Tuberculosis (TB) Quiz
Read Next – Clinical Lab Best Practices: A Practical Guide to Acing Your Next Inspection
Molecular
Clinical Lab Best Practices: A Practical Guide to Acing Your Next Inspection
We’ve teamed up with experienced CAP auditor, Joslyn Pribble, to help clinical labs navigate CAP and COLA/CMS/CLIA requirements. Through a series of webinars and blog posts, we’re aiming to provide you with lab best practices so you can ace your…
Read more
Clinical Case File Results: Persistent Dysuria
Last week we shared the Clinical Case File of a patient with persistent dysuria and asked our readers to determine the cause of the symptom. Here are the poll results: Adenovirus (4%, 7 Votes) Herpes simplex virus (9%, 21 Votes)…
Read more
Clinical Case File: Persistent Dysuria
Read the case study below and then use your microbiology expertise to determine which pathogen is causing the symptoms. The results will be shared on August 1, 2019. Good luck! Background: Determining which sexually transmitted infection (STI) is causing uncomfortable…
Read more
Tips for Choosing and Using Microorganisms for Education
In 2016, two biologists from Indiana University estimated that there are about a trillion species of bacteria on earth.1 With so many choices, how can a teacher select the best strains for her microbiology class? Below are a few tips…
Read more
Ask a CAP Inspector: How Frequently Should Molecular Targets Be Rotated?
Q: How frequently should I test targets for my molecular multiplex testing assays? A: This is a common question for inspectors, vendors, and laboratorians. Unfortunately, there are no cut-and-dried answers, but there are some best practices that you can apply…
Read more
Vector-borne Quiz
Dear Stanley: Investigating False Positive Results
Dear Stanley, Lately, our lab has been experiencing PCR results that don’t fit with what is expected. We will see occasional positive results in a negative sample. I think the issue could be related to contamination in the lab, but…
Read more
Microbiology’s Wild West: Cannabis Lab Leaders Talk Testing Methods and Regulations
Cannabis has become a widely accepted form of medicine for patients across the United States. These patients, many of whom are immunocompromised, rely on testing laboratories to ensure the safety of the products they use. The lack of consistent and…
Read more
Ask a CAP Inspector: When Should a Rapid Diagnostic System Be Recalibrated?
Q: When should I validate or recalibrate my rapid diagnostic system? A: With all the rules and regulations, it’s hard to know when a diagnostic system validation or recalibration is required. For most multiplex PCR testing instruments, the requirements are…
Read more