Coulter Inc., the Versant Molecular System from Siemens Healthcare and STA-R Evolution from Diagnostic Stago.
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Answer to FAQs on specimen collection.
The article reviews the book "Blood Specimen Collection FAQs."
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to medical laboratories including on the accuracy of urinalysis examination on spun urine, the components of the strip when the urinalysis does not work out and the further IFE testing on bone marrow.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to technical and clinical issues including the guidelines to differentiate STAT laboratory tests from routine tests, the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a back-up machine in the laboratory and the alternatives to restrain alcohol-disinfectant sensitivity.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to the medical laboratory including the need for laboratory quality control (QC) instrumentation, the importance of giving a specific gravity urine in pregnancy test and the use of lithium heparin tubes in collecting specimens.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to medicine including glucose collection guidelines, vaginal potassium hydroxide and peripheral blood smears for high platelet counts.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents several questions and answers related to clinical issues including methods for the detection of xanthochromia in cerebrospinal fluid, biosafety cabinet for blood cultures, and proper procedure for drawing blood from a patient receiving intravenous fluids.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to medical care including how hemolysis works, medical departments information managment system and how the emergency department collects its own patients.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to medical laboratory technology including the search for information resources on the accuracy of automated and manual differentials, guidelines for estimating the needed number of personnel based on workload or patient population and the interpretation of the negative, trace, trace 1+ and 2+ laboratory terms.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to joint-replacement surgery, urine wet-prep procedure and the advantages and disadvantages of replacing a calculated free thyroxine index (FTI)with a directly determined T4.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to clinical medicine including the critical value for total bilirubin and adult, the causes of a urine culture that does not agree with a urinalysis, and the best procedure to use for looking for fungal elements on slides of nails and skin.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to medical technology and practice including the process in which laboratories handle validation testing for rare results and any drug that could stabilize the glucose sample aside from Heparin.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents questions and answers related to medicine, including the advantages and disadvantages of doing urine colony counts, ways to decrease turnaround times of using centrifuge for coagulation testing of specimens and how to bill confirmatory tests for urinalysis.
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Answering your questions.
The article presents answers to questions concerning medicine. One reader wants to know about chronic critical values in medical laboratories. Another reader asks whether commercial sedimentation-rate controls can be substituted with a random patient. An individual inquires about the effect of using saline as a diluent.
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Antek HealthWare's evolving software solutions.
The article reports on the computer software designed by Antek Healthware Inc. The company is installing the software in a variety of infectious-disease laboratories throughout the U.S. and established connectivity with several health departments to electronically report test results. The author said that the most important element in attracting young people to the medical-laboratory industry is educating them on the important role of the laboratories in the healthcare field.
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Application of prostate-specific antigen in prostate cancer.
The article discusses the application of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed visceral cancer in the United States. According to the article, PSA was originally used as a tumor marker for detecting cancer recurrence or monitoring disease progression following treatment.
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Attention diverted from real issue.
A letter to the editor in response to the article "Hard evidence required to bring official charges," by Doctor Harty-Golder in the June 2007 issue is presented.
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Automated urinalysis technology improves efficiency and patient care.
The article reports on automated urinalysis technology to improve efficiency and patient care. According to the article, urinalysis is used to detect urinary-tract infections (UTI), which is one of the most common infectious diseases. A brief history of automated urine cell analyzer is presented. The article claims that automated urinalysis requires minimal hands-on time and maximizes efficiency.
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Awards.
The article announces that Susan Lindquist has received the Otto Warburg Medal from the German Association of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
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Basics of home glucose monitoring.
The article focuses on home glucose monitoring instruments that are used in supervising the levels of diabetes and the health condition of diabetic patients in general. These medical instruments are allegedly now small enough to fit in the palm of a patient's hand. They also include a clock and a memory designed to capture test results. They are also considered an essential instrument for the patient to make appropriate treatment or lifestyle choices.
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Beyond technical: training future lab leaders in professionalism.
The article offers information on training future laboratory leaders in professionalism in the U.S. Teaching future laboratorians the technical skills required to excel in their profession is a crucial component present in all clinical laboratory curricula. Guidelines for laboratorians that are helpful at any stage of their careers are also presented.
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Binding Site's CEO traces history of success.
The article presents information about Binding Site Inc., a laboratory diagnostic firm and its CEO Dick Rowland. He joined the company in 1987. The origin of the firm dates back to Great Britain's Medical School of Birmingham University, where researchers first started looking at innovative ways of producing antibodies in the early 1970s. In 2001, Binding Site launched Freelite serum-free light-chain assays as an aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma.
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Biothreat.
The article reports that police officer Roger Von Bergendorff turned comatose after ricin exposure at the Extended Stay America motel in Las Vegas, Nevada. It states that Von Bergendorff shows no signs or symptoms of ricin poisoning. The victim's brother mentioned that Bergendorff confided to him that he made the toxin for self-protection but has been poisoned by it instead. Bergendorff was about to be indicted for ricin possession along with charges of a possible 30-year prison sentence.
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Biothreat.
The article reports on the decision of the federal grand jury regarding the case of possessing biological toxins in Nevada. Criminal suspect Roger Von Bergendorff has been indicted by the jury for illegal possession of firearms and exposure to biological agent ricin. Von Bergendorff has been sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment.
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Blood-safety news.
The article reports that researchers at Cooper University Hospital (CVH) in Camden, New Jersey found that blood stored for nearly two weeks might be problematic for patients, who receive that blood. According to the researchers, if the patients they studied got blood stored 29 days or more, they developed sepsis, pneumonia, blood-stream infections, heart-valve infections, urinary tract infections and other infections at twice the rate of patients getting blood stored for up to 28 days.
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Blood: banking, collection, instruments; and donor systems.
The article evaluates several blood testing instruments including the StatSpin Express 3 High-Speed Centrifuge blood type analyzer from Iris International Inc., the BC -3200 Auto Hematology Analyzer from Mindray Medical International Ltd., and the BloodTrack Courier and BloodTrack Hemosafe from Neoteric Technology Ltd.
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Bloodworks.
The article focuses on the study reported by ABC News in May 2008 that teenage blood donors in the U.S. are most likely to have complications when they donate. The finding depicts that minor reactions such as dizziness and other symptoms decreased the chance that they will be willing to donate again. The rate of teenage donors contributing to annual blood donations collected by the Red Cross is also presented.
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Bloodworks.
The article reports that the National Blood Foundation (NBF) Board of Trustees has announced the recipients of its 2008 NBF Scientific Research Grants. Grant recipient will each receive up to $65,000 to pursue either a one or two-year research project in the field of blood banking, transfusion medicine or cellular and related biological therapies. NBF has awarded over $5.5 million in grants to 152 researchers since 1985.
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BLURRED lines of surgical, cytology, and molecular pathology reporting.
The article reports the importance of developing a laboratory information systems (LIS) in response to issues regarding blurred lines in surgical, cytology, and molecular pathology reporting. It reveals the importance of LIS system to help pathologists create a workflow that starts from either side and to incorporates reports in all areas of the laboratory. It will also provide an opportunity for them to create a hybrid and integrated reports of clinical, molecular, and pathology results.
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Bravo for brave souls.
A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of undergoing and recovering from a heart surgery.
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Burned-out, or forced out?
A letter to the editor is presented on the comparison of being a security officer than a medical technologist (MT).
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Can AWAs meet the lab's needs?
The article reports on the advantages and disadvantages of the alternate work arrangements (AWA) proposed by medical technologists in the U.S. It states that the law permits any arrangement of hours that is agreeable to both employer and employee as long as the basic labor standards are met. It also points out that it may be wise to consider the benefits of AWA as long as it does not compromise the provision of laboratory services in the interests of employees.
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Capillary-blood gases: To arterialize or not.
The article presents a study on the accuracy of arterial blood manifestation in capillary-blood sampling during blood-gas analysis. Capillary-blood sampling serves as an attractive replacement for arterial blood due to its simplicity and safety for pH and gas analysis. Although a consensus on the clinical acceptance of capillary blood as arterial blood substitute in acid-based parameters exist, several studies on pediatric patients reveal its incompetence for assessment of oxygenation status.
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Catering to one physician creates test dilemma.
The article provides an answer to a question of whether a medical laboratory shall perform a very esoteric test ordered by a physician.
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Celiac disease products.
The article reviews several celiac disease products which include QUANTA Lite Celiag IgA Profile from INOVA Diagnostics, Anti-Gliadin (IgA) -Ab EIA - The Gliadin IgG and Gliadin IgA kits from ALPCO Diagnostics, and Endomysial Antibody Kit from IMMCO Diagnostics.
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CLARIFICATION.
A correction to the article about the IntelliDOT BPA point-of-care transfusion-safety management system, that was published in the August 2008 issue is presented.
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CLIAC sets two-year meeting plan.
Information about the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC) meeting held in Atlanta, Georgia on September 10-11, 2008 is presented. Discussions and reviews include the genetic-testing workgroup report, quality control test through risk management and status of waived testing. The agency update was provided by Judy Yost, director of the Division of Laboratory Services at the Center for Medicaid and State Operations at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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CLIAC update.
The article offers information on the regular meeting of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC) to be held in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in February 20-21, 2008.
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CLMA Think Lab '09 calls for presentations.
The article announces the call for presentation for the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association's "ThinkLab '09," conference, through their website, sponsored by Orchard Software in the U.S. The program highlights more streamlined and structured format with fewer competing concurrent sessions, and a new two-hour oral session format. Education posters will also be presented, and awards will be given to the top three posters. Further information about the presentation is also presented.
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CLST founder Peter Francis helps build sales volume.
The article focuses on Clinical Laboratory Sales Training (CLST). Founded by Peter Francis, CLST has developed more then 60 lab-test and disease subjects and 23 topics related to selling techniques within the laboratory industry. The company also offers constructive feedback and strategy setting for representatives. Furthermore, the objective of the laboratory business is to make a customer produce business results through marketing and innovation.
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CMS reducing pay for HAC.
The article focuses on the plan of the Centers for Medicare and Medical Services (CMS) to reduce the Medicare payments at hospital-acquired conditions through the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 in the U.S. The legislation will require Medicare to revise the payments of the diagnosis-related group (DRG) for specifically defined Health Administration Center (HAC).
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Comfort for patient and tech.
The article evaluates the SP Blood Drawing Chairs from Cardinal Health Inc.
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Coming soon to your lab: NAF for breast-cancer risk assessment.
The article reports on nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) for breast-cancer risk assessment. According to long-term studies, the presence of atypical cells in NAF has been associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The article discusses the difference between the cytologic evaluation of nipple secretions or discharges and NAF.
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Compensation trends for lab executives.
The article focuses on the Executive Compensation Survey in April 2008 with regards to compensation trends of executives in the diagnostic-laboratory industry. It says that the gathered data were compiled in order to compare and build any logical relationships. It mentions the distribution of survey respondents as well as the variability within the industry. It also discusses the nature of C-level compensation and the CEO job.
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Complete thyroid panel.
The article evaluates the Complete Thyroid Panel reagents from Olympus.
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Conferences.
A calendar of conferences of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) in 2008 in the U.S. is presented, including the conference on proteomic discoveries, the conference on molecular pathology, and the "35th Annual Current Topics in Blood Banking,"
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Conferences.
A calendar of events for November 2008 to April 2009 in the U.S. is presented which includes a symposium entitled "Newborn Screening and Genetic Testing Symposium," sponsored by Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) to be held in San Antonio, Texas, an audioconference on "Changes in the New AABB Technical Manual," and a conference entitled "Laboratory Medicine: Into the Future" at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort.
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Conferences.
A calendar of medical related conferences in the U.S. from March to May, 2008 is presented, including the audioconference "Genetic Oversight...The Next Steps," the tri-conference "Bridging Biology, Chemistry, and Business," and "Business and Financial Strategies for Molecular Diagnostics."
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Conferences.
The article offers information on several congresses in the U.S. for August and September 2008 including the "Fifth National Conference on Laboratory Aspects of Tuberculosis" to be held on August 11-13, the National Beaumont Hospital, Department of Clinical Pathology symposium to be held on September 10-12 and the Washington G-2 Reports annual laboratory institute celebration to be held on September 17-19.
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Conferences.
The article offers information on an International Association of Blood Banks audioconference in May 7, 2008 and Cambridge Healthcare Institutes Conference to be held in Hilton Boston Logan Airport Hotel on May 20-21, 2008.
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Conferences.
The article offers information about several congresses related to medicine that will take place in the U.S. for the months of February and March 2008 including "Going Green and Saving Green," "Immigration for Foreign Born Health Professionals: Ensure Compliance," and "Conducting Effective Internal Investigations &Managing the Whistle-blower Threat in Your Lab."
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Conferences.
A calendar of events in medicine is presented, including the American Public Health Laboratories' 20th annual "Newborn screening and genetic testing symposium," audioconference "Changes in the new AABB technical manual" and AACC's "Laboratory medicine: Into the future" conference.
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Conferences.
The article offers information on several conferences including the 2nd annual Lab Quality Confab to be held at the Atlanta Hilton on from September 24-25, 2008, the AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO 2008 in Montreal from October 4-7, 2008, and the AACC 10th anniversary lab-automation conference at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown from October 27-28, 2008.
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Conferences.
The article announces that the "Expanding the Platform for Molecular Diagnostics Lab Growth and Profitability" 2009 MDx Conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency from February 2-4, 2009, the Molecular Summit 2009 will takes place at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from February 10-11 and the CLMA ThinkLab '09 annual meeting will be held from May 2-5 at the Tampa Convention Center.
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Consult ASCP for volunteer info.
A letter to the editor is presented regarding the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP).
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CORRECTION.
A correction to an article about the Executive War College scholarship winners that was published in the November 2007 issue is presented.
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Cost-effective with simplicity of use.
The article presents the author's perspectives on the trends in middleware. The author believes that middleware provides a cost-effective performance and serves a significant purpose in the healthcare environment. It also provides connectivity between dissimilar systems and improving efficiencies. The key issues facing the industry related to these middleware products are cost and ease of use.
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Court orders temporary halt to CBD.
The article reports on the San Diego federal district court order to discontinue the competitive bidding demonstration (CBD) of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos communities in California. The order was the result of a lawsuit brought by three area laboratories prompting Judge Thomas J. Whelan to order CMS not to permit the announcement of winning bidders and the implementation of the CBD project in the area.
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Creating a mutually beneficial approach to CBD project.
The article focuses on the Medicare Part B clinical lab competitive bidding demonstration project mandated by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 in the U.S. It is intended to determine whether the bidding can be used to provide lab services at below Medicare reimbursement rates. Small labs whose reimbursements exceed the threshold expressed their concern over the project, as they are required to team with their larger counterparts.
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Custom configuration.
The article evaluates the E-Lab Casework custom configuration from E-Lab Co. Ltd.
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Cystic fibrosis newborn screening in America.
The article focuses on the study about cystic fibrosis (CF) in newborn infants in the U.S. CF is a hereditary disease that affects the mucus glands of the lungs, pancreas and intestines, thus causing system dysfunction. It is common among Caucasians which occurs in 1/2,500 births. Information about CF diagnosis, therapy and improved results is presented.
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Cystic-fibrosis products.
The article evaluates several cystic-fibrosis products including the xTAG Cystic Fibrosis Kit from Luminex Corp., the eSensor CF Carrier Detection System from Osmetech and the CF AMPLIFIED from Ambry Genetics Corp.
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Defining minors under the law.
The article provides an answer to a question on the definitive regulation on drawing routine bloods on minors.
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Detect 12 viruses.
The article evaluates the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RPV) reagents from Luminex Corp.
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Detect H pylori antibodies.
The article evaluates the line of gastritis and peptic ulcer (GAP) tests from Biomerica Inc.
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Detection of lupus pleuritis: a tale of lights and shadows.
The article presents a study of a 42 year old African-American male with acute shortness of breath and facial rash as a sign of untreated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The impression on the patient's chest radiograph was bilateral pneumonia with stable pulmonary edema and bilateral pleural effusion. Upon pleural-fluid test, lupus erythematosus (LE) cells were identified which are important in initiating the proper treatment for SLE.
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Detects variant strain.
The article evaluates the RealTime PCR Test equipment from Abbott Molecular.
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Digital pathology advances with Soenksen's Aperio.
The article presents the author's view on digital pathology advances. With this concept, the author focused on a relatively low hurdle of this application. It is also an area with which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is familiar. Moreover, digital pathology is an application for which there is reimbursement.
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Digital slide solution.
The article evaluates the MIRAX MICRO digital slide scanner from Carl Zeiss MicroImaging Inc.
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Direct-access testing: Issues and opportunities.
The article focuses on a debate on direct-access testing (DAT). Bruce A. Friedman, professor of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School says that DAT testing is helping to unmask the true cost of laboratory testing. Steve A. McClain, professor of dermatology, State University of New York-Stony Brook says that DAT can identify melanomas at an early stage. Camilla Cobb of University of Southern California says that patients could get that laboratory test ordered even when away from home.
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Ditto to four letter-writers.
A letter to the editor referencing previous letters related to medical technologists in the May 2008 issue is presented.
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DOA Industry spotlight.
The article evaluates several medical laboratory equipment including the AccuSign DOA Series urine test for drugs from Princeton BioMeditech, the Triage Drugs of Abuse Panel urine analyzer from Biosite Inc., and the OnTrack OraLyzer drug tester from Varian Inc.
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Drug-resistant TB at record levels.
The article reports on the multiple-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases in Russia. The findings were released by the World Health Organization (WHO) from the largest global survey of the problem. The author points out that the government of Moldova, Donetsk and Tom Oblast have lost control of TB by failing to invest enough resources to build, equip, staff the laboratories needed to detect the disease and to accumulate standard drugs.
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Dynamic scheduling.
The article evaluates the Freedom EVOware Plus Software from Tecan.
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Easy comfort control.
The article evaluates the Adjustable Lab Stool from MarketLab Inc.
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Editor's note.
The article presents an editor's note regarding the names of Medical Laboratory Observer (MLO) contributors who have done or still performing volunteer service listed in the column "From the Editor" published within the issue.
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Editor's note.
The article presents an editor's note to a letter to the editor responding to the article "Kaizen -- LEAN in a week," by Gitte Wennecke in the August 2008 issue.
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Educating students.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Survey reveals need to educate students about profession," in the March 2008 issue.
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Education.
The article features the poster titled "Ten Commandments for Handling Biological Specimens in the Clinical Laboratory" from the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) in the U.S. The poster focuses on methods in clinical chemistry, body fluids, laboratory math, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, virology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, immunohematology and basic knowledge for administration and management.
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Eliminate off-line testing.
The article evaluates the Sensititre Gram positive MIC Plates reagents from Trek Diagnostic Systems Inc.
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Endangered species vanishing from medical labs.
The article discusses the results of a survey about the salary of medical laboratory technologists and technicians in the U.S. There are variations in salary among the respondents which relate to competency level, business conditions and personality factors. Education serves as a significant differentiator in the salary structure of these medical personnel. The average clinical lab worker says that her particular work environment offers substantial benefits.
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Endless possibilities.
The article evaluates the Sigma Flex Systems Furniture from Sigma Flex Mott Manufacturing.
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Enhancing the laboratory's role through automation.
The article reports that automation can help medical laboratories increase capacity and result quality in spite of a shortage of skilled professionals. Automation trends focus on specimen processing and single-platform instrumentation in immunology and other departments. Several benefits of automation on laboratories include staffing, capacity and efficiency.
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EQUIPMENT &SUPPLIES: Eliminate germ spread.
The article evaluates Current Technologies' Bio-Hazard wipes with a white absorbent size.
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EQUIPMENTS &SUPPLIES: Extended stability for blood-collection tubes.
The article evaluates Streck's Cyto-Chex BCT blood-collection tube.
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EQUIPMENTS &SUPPLIES: Protect from liquid spills.
The article evaluates Sterilin Ltd.'s BenchGuard absorbent paper.
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Ergonomic carts.
The article evaluates the Dimension 4 Rolling Carts from IAC Industries.
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Fast, convenient, and sensitive.
The article evaluates the Rely Mono Rapid Test reagents from Stanbio Laboratory Inc.
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Fast, easy PCR system.
The article evaluates the Raider Real-Time PCR Instrument from Handy Lab.
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Faster laboratory detection of MRSA translates to cost savings for hospital.
Starting your own active MRSA surveillance program
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First Session of 110th Congress comes to a disappointing end.
The article examines the outcome of the first session of the 110th Congress with regards to clinical laboratory and healthcare community issues in the U.S. The clinical laboratory industry had hoped for the enactment of legislation to repeal the demonstration of competitive bidding for clinical laboratory services. However, Congress merely provided a stopgap solution. It even postponed several critical healthcare issues, like the updating of the physician fee schedule.
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Flow cytometry.
The article evaluates several laboratory equipment and supplies for flow cytometry which include the CD-Chex Plus BC and CD-Chex Plus BC CD4 Low from Streck Inc., Flow-cytometry reagents and cellular-analysis systems from Beckman Coulter Inc. and the SoftFlowCytometry information management system from SCC Soft Computer.
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Forecasts for 2009.
The article presents several issues related to the medical field in the U.S. The Congress delayed a scheduled 10.6% cut in Medicare's physician payments until December 31, 2009. Public and private sectors earlier operating as a collaborative the Department of Health and Human Services advisory body American Health Information Community have migrated to a non-profit public organization. President-elect Barack Obama's team is favoring cutting Medicare managed-care payments.
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Frankencats, cornstarch, chromosomes, and confusion.
The article discusses various reports published within the journal, including one by Rick Weiss on the link between synthetic DNA with the biological and artificial, and another on the impact of the use of fake DNA.
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From "hot to cold" catalog.
The article evaluates the Catalog of Chilling and Heating Laboratory Equipment from Torrey Pines Scientific.
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Future of molecular diagnostics and cancer.
The article focuses on the role of molecular diagnostics in the management of patients with such diseases as HIV and hepatitis. Nucleic-acid based tests for HIV have served as a bold paradigm for how molecular testing can impact the care of patients and as a model for pharmacogenomics. Through molecular diagnostics, the characterization of infectious diseases is changed, which helps physicians make difficult treatment decisions.
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Genomics.
The article presents the study by the National Institutes of Health Roadmap and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on identifying chemical compounds as potential therapies for schistosomiasis in the U.S. Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia or snail fever, is a parasitic-worm disease that has affected 207 million people around the world. It states that people got the infection by wading, swimming or bathing in fresh water inhabited by snails, which are hosts of worms.
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Get a yearnin' for learnin'
The author reflects on an individual's ability to learn as the basis of literacy in the 21st century. She argues that revolutionary technology keeps on emerging and people have to learn, unlearn and relearn things. She suggested that age should teach the world to admire experience and firm lines of character.
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Global diseases.
The article reports on the study conducted by the researchers from the Consortium for Conservation Medicine at the Wildlife Trust, Columbia University, the Institute of Zoology and the University of Georgia regarding global diseases. The research funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation award will determine and predict the occurrence of pandemic diseases. The researchers will analyze human-population density, rainfall and wildlife biodiversity.
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Global diseases.
The article presents news briefs related to the diseases pneumonic plague and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). It reports the death of biologist Eric York at Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park, due to pneumonic plague. Becton Dickinson and Co. is sponsoring a global awareness campaign on XDR-TB, in cooperation with a technology, entertainment, design (TED) group.
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Glucose testing supplies.
The article evaluates several glucose testing supplies including the Synchron Microalbumin Reagent from Beckman Coulter Inc., OneTouch Flexx Blood Glucose Meter from Lifescan Inc., and Chemcard Glucose Test from Chematics
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Go West young tech.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Letters to the editor," by David Sikes in the July 2008 issue.
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Grow roots and bloom!
A letter to the editor is presented is response to the article "Workin' at the bloomin' bench," in the June 2008 issue.
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Hands on!
A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article on volunteering as a laboratory technician that was published in a previous issue.
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HbAlc control.
The article evaluates the A1c-Cellular reagents from Streck.
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Health department warns 40K patients in Nevada.
The article reports on the 40,000 patients who were treated at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada. Patients may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis when workers reused syringes during endoscopies and colonoscopies which required anesthesia. The associate director for infection control at the national Centers for Disease control and Prevention says that such improper procedures appear to be more common in out-patient surgical centers such as the endoscopy center.
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Healthcare workers brave storms.
A letter to the editor is presented about the tragedy that happened in June 2008 due to flooding and tornadoes.
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Help avoid MRSA's spread.
The article presents questions and answers related to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) such as how can medical laboratories help prevent MRSA outbreaks and how should laboratory personnel clean and disinfect once a MRSA outbreak occurs.
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Hematology standardization for the IDN.
The article discusses the principle behind the standardization in hematology for an integrated delivery network (IDN). IDN in hospitals, allied healthcare facilities and other ancillary services satisfy all of their patients' healthcare needs through a single governing source. It also promotes patient-care quality and enables shared expertise, technology and information.
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HIPAA guides answering services.
The article provides an answer to a question on the legal issues behind the practice of leaving laboratory results with an answering service if the physician cannot be reached.
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HIV blocking gene found.
The article reports on the identification of a human gene called TRIM22 by a team of researchers at the University of Alberta and a scientist at the University of Pennsylvania. It says that TRIM22 can block HIV infection in a cell culture by preventing the formation of the virus. Researchers are investigating on why the gene does not work in people who are having HIV infection. The team hopes that their research will lead to the design of new drugs or vaccines that can stop the transmission.
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HIV testing an update.
The article discusses the latest in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing as of February 2008. Four rapid HIV antibody tests have been introduced as a means of diagnosing HIV diseases. Unlike from previous processes, these tests can be received the same day and can be done at both clinical and non-traditional sites. They are also considered beneficial since they can be non-invasive; however, their non-invasiveness is argued since it will likely outweigh the small deficit in specificity.
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HIV/AIDS.
The article reports that a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report about annual HIV infections in the United States excluded data from Puerto Rico. According to Hispanic HIV/AIDS advocates, the omission could have widespread consequences. The report excluded Puerto Rican HIV infections because it uses census population data.
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HIV/AIDS.
The article reports on the increasing number of HIV cases among people over age 60 in Puerto Rico as of September 2007, according to the report from the "Miami Herald." HIV cases have increased by 25 percent compared with the same period in 2006. Reasons for the increase in HIV cases include the increasing use of drugs, including Viagra and Cialis, and sexual intercourse between men.
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HIV/AIDS.
The article highlights the activity of the 20th World AIDS Day in China on December 1, 2007. Chinese citizens, activists and public health officials embarked on a Great AIDS Walk at the Great Wall of China. They were joined by celebrities and condom manufacturers. Official report estimated that as many as 700,000 people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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HLA-omics and cancer biomarkers: emerging tools and technologies for the medical laboratory.
The article reports that cancer biomakers are providing new technologies for medical laboratories. The technology they are invented is designed to provide a continuous process extending from disease biomaker discovery to TCRm-antibody integration into relevant diagnostic and therapeutic options. The development of TCRm antibodies offers the potential to use a single agent in several different applications, including vaccine-potency measurements, diagnostic assays, and therapeutic interventions.
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How could we truly revolutionize the medical laboratory?
The article offers the contention of various people in the medical instruments and equipment industry on how to revolutionize the medical laboratory. Curt Johnson of Orchard Software said that integration technologies and the use of the Internet will permit patients to order their own tests and offer direct delivery of lab results to their personal electronic medical records. Steward Macis also noted the positive effects of employing information technology in laboratory operations.
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How to win the hand of lab-outreach clients.
The article provides tips on how a laboratory (lab) spokesperson can effectively manage an outreach client. This person must be thoroughly familiar with lab operations. He or she must also understand the importance of fostering relationships and maintaining client satisfaction. Therefore, training for customer relationship management (CRM) is needed. The value of knowledge, integrity and actions must be instilled, too, in order to form a genuine and lasting business relationship.
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Identifies and supports needs.
The article evaluates the consultation services from Laboratory Automation Solutions.
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Identify drugs of abuse.
The article evaluates the Tox STATus drugs of abuse identification device from Nanogen Inc.
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Identity risk.
The article evaluates the PLAC test reagents from diaDexus Inc.
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Improve testing turnaround by looking beyond the lab.
The article examines the testing process at Danville, Pennsylvania-based Geisinger Medical Center, by Jay Jones of Geisinger Health System (GHS). This initiative results from Jones discovery of a 12-minute gap in blood-gas testing turnaround time at GHS labs. He collaborated with all the stakeholders of the medical center to map its workflow. He found that major bottlenecks occur in the pre- and post-analytical phases, and he implemented several process improvements.
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Improved analytical performance.
The article evaluates the StatStrip Xpress from Nova Biomedical.
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In Memoriam.
An obituary for Christopher S. Frings, a member of the "Medical Laboratory Observer" editorial advisory board, is presented.
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In Memoriam.
The article presents an obituary with Gilbert Berry Schumann, a pathologist.
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Incorrect alphabits.
A response by Jeffrey Hays to a letter to the editor about his article "Toxikon: an ancient word fits modern-day poisons," in the December 2007 issue is presented.
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Industry spotlight.
The article presents a comparison of medical laboratory products including the Rapidlab 1200 Series Blood Gas System from Siemens Medical Solutions Inc., a macro-volume model to the Ovation BioNatural Pipette product line from VistaLab Technologies Inc. and the LabDAQconnect laboratory information system from Antek HealthWare Inc.
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Industry spotlight.
The article evaluates several laboratory products including the AutoLims Microbiology Module from NetLims, the Test N' Toss Disposable Test Tube Rack from Whitney Products Inc. and the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RPV) from Luminex Corp.
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Industry spotlight.
The article evaluates several diagnostic equipment and supplies, including Olympus Diagnostic Systems' Prolactin Assay two-step immunometric assay and Randox's one-stop diabetes test kit.
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Industry spotlight.
The article reviews several products including the D3DFA Chlamydiae Culture Confirmation Kit for the detection of chlamydia in cell culture from Diagnostic Hybrids Inc., the TSH Receptor Antibody (TRAb) ELISA Kit from Kronus Inc., and the Hosted NovoPath software from Novovision Inc.
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Industry spotlight.
The article evaluates several laboratory equipment and supplies including the TypeSafe segment sampling device from Typenex Medical LLC, the Derma Prene IsoTouch powder-free non-latex surgical gloves from Ansell Ltd., and the Axioskop 40 upright microscope from Carl Zeiss Inc.
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Industry spotlight.
The article evaluates several products including the Sensitire YeastOne antifungal agents from Trek Diagnostic Systems Inc., the ProFlu+ real-time flu test from Prodesse Inc. and the Clorox Germicidal Spray Disinfectant from Medicus Health.
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Industry spotlight.
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Industry spotlight.
The article evaluates several scientific instruments including the Eclipse E100 microscope from Nikon Instruments Inc., RELY H pylori Test from Stanbio Laboratory Inc., and the OLS200 water bath from Grant Instruments Co.
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Industry spotlight.
The article evaluates several industrial equipment including pneumatic and servo grippers from Applied Robotics Inc., MVS Multichannel Verification System from Artel and Para-Pro fc50's for parasite collection from Alpha-Tec Systems Inc.
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Industry spotlight.
The article evaluates several medical products including OSOM Influenza A &B Test kit from Genzyme Diagnostics, zoom microscope AZ100 from Nikon Instruments and VITROS Cytomegalovirus IgM Assay from Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Inc.
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Industry spotlight.
The article evaluates several laboratory equipment and supplies which include the Cystatin C Assay from Binding Site Inc., the Vidas B•R•A•H•M•S PCT 20-Minute Rapid Assay from bioMérieux Inc. and the ACL TOP 500 CTS Hemostasis Testing System from Instrumentation Laboratory Co.
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Industry takes aim at lab workforce shortage.
The article offers information on the strategic planning session in January involving governance and staff from 14 national and regional laboratory organizations sponsored by Labs Are Vital. The planning session will not only identified the complexity of the causes of the workforce shortage but also the industry's response to date. Participants also note that essential transformation is necessary to demonstrate the importance of the laboratory by assuming an active role in the healthcare system.
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Infectious diseases.
The article offers news briefs related to the discovery of infectious diseases. The arenavirus called Chapare has been discovered by the health experts from the U.S. Navy, Bolivia and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the serum samples of a patient who shows clinical hemorrhagic symptoms and died in infection. The new epidemic strain called ribotype 027 is considered as the most virulent.
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Infectious diseases.
The article reports on the association of West Nile virus (WNV) to foreclosed homes in California. More than 370 cases of WNV and 16 related fatalities are discovered. Four fatalities come from Kern County, California, which has some of the highest foreclosure rates in the state. Unattended swimming pools in foreclosed homes become breeding grounds for millions of potentially disease-carrying mosquitoes.
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Infectious diseases.
The article offers news briefs related to infectious diseases. The Agency for Science's Technology and Research Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Singapore have made a discovery that could treat patients infected by fungus. A study at the McGill University Health Center in Canada reveals that some people may be naturally resistant to infection with HIV. The research at the University of Sunderland has discovered a technique that can identify the superbug within 24 to 48 hours.
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Infectious diseases.
The article presents several news briefs related to infectious diseases. Analytical Nanotechnologies based in northeast England has developed an equipment for detection chemicals. The overuse of antibiotics is aiding the quick escalation of hospital-infection rates of Clostridium difficile. Johns Hopkins University researchers tracked oral-cancer data from the National Cancer Institute and found that the rate of oral cancer caused by the human papillomavirus has risen.
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Infectious diseases.
The article reports that scientists at the University of Maryland-College Park have established a way to predict outbreaks of cholera. The team has used remote satellite imaging to track environmental factors, including sea surface temperature and ocean height, to predict cholera outbreaks. According to the article, the bacterium, Vibrio cholerae has a known association with the crustacean copepod which lives on zooplankton, a type of plankton.
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Infectious diseases.
The article reports on the prevalence of a tropical disease known as chikungunya in Castiglione de Cervia, Italy. "The New York Times" reported that more than 100 people were now affected with the disease since August 2007, the kind which is relative of Dengue fever and is normally found in the Indian Ocean region. As explained by an expert from the World Health Organization (WHO), the phenomenon can be accounted to climate change as it creates conditions for mosquito's survival.
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Infectious diseases.
The article offers global news briefs related to infectious diseases. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology revealed a critical difference between flu viruses that infect birds and humans. Bird flu pandemic continues to ravage Asian poultry, where India is battling its worst-ever poultry outbreak. The influenza division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that an influenza epidemic is underway nationwide.
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Infectious-disease products.
The article evaluates several products used for the detection of infectious diseases including the BD BACTEC FX Blood Culture System from BD Diagnostics, the BinaxNOW Influenza A &B Rapid Test from StanBio Laboratory Inc. and the D<sup>3</sup> DFA Herpes Simplex Virus Identification and Typing Kit from Diagnostic Hybrids Inc.
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Intricacies of disability insurance.
The article provides an answer to a question if disability benefits are taxable.
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IRIS' CEO Garcia spear-heads global growth.
The article profiles Cesar Garcia, known as the chairman, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of IRIS International. Garcia is a Bachelor of Science Industrial Engineering holder earned from the University of Puerto Rico. His hobbies include sailing, riding his Harvey, visiting his children, and maintaining his collection. He shares that IRIS' expansion into hematology is part of the natural evolution of their automated image-based flow-microscope technology.
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Is your back-up power ready?
The article focuses on the use of the uninterruptible power systems (UPS) in protecting facility power against several disasters. UPS is considered as an off-line, line interactive and dual-conversion online. Multiple utility and generator sources should be used in implementing disaster plan and should expand outside the facility power.
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Is your lab rep selling a commodity?
The article reports on the importance of marketing in clinical laboratories in the U.S. It states that the competitiveness of a laboratory lies on the marketing person, and by becoming fully aware of his company's operation, testing menu, methodologies, billing, and connectivity options, provides him with a great deal of content to discuss during client interactions. It also points out the significant role of the top management by participating in the differentiation strategy of its laboratory.
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IT assistance.
The article evaluates the services for data and information management from Digital Structures Group.
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Kaizen - LEAN in a week: How to implement improvement in healthcare setting within a week.
The article offers information about LEAN, Six Sigma, and Kaizen in implementing improvements in healthcare settings. LEAN aims to create more value by systematically examining procedures and processes while reducing waste. Six Sigma is an approach that eliminates defects in any process. Kaizen presents a transactional process by joining participants for intensive sessions focused on analyzing and implementing changes in the current processes.
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Kershaw helps shape Sysmex' healthcare advancement.
The article focuses on the business strategies of Sysmex America Inc. in the U.S. as outlined by John Kershaw, the president and chief operating officer (COO). The company has established a comprehensive sales/support system organization for its hematology, urinalysis, and information systems. It is pursuing research and development (R&D) projects which extend the value of diagnostics to the management and prevention of hematologic and infectious diseases, cancer, and metabolic syndrome.
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Kids' "go-to-work day" problems.
The article provides an answer to a question of possibility to participate in the community's annual "Bring Your Child to Work Day," without undue liability in the medical laboratory.
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Killing superbugs.
The article reports on killing harmful, infectious bacteria. Scientists in the Environmental Healthcare Unit at the U.K.'s University of Southampton found that Clostridium difficile is killed when being exposed to surfaces made of copper and its alloys. However, Clostridium difficile is not included in the bacteria species listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration of antimicrobial copper alloys.
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Kudos to Haitian volunteers.
A letter from the editor is presented that expresses the author's appreciation and congratulations to medical technologists and volunteers Colleen K. Gannon and Cheryl A Willoughby for their service in Petionville, Haiti.
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Lab furnishings.
The article presents new lab furnishings, including ergonomic chairs and stools from IAC Industries, modular furniture systems from Unilab Furniture, and blood drawing chairs from Cardinal Health.
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Lab pro's new perspective.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Alternate Careers for burnedout medical lab personnel" in the May 2008 issue.
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Lab replaces homegrown laboratory information system.
The article provides the corporate profile of NICL Laboratories in the U.S. In 1981, NICL began developing its outreach program and establishing its niche, from specialized programs to long-term care (LTC). The company had developed and utilized a home-grown laboratory information system (LIS) based on Wang computer hardware and operating system using proprietary software. It also managed the difficult transition from a long-used, internally-developed LIS to a modern commercial LIS.
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Lab-quality results.
The article evaluates the GEM Premier 4000 analyzer from Instrumentation Laboratory.
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Laboratory information systems.
The article evaluates several laboratories information systems products including SoftLab from SCC Soft Computer, Horizon Lab from McKesson and Clarus Lab from American HealthNet.
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LABS ARE VITAL: Survey reveals need to educate students about profession.
The article reports on the result of the survey, which investigates the awareness of students of the option of a clinical-laboratory-science field career in the U.S. The survey was administered by the U.S. Coordinating Council on the Clinical Laboratory Workforce to 4,000 laboratory students and professionals. It revealed that only 5 percent of them knew about the profession through high-school career guidance. A Labs are Vital recruitment drive is being launched by Abbott to remedy this.
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LABS ARE VITAL: teams up with Facebook.
The article emphasizes Facebook as an integral factor in educating high-school and college students about career opportunities in the clinical-laboratory-science profession. Chairman Paula Garrott of Coordinating Council on the Clinical Laboratory Workforce says that Facebook gives peer-to-peer outreach that puts clinical-laboratory-science students and professionals in contact with other students. It is duly sponsored by Labs Are Vital, which also offers online scholarship contests for them.
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Laying the foundation for HIEs.
The article focuses on the implementation of the foundation for health information exchange (HIE) in hospitals in the U.S. It is stated that the span of benefactors of HIE and interoperability includes providers, payers, laboratories, radiology, pharmacy, and public-health entities. The goal of HIEs is to provide consumers with quality information to drive their decisions, as well as to give providers information to help improve medical care.
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Leadership award in clinical microbiology.
The article announces that Geraldine S. Hall has received the bioMérieux' 2008 Sonnenwirth Award from American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
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LEAN deploys at Centrex Clinical Labs.
The article focuses on the successful implementation of LEAN principles at Centrex Clinical Laboratories in New York to improve its operations. LEAN thinking entails the removal of waste that does not contribute to the customer's definition of value, standardization of work processes and keeping work flowing through the system. Centrex' chief executive officer John Finn commissioned the organization that implemented such process at a South Dakota hospital laboratory to implement them at Centrex.
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Letters to the editor.
Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including the failure of the medical practitioners to protect their patients, the used-needle scandal in medical practices and the scholarships offered by Facebook Inc. to all laboratory medicine students.
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Life's other little instruction books.
The author reflects on the importance of reading any instructional books. She cites the paper "Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disaster, and Bioterrorism" claiming that a majority of respondents do not read books about pandemic disease, disaster preparedness and bioterror. She emphasizes that reading such materials is a must since being prepared on matters like these could make every reader powerful and contribute each of them half the victory.
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LIVER-FUNCTION TESTING.
The article focuses on the liver function tests. The liver-function testing usually refers to serum liver-enzyme measurements and not tests of actual liver function. Serum-enzyme elevation may depict hepatocyte injury, which can reflect liver-function impairment. The two most commonly requested liver-function tests are alanine aminotransferase (ALT), also called serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT).
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Looking at the hard question.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Retirement challenge looms" in the January 2008 issue.
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Looking to get out.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the previously published article "Retirement challenge looms large."
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Looming threat to QC in physicians' offices.
The article reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted waived certification to the Abaxis Piccolo and Abbott I-Stat chemistry platforms for comprehensive chemistry panels, which used to be in the moderately complex category. According to Stephen Gutman, director of the In Vitro Diagnostic Division of FDA, the change will put multiple tests into the waived classification which is described as having no quality-control (QC) and proficiency-test requirements.
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Man comatose after exposure to ricin poison.
The article reports that a man was in comatose state in Las Vegas hospital because of the deadly poison ricin that was found in his hotel room. Authorities found out that inside the room there is also a dead dog and two vials of ricin as well as a book on onarchy and firearms. Symptoms of ricin poisoning may include difficulty in breathing, fever, cough, nausea, and sweating to severe vomiting and dehydration.
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Management Q&A.
The article presents several questions and answers related to employee management including an employee who is a constant non-compliant with policies and procedures, and the termination of a toxicologist over voicemail message.
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Managing lab-test-result production.
The article presents the author's view on the concept of modern and open middleware solutions. These are much more than a conduit between instruments and laboratory information system which enables autoverification. The author added that it is an information system dedicated the comprehensive management of the lab-test-result production and is designed to handle all the technical aspects of the laboratory-workflow.
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Many LIS choices.
The article evaluates the laboratory information systems from Orchard Software.
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Marketability for any size lab.
The article reviews several medical technology products including the Fflex eSuite laboratory information system (LIS) from Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems, the LabNet LIS server system from LabSoft, and the LabDAQ computer software from Antek HealthWare LLC.
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Maximum hood-user protection.
The article evaluates the UniFlow SE Fume Hood equipment from Hemco.
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Micro-well immunoassay.
The article evaluates the TPMT Activity Immunoassay reagents from Biologix Diagnostics.
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Microbiology lab automation arrives.
The article focuses on the automated solutions in medical laboratories. It is stated that the purpose of designing the solution includes improvement of efficiency, consistency, and turnaround times. With the aid of automated instruments, hospitals and healthcare systems have improved their operational efficiencies with noticeable cost reduction. In addition, patient safety is guaranteed.
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Middleware as intermediary.
The article presents the author's view on the term middleware. This term refers to the way of providing messaging services, allowing different applications to communicate. It is also associated with the systematic tying together of disparate applications. The author added that from the laboratory perspective, middleware often serves as an intermediary between the analyzer and the laboratory information system.
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Middleware offers a "mixed bag".
The article presents the author's view on the trends in middleware solution. The author defines the term middleware which comes from the combination of the two words, middle and ware. This defines the central theme of middleware in the medical laboratory computer era. It sits between two pieces or systems that need to more easily, more effectively or somehow communicate in a different manner.
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Middleware optimizes performance.
The article presents the author's perspective on the trends in middleware solution. This serves as an integral part to the proper function of an automated laboratory. Middleware can be even further optimized when paired with a remote monitoring and access system. A software upgrade to remote-monitoring system will soon be offered.
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Middleware services may be the key to its return on investment.
The article focuses on how the use of middleware has increased the efficiency of laboratories. This context help the vendor that may have provided to help get the middleware solution. However, many laboratories are capable of implementing and managing the systems on their own, services such as consulting, training, and remote system monitoring may lead to even faster and greater success.
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Military programs accredited?
A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article on accredition of military program.
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Million-dollar babies in a 5&10c home.
The author reflects on teenage pregnancy. Seventeen high-school students from Gloucester High School are now pregnant after deciding to be pregnant at the same time, to help each other to finish school, and to raise their children together. According to the CDC statistics, teenage mothers have the high risk of not completing high school, living in poverty, and having STDs.
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Minimal fatigue.
The article evaluates the Ergopet Pipettors equipment from Bel-Art.
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Missing Chris Frings.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to columns of Chris Frings.
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Missing evidence.
The article comments on the flaws in the drug approval process. It cites "The New England Journal of Medicine" amicus brief that asserts Merck, Wyeth and Bayer Healthcare intentionally withheld drug-safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It describes the FDA's approval process.
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Mobile for POC needs.
The article evaluates the POC Cart from Anthro.
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Modular-furniture system.
The article evaluates the Modular Furniture System from Unilab Furniture.
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MRSA superbug test.
The article evaluates the Spectra MRSA Test from Remel Inc.
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Nanogen's Ludvigson blazing technology trails.
The article features Nanogen Inc., a company that offers solutions to healthcare providers in the areas of infectious disease and cardiac care. President David Ludvigson explains the company's mission to enhance the capability of physicians to improve the health of patients by detecting or monitoring health conditions. He describes Nanogen's contract with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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New diagnostic tests for HPV in the developed and the developing world.
The article focuses on the new human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnostic testing methods for cervical cancer in the developed and developing countries. Diagnostic tests for HPV infection in cervical-cancer screening programs have various roles in the developed and in resource-poor countries. It mentions that direct probe method, signal amplification and target amplification are the three laboratory methods in detecting HPV. It also features several new tests for HPV detection under these methods.
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New fructosamine applications.
The article evaluates the reagent application from Pointe Scientific.
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New studies.
The article reports on the study conducted by the German researchers regarding the use of the new molecular approach in preventing Alzheimer's disease. The approach developed will block the activity of beta secretase to avoid the formation of brain plaques which will possibly lead to the development of the disease. They also reveal that the cleaving process will take place inside the cells that will direct to the affected brain cells.
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New studies.
The article presents news briefs concerning medicine. Results from a University of Rochester Medical Center research showed that some parents pass on the human herpes virus 6(HHV-6) to their children because it is integrated into their chromosomes. Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have discovered genetically engineered mice died of sudden infant death syndrome due to improper regulation of serotonin.
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New studies.
The article presents several news briefs related to medical research. According to a Cleveland Clinic study, mobile phones left on talk mode in a pants pocket can damage sperm quality. The Project to End Prostate Cancer, an organization dedicated to the eradication of a disease projected to kill 28,600 in 2008, launched its website, www.ZeroCancer.org. Users can sign up for a free e-newsletter for current information on the disease.
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New technology.
The article reports on the medical storage plan of Google Inc. in the U.S. Google health products enable users to upload and store medical records from many sources. Working with Google on the project includes Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts and CVS Caremark of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Features of the medical storage plan are also discussed.
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New Tests.
The article offers news briefs concerning the latest medical testing in the U.S. ProActive Genetics' prostrate test is a revolution in medical prognostication since it reveals that a combination of common and minor variations in five regions of DNA can help predict a man's risk of getting prostate cancer. The xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel is introduced to detect 12 specific respiratory viruses. GeneOhm's Staph SR, considered as the first rapid blood test for MRSA, is now available in the market.
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New uploading feature.
The article evaluates the online Quality Assurance Program (QAP) from Opti Medical.
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New vaccines.
The article reports that the H1N1 virus resistant to the Tamiflu anti-viral drug is increasing throughout the Northern Europe and is spreading to North and South America; Africa; and parts of Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Due to increasing resistance to the key drug Tamiflu, U.S. authorities may change advice they give doctors on which flu drugs to use. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials say it is unlikely that physicians will be told not to use Oseltamivir.
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New vaccines.
The article reports on the vaccine for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis discovered by scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Fort Collin, Colorado. Researchers revealed that a single injection of sustained-release antibiotics can prevent both diseases. Scientists added that a slow-release patch could be used with conjunction with current recommended protection against ticks.
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Newly developed kit.
The article evaluates the D3 DFA Chlamydiae Culture Confirmation Kit reagents from Diagnostic Hybrids Inc.
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News.
The article highlights new research development on pregnant mothers and their infants. The Oxford and the University of Exeter researchers reveal that the gender of a child can also depend on the diet of the pregnant mother because of the link between the higher energy intake during the conception and the birth of sons. The retailers are phasing out plastic baby bottles that contain bisphenol A (BPA) because a new experiment shows that BPA can lead to brain and behavioral changes.
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News.
The article presents news briefs concerning medicine. According to the article, antibodies from survivors of the 1918 flu pandemic are still protected against the virus, H1N1. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites jalapeno and serrano peppers from Mexico as the main source of the outbreak of the rare strain of Salmonella St. Paul. The Food and Drug Administration has ordered stronger warnings on four tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha blockers.
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News.
The article reports on the launch of Washington G2 Reports' (WGR) redesigned Web site. This site is aimed at better serving the specific news and resource needs of medical laboratories. Services offered include breaking news updates, video news, a job board, an editorial advisory board and other leading laboratory financial information.
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News.
The article offers global news briefs related to medicine. The medical examiner offices in the U.S. are requesting larger autopsy tables that can carry 1,000 pounds and wider morgue drawers, since some bodies are too large and heavy. The 15-year-old Australian girl who underwent a liver transplant has adopted her donor's immune system and spontaneously switched blood groups, according to the report from "Agence France-Presse."
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News.
The article focuses on the expansion of the investigator program of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The program aims to nurture a new class of scientists that will work for medical discoveries especially in genetics and biology. Fifty-six top American scientists were chosen to seek answers to how global climate change contributes to the outbreak of some epidemics and diseases and how to apply engineering in the human immune system.
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Not "rah-rah".
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on retirement in the January 2008 issue.
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Notes on disaster preparedness.
The article offers tips in preparing for the attack of natural disasters. According to laboratory medicine personnel Tim Dumas, medical centers and offices should make log sheets when they cannot access on their electronic data due to storms, hurricanes and earthquakes. Safety personnel Jo Gile also relates that people should be preparing a battery back-up for all computers, using walkie-talkies and lining up with laboratory work.
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Notes on Equipment/Supplies.
The article focuses on medical laboratory equipment and supplies. One of the authors cites a case in which a pediatric office laboratory was dissatisfied with the performance of its mononucleosis kit test. According to the article, laboratory coats should be knee length and have arms long enough for even the tallest person.
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NT-proBNP: improved standard in CHF diagnosis.
The article reports that N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is advantageous in diagnosing congestive heart failure (CHF). The increased half-life of the NT-proBNP molecule compared to brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is advantageous in terms of improving prognostic value in CHF and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as it normalizes individual's biologic variation and thereby enhancing the predictive value of the biomarker.
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Numerous automation applications.
The article evaluates the Momentum numerous automation applications from Thermo Fisher Scientific.
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On seeking recognition and fair pay.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Retirement Challenge Looms" in the January 2008 issue.
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On-site verification.
The article evaluates the Liquid Handler Performance Verification Service on-site verification from ARTEL.
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Online design tool.
The article evaluates the Lab Planner from VWR.
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Open database connectivity is news.
The article presents the author's view on the efficiency and trends in middleware. This medical technology involves the way laboratories are now using information and the other is technological upgrades that allow them to make the most of the information they obtain. The author added that laboratories are realizing there is more to rules than autoverification.
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Open system.
The article evaluates the RADIANCE STAT Analyzer and Data Management System from Radiometer America Inc.
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OSHA BPS interpretations issued.
The article provides information on the letters of interpretation issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in line with the requirements in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (BPS). It also discusses the relevance of the OSHA BPS in healthcare. Two of its major letters about public preparedness for potential influenza epidemic, as well as requirements of the sharps-injury log are also explored. Moreover, the requisites of the revised 2001 standard are also presented.
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OSHA enforcement activity on BPS: an update.
The article focuses on activities started by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the enforcement of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (BPS). The agency issued a citation to a hospital in Connecticut that includes alleged health and safety violations. It published a Safety and Health Information Bulletin that recommends the use of blunt-tip suture needles in surgery, and also upheld a ban on reuse of blood tube holders.
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OSHA inspections: Avoid the big guns.
The article offers tips on how to develop a safety culture in the medical laboratory. It includes adding Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) managerial role in the job description, taking and dealing the complaints seriously, making a documentation during laboratory inspections and requiring employees to comply in the safety management. The scheme of making a safe workplace will help in saving costs and meeting the standards of OSHA.
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Outreach sales success.
The article focuses on how hospitals can be successful in their outreach programs. A case study describing how a hospital marketing representative gained a large medical practice was cited. His efforts resulted to over $300,000 per year in net dollars to his hospital's outreach program. The study emphasized the importance of consistent relationship-building campaign to the executive's success.
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Overtime work and pay puzzle workers.
The article provides an answer to a question if the hospital can forced workers to work overtime.
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Pass the lipstick.
The author suggests several thrifty alternatives to retirement for medical technologists (MT) and medical laboratory technologists (MLT). She cites retired nurse Alberta Hunter's decision to go back to singing after retiring as a nurse. The author explains her retirement plan to join a convent. She disputes Oscar Wilde's theory that it is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.
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Patient-education resource gains added support.
The article reports on the strategic alliance between the American Association of Bioanalysts (ABB) and the American Academy of Family Physician's Proficiency testing division (AAFP-PT) for the development of patient-education website. Each organization has designated a representative to participate on the Lab Tests Online editorial review board. Lab Tests Online was launched in 2001 and it continues to be the primary patient-education resource on laboratory testing.
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Phlebotomy supplies including educational tools.
The article evaluates several phlebotomy products including the PROGUARD II from Covidien, the Phlebotomy Trays from JAC Medical Products and the Horizon MobileCare Phlebotomy from McKesson.
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Pilcher pipes up on ARTEL, industry.
The article highlights the contribution of ARTEL Inc. (AI) to the field of medical laboratory technology as revealed by its co-founder and president Kirby Pilcher. The services of AI are rooted in contract design and development of analytical systems. Its development of ultra-sensitive photometry leads to other discoveries in the industry. AI also acknowledges the criticality of the ongoing laboratory personnel shortage.
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POCT products.
The article reviews several products including the OSOM Trichomonas Rapid Test kit from Genzyme Diagnostics, the OneTouch TGC Advisor management system program from LifeScan, and the UltraCrit ultrasound equipment from Seperation Technologies.
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Pogorzelski grows Genzyme Dx.
The article profiles Donald E. Pogorzelski, president of Genzyme Diagnostics in Massachusetts. He has served the board of trustees at Wentworth Institute of Technology and New England Baptist Hospital. He earned a master of business administration degree from the University of Chicago. In his 20 years of service, the company's evolution is divided into different phases, such as survival, growth and diversification.
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POL sets precedent when lab opens transfusion services.
The article provides information about MIMA which was formerly known as Melbourne Internal Medicine Associates, a multispecialty physician's group in Bevard County, Florida. MIMA is a full-service laboratory accredited by COLA and licensed by the State of Florida's Healthcare Division. It performs over one million laboratory tests every year, within its physician-owned laboratory (POL). Physicians at MIMA prescribe blood transfusion and blood components particularly for their oncology patients.
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Polish up on past pestilence and present pathogens.
The article presents the several case of pandemic pathogens and the approach used in controlling them. These pathogens include diphtheria which is considered a life-threatening disease induced by toxins, cholera enterotoxin which is developed by a Vibrio cholerae and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The diagnostic test, laboratory diagnosis and the epidemiology of these pathogens are also discussed.
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Political passions in the lab.
The article presents an answer to a question about political discussions by medical laboratory employees.
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Polls reveal MRSA controls.
The article reports on the survey conducted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) in the U.S. on the prevention and control of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission. Healthcare institutions use a group of approaches rather than a single method to prevent the transmission of MRSA which include staff education and more aggressive hand-hygiene programs. APIC guidelines for the elimination of MRSA transmission are discussed.
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Portable desktop.
The article evaluates the Redi-Rite portable desktop from Saunders.
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Practical and flexible solutions.
The article evaluates the Custom lab benches and laboratory furniture from FormaSpace Technical Furniture.
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Prenatal, neonatal, and pediatric test products.
The article evaluates several prenatal, neonatal and pediatric test products, including RNA Medical's Safe-Wrap and Safe-Wrap Combo Blood Collection Tubes and Hawaii Medical's NeatNick 2.0 heel lancet.
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Promote time and cost savings.
The article evaluates the Vision Electronic Pipettors from Viaflow.
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Promote time and cost savings.
The article evaluates the SoftExpress software from SCC Soft Computer.
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Protected workstation.
The article evaluates the LabGard 425 furniture from NuAire.
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Rapid, objective immunoassay.
The article evaluates the Triage BNP Test from Biosite.
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Rare disease outbreak.
The article reports on the discovery of a rare disease called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in Austin, Minnesota. Eleven victims of CIDP have been identified out of 1,300 plant workers in the area. These victims are all employees of Quality Pork Processors, working in the kill area of the plant that removes hog brains with compressed air. CIDP is the chronic form of Guillain-Barr acute syndrome and can be caused by such factors as infectious microbes and toxins.
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Readers add stats, support.
A letter to the editor in response to the article "Pull Up a Chair and Share," in the November 2007 issue is presented.
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Readers respond.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Toxikon: an ancient words fits modern-day poisons," by Jeffrey Hays in the December 2007 issue.
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Reference labs: Who, what, where, when, and how?
The article provides information on the value and process of selecting reference laboratories for the pathology and laboratory medicine service delivery in the U.S. Primarily, the increasing use of reference laboratories emerges due to the complexity of healthcare and modern medicine. In this respect, reference laboratories can provide overflow or contingency testing. Selection of a reference laboratory partner should be based on service quality, result communication and financial value.
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Refrigerators and chillers.
The article evaluates several refrigerators and chillers including ThermoFlex Recirculating Chillers from Thermo Scientific, Advanced Remote Monitoring System from Insensix and Wireless Temperature Monitoring v.2 from Rees Scientific Corp.
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Related slide-staining products.
The article presents a comparison of slide-staining products including the Hema-Fast 3-Step Hematology Stain from Exaxol and the MicroSlide Files cataloging and storage system from Cargille Laboratories.
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Remote system monitoring.
The article focuses on the trends in middleware solution or remote system monitoring. It has been explained that middleware applications become more complicated, so does the daily maintenance and monitoring of these systems. Middleware vendors can enhance the value of the products, with the availability of real-time monitoring and remote-management software.
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Removing ID before discarding slides.
The article provides an answer to a question of how Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act insists to remove all identifying information.
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Repetitive training is key.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Tune-up for trainers: Help employees stay on top of their game," by Don Keller, published in the June 2008 issue.
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Results in less than an hour.
The article evaluates the Vitros Anti-HIV 1+2 Assay reagents from Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Inc.
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Retirement challenge looms.
The author reflects on the status of medical laboratory technologists (MLT) in the U.S. She finds the growing shortage of medical laboratory personnel to be shocking. As reported, there are only two incoming MLT for every seven retiring. This means 100,000 positions to be vacant by 2012. To counter this scenario, the author suggests to personally expose young students from grade school through college to the medical laboratory career.
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Retraction.
A response by R. J. Ozmon to a letter to the editor about his quotation attributed to Mr. Rick Betts in the March 2008 issue is presented.
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Robin Martin nurses MST to success.
The article features Medical Safety Technologies Inc. (MST) chief executive officer (CEO) Robin Martin. Martin is a registered nurse who aims to help the people through their company. He relates that their company is planning to launch various safety-related products and to double their production capacity. He believes that the efforts they made will attract the youth to the medical laboratory industry.
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Room-temperature storage.
The article evaluates the Point of Care Controls room-temperature storage from Thermo Fisher Scientific.
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Rooster guarding hen house?
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "States fail to follow California's lead in certifying phlebotomists," by Dennis Ernst, published in the July 2008 issue.
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Saddened by scrofulousness.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Retirement Challenge Looms" in the January 2008 issue.
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Safety Lady announces six-part audioconference.
The article announces the continuing partnership of Terry Jo Gille with the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) as well as with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) in the U.S. The partnership with the APHL aims to produce a six-part audioconference series. Information and schedules on the audioconference series is also presented.
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Sate and compliant tubes.
The article evaluates the Safe-Wrap and Safe-Wrap Combo Blood Collection Tubes reagents from RNA Medical.
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Schwartz tips his CAP.
The article features Jared N. Schwartz, president of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in the U.S. It reveals Schwartz interest in medicine specially in the field of pathology. It outlines how he enjoys learning about new technologic and scientific advancements in medicine, and the efforts of CAP to reach out to pathology residents to motive them to stick in the field. An overview of Schwartz career accomplishments as well as the organizations outreach programs are also presented.
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Scout out voulunteers on "Net"
A letter to the editor is presented which provides information on Halos Medical Clinics's contact information in Haiti.
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Second annual EWC Scholarship awarded to a "Georgia peach".
The article announces that Cynthia Parrish has received the second annual Executive War College Scholarship program.
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Sequencing companies join project.
The article presents the new project of 1000 Genomes Project in January with new companies like 454 Life Sciences, Applied Biosystems and San Diego's Illumina Inc. It mentions that the group aims to make a representation of human genome of DNA variations. In addition, the group wants to conduct a study the genetic forms related to common diseases.
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Sex, human papilloma virus infection, and head and neck cancer.
The article focuses on the study on the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in head and neck cancers, as conducted by G. D'Souza and colleagues. Researchers compared the characteristics of patients with head-and-neck squamous-cell carcinoma diagnosed in the Johns Hopkins Hospital with those without a history of cancer seen at the same clinic. The study reveals an independent association between having a family history of head and neck cancer, and a new diagnosis of head and neck cancer.
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Sign me up!
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "American med techs volunteer in Haiti," in the May 2008 issue.
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Simplicity at POC.
The article evaluates the DCA Vantage Analyzer from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
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Sputum, the final frontier: PCR from the research bench to the MRSA diagnostic trench.
The article provides information on the essence of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in effective detection and characterization of infectious agents like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It also discusses some community-acquired infections within the healthcare facilities environment. Moreover, it promotes the use of advanced molecular-diagnostics technology.
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Standard of care vs. state-of-the-art technology.
The article provides an answer to a question regarding the standardization of the use of digital pathology in collecting tissue specimens.
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States fail to follow California's lead in certifying phlebotomists.
The article offers information on California's legislation on phlebotomy which provides mandatory training and certification for all phlebotomists. The legislation was enacted after a phlebotomist in Palo Alto was caught reusing needles to several patients. The legislation provides three classifications of phlebotomists such as Limited Phlebotomy Technician, Certified Phlebotomy Technician-I (CPT-I) and CPT-II. An overview of same bill introduced in various states in the U.S. is also provided.
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Straightforward ... and welcomed.
A letter to the editor is presented that expresses the reader's interests of reading the "Medical Laboratory Observer" magazine.
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Strength and comfort.
The article evaluates the ergonomic chairs and stools from IAC Industries.
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Success filling area openings.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the editorial on laboratory-staffing crisis in the January 2008 issue.
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Sue over review?
The article provides an answer to a question of an effective of handling a situation wherein the sender was mistakenly pointed as tardy when in fact she is not.
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Sustaining the future of lab medicine.
The author offers his thoughts on the need to sustain the future of lab medicine. He states that as the use of traditional diagnostics shifts to additional personalized disease diagnostics and treatment, the value of lab testing in medical care continues to expand. He also mentioned that clinicians and patients must be willing to use newly established diagnostic technologies to contribute to the prevention, early detection , as well as early treatment of patients.
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Targeting HbA1c: standardization and clinical laboratory measurement.
The article examines the implications of diabetes and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in the U.S. The standardization efforts of HbA1c for use as a long-term monitor of average glycemia is also explored. HbA1c's pathobiology and its measurement pitfalls associated with clinical-laboratory measurements are reviewed, too. In addition, correlation between mean blood-glucose and HbA1c values is investigated.
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Testing.
The article focuses on the new blood test called NuroPro, developed by the proteomics company Power3Medical Products in Oklahoma. The company claims that the test can give an early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease and can help distinguish between Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's diseases. An overview about the two clinical validation studies regarding the NuroPro is also provided.
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Testing.
The article reports on the increasing rate for syphilis infections in the U.S. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that rates have gone up for the seventh consecutive year. The disease was well controlled in the 1990s and its comeback calls for new training among healthcare professionals. If the issue is not addressed, CDC believes the disease could become far more widespread.
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Testing.
The article offers updates related to clinical and laboratory testing in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Pathwork Diagnostics which will be available as an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) kit and it will analyze a tumor's gene-expression pattern to help pinpoint the source of hard-to-identify tumors. Salimetrics, which is known for its salivary assay kits, has launched a unique website that encourages its visitors to call the company and speak to a live human being.
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Thanks for giving.
The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including several letters to the editor regarding how to volunteer to serve needy communities.
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The blood bank: whole lotta shakin' goin' on.
Army's greatest inventions of 2007 recognized
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The cholesterol controversy continues.
The article provides information about cholesterol. It is defined as the most highly decorated small molecule in biology. Eventhough the cells have the ability to manufacture cholesterol, the liver synthesizes most of what is present in our body, and humans derive about one-fourth of their cholesterol from dietary sources. The laboratory measurement of cholesterol is a surrogate marker for lipoprotien particles, which can be considered a proxy for the degree of atheromatous deposits.
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The Gram stain goes molecular.
The article discusses the characteristics of Gram stain, which is preformed in laboratories to provide diagnostic feedback to support strategies for patient treatments in the U.S. Physicians rely on basic Gram-stain results for the first 24-48 hours of antibiotic strategy for hospital patients who show a positive blood culture.
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The impact of QC frequency on patient results<sup>1,2</sup>.
The article presents an illustration which determines the impact of QC frequency on the patient results. It reveals that frequency of QC plays a major role in managing patient risk. It highlights on two laboratories that are using the same QC procedures but with different patient loads. It points out on the different results of QC frequency and that the result depends on the relationship of QC specimens and patients. Procedures in determining the QC frequency is also presented.
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The Lab Guy meets The Safety Lady: Notes on biohazards.
The article provides information on biohazards by clinical laboratory scientist Tim Dumas and safety consultant Terry Jo Gile. Dumas reveals that he and his colleagues are required to be educated about all the dangers in the laboratory and the medical field. He therefore advises the utilization of all the tools to keep them safe. On the other hand, Gile discusses personal protective equipment (PPE) and outlines ways to protect technologists from blood-borne pathogens.
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The lab's "plus" side.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to negative letters to the editor with regard to being medical technologists.
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The laboratory's role in pharmacogenetic testing.
The article discusses the significant role of laboratories in pharmacogenetic testing in the U.S. It states that pharmacogenetic testing offers exciting chances for clinical laboratory testing to have a greater impact on patient care. The National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry has drafted Laboratory Medical Practice Guidelines for pharmacogenetic testing.
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The next "big thing".
The article presents the author's view on the efficiency of middleware. The author believes that it is one of the fastest moving fields in the Intra Vas Device industry since it is a powerful tool for impacting laboratory workflow as it increases quality and reduce costs. With this, continued innovations in data-management capabilities of middleware has been expected.
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The Observatory.
The article offers U.S. news briefs related to health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials (FDA) assured that the U.S. manufacturers do not use any ingredients for infant milk from China. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials proposed a $4.8 billion fund to reduce the annual HIV infections in U.S. The court has directed the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to recalculate the appropriate fees for American Association of Bioanalysts' (AAB) member labs.
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THE REAL SPIN ON GLOBAL FLU.
ID circulating pathogens
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The wheel of misfortune: Prepare to win if disaster strikes.
The article discusses the preparation for disasters in the U.S. It says that the government needs to be ready before a catastrophy comes. According to the authors, people should not always rely on technologies instead be aware of what they can do themselves to be prepared, to prevent and to survive tragedies. In addition, tips from professionals on how to gear up for disasters are presented.
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Theft in the lab.
The article provides an answer to a question on theft in laboratories.
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Timeline of genetics milestones 1990-2008.
The article presents significant discoveries related to genetics from 1990 to 2008. Some of these are that W. F. Anderson of the U.S. reported the first successful gene replacement therapy in adenosine deaminase deficiency, that EST or fragments of genes are considered a useful way to find genes in the human genome and that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the FlavrSavr tomato as the first genetically-modified food in the market.
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Too harsh.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Retirement Challenge Looms" in the January 2008 issue.
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Top 10 tips for selecting a vital record storage solution.
The article presents tips for selecting a record storage solution. Tips include making sure that the unit has a Underwriters Laboratory (UL)-Rating, understanding the difference between UL-Rated, UL-Listed and UL-Tested, determining the hours of protection needed by the unit, purchasing the unit based on the contents that it will protect, considering warranty options, and others.
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Transport specimens.
The article evaluates the Elution Swab transport systems from Hardy Diagnostics.
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Trends in flow cytometry.
The article presents comments from several executives about flow cytometers. Associate director Rudi Varro of BD Biosciences Immunocytometry Systems claims their ease-of-use features and integrated software will make them a must in every medical laboratory. Director Karen Bezold of Beckman Coulter Inc. says these instruments are becoming essential in clinical testing. Her fellow product manager Robin Bramson predicts the instruments to be the next major trend in the flow cytometry laboratory.
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Try the government on for size.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Alternate careers for 'burned-out' medical lab personnel" in the May 2008 issue.
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Tune-up for trainers: Help employees stay on top of their game.
The article discusses the importance of employee training in business success. According to experts, better-trained employees will help organizations and companies gained a higher return on investment (ROI) because the safety and quality control, as well as products and services will be improved. They should also consider specifity in developing training programs to make it effective.
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Unique reagent system.
The article evaluates the Cascade POC Analyzer from Helena Laboratories Ltd.
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United laboratory industry stops CBD project.
The article reports on the campaign initiated by the Clinical Laboratory Coalition (CLC) to persuade the Congress in canceling the competitive bidding demonstration (CBD) project in the U.S. It states that the CLC mounted a massive grassroots campaign to oppose a Congressional proposal to reinstate a 20 percent copayment for Medicare's Part B clinical laboratory fee schedule. It also cites on the lawsuits filed by laboratories which halted the project and persuaded Congress to end the project.
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Universal access to safe blood transfusion.
The article focuses on the need of access to safe blood transfusion universally. On June 14, 2009, the World Blood Donor Day, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Blood Transfusion Safety (BTS) team will support the establishment of sustainable national blood programs to ensure provision of safe, high-quality blood and blood products that are accessible to all patients.
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Unopened gifts and tangled ribbons.
A personal narrative is presented in which the author recollects the feelings she gained from people who moved in and out of her life.
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Untitled.
A photograph showing three soldiers and a gun in silhouette which originally appeared in an article by Bill Matthews which was published in the September 2003 issue of "National Guard Magazine" is presented.
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Up to 53 amino acids determined.
The article evaluates the Biochrom 30 physiological instrument from BioChrom.
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Using procalcitonin to diagnose sepsis and the potential for improved antibiotic stewardship.
The article provides information on the role of procalcitonin (PCT) in the laboratory diagnosis of infection. It presents facts about increased rates of infection particulary methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), sepsis, and hyperglycemia. Several limitations of PCG are also discussed, along with PCT's antibiotic stewardship. Details about PCT as a laboratory marker for sepsis are also given.
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Vital record protection.
The article discusses the protection of important records of biological laboratories. It mentions that vital records protection (VRP) is significant in disaster retrieval and persistence. The author says that the records should be classified first according to its importance then identify the ones that can be reproduced easily, and invest in the device which will be used for data storage. He likewise says that laboratory records should be protected at all costs.
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Washington buzz: Laying it on the line for labs.
More about ACLA
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Web services next logical step.
The article presents the author's perspective on the trends in middleware solutions used in healthcare environment. The author believes that the future will leverage the most current trends in application design in order to meet the increasingly complex and mission-critical needs of a modem clinical laboratory. With this, the use of Web services seems to be a logical next step in the evolution of laboratory-middleware applications.
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Westgard's trilogy for analytical QM.
The article provides information on how James Westgard, doctor of philosophy, had developed educational materials on analytical quality management. It states that Westgard has directed himself to do his first papers for the investigation of the problem that is to evaluate new method, and the publication of similar materials on method validation (MV). MV work of Westgard was followed by the quality control (QC), and the development of the subject on QC-planning-and-selection process.
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What happens in Vegas might not stay in Vegas.
The author points out the news she heard from a TV commentator that there were 40,000 patients who have hepatitis C and HIV because of the reuse of needles. She says that it was not merely carelessness but it is stupidity on criminality because the clinic staff was not educated and monitored by a best-practices supervisor. She believes that the Nevada endoscopy center was a failure that made their society suffered a healthcare betrayal.
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What is on the molecular diagnostics horizon?
The article presents part 5b in a series on the foundation of molecular science and genetics. It covers some significant technological milestones and their impact on current testing methods and automation technologies. The publication of the genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis helps scientists to develop better therapies. The success of the Human Genome Project enables information-solution providers to develop technologies that take advantage of latest developments in genomics.
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What you don't know really can hurt you.
The article provides information on laboratory-acquired infections (LAI) in the U.S. Anyone in the laboratory can become infected while working with pathogenic organisms. However, microbiologists have greater chances of developing disease because they work with isolated cultures with greater concentrations of organism. Several resources and agencies that can assist in preventing infections are listed like the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
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Where the heroes are: testing in a war zone.
An interview with several medical-laboratory technicians (MTS) deployed in Iraq, regarding issues on medical care in the war zone, is presented. James Branch discusses the nature of the pathology augmentation team as the health care body in the combat field. Eva K. Calero elaborates the functions of medical care facilities and enumerates six major issues encountered in the combat field. Paul Mann notes that responding to patients with severe trauma is one difficult aspect encountered by MTS.
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Where the wild things are.
The article presents an interview with Jonathan H. Epstein, senior research scientist at Consortium for Conservation Medicine and Lisa Marie Schloegel, research consultant for the Consortium. Lisa says humans alter interactions with animals and their pathogens, leaving room for opportunistic infections. She says that live trade in animals needs to looked at when identifying global pathogens. Epstein states that high human-population density induces greater risk in disease spillover.
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Where to volunteer.
A letter to the editor is presented in response to Lisa Lister's question in the September 2008 issue of "Medical Laboratory Observer" (MLO) about volunteering in medical missions.
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Where's the list?
A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article on a list of volunteering abroad in the September, 2008 issue.
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Who?
A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Against the grain: A celiac disease review," by Kevin Maher in the August 2008 issue.
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Why is there not a de facto gold standard for genetic-testing controls?
The article discusses the lack of standards for genetic-testing controls in the U.S. Genetic-test developers are limited in their ability to innovate with confidence due to absence of a "gold standard" for reference controls for in vitro diagnostics. On the other hand, laboratories are forced to rely on lower-quality materials created for a research environment; and consumers, facing confusing claims and reports of false positives, lack confidence in the tests that are available.
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Wireless, paperless, anything but careless.
The author offers tips when evaluating the needs of a medical laboratory for a new monitoring system. She first considers the security aspect of the place, specially in the preservation of sensitive materials and the collection of data. She mentions reliability as another factor in minimizing inevitable human error. Ease of use comes third, specially when other systems are designed to perform complex procedures. Flexibility and wireless follow through as fourth and fifth factors, respectively.
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Wisdom of theragnostics, other changes.
A letter to the editor in response to an article about the merger of in vivo and in vitro diagnostics by Ana Stankovic is presented.
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Workin' at the bloomin' bench.
A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of having self development.
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Worth nothing.
The article reports on the identification of four separate biochemical subgroups in categorizing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) cases by researchers in Great Britain and France. Researchers indicated that these subgroups could denote prion strains in the most common human prion disease. It states that the clinicopathological characteristics of sporadic CJD are influenced by a particular variation in the DNA of the prion protein gene.
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Worth noting.
The article presents an obituary for Gunther Stent, former chairman of the department of molecular biology at Berkeley.
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Worth noting.
The article announces that C. Anne Pontius has taken her part in the publication of the book "CLIA Compliance Handbook: A Guide for the Clinical Laboratory," 2nd ed. Pontius is known as the senior director of Quality Systems at Expression Analysis in Durham, North Carolina. She is one of the five laboratory professionals and legal experts who made the book possible. The book, as alleged, covers laboratory regulations under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA).
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Ya get no bread with one meatball.
The author reflects on the importance of communication. She cites on the gathering in Washington D.C. that made her aware of how much less rich her life when she cannot communicate a basic salutation in the language of a business contact or a visitor in her country. She also cites that just like love, communication also makes the world go round.
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