Dear Stanley, I’m completely confused about the terms “assayed” and “unassayed” in relation to controls for molecular diagnostic instruments. Does “unassayed” mean the manufacturer of the control hasn’t tested the products? Can you shed some light on what these terms…
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Cold and flu season is right around the corner. These annual illnesses are often paired with another highly contagious infection, strep throat. Its culprit, Group A Streptococcus, can cause a variety of other illnesses including invasive diseases such as cellulitis…
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There are many misconceptions in the clinical industry regarding laboratory quality control materials. With numerous products available and manufacturers using various labeling practices, how do you know what’s best for your laboratory? To help clear up the confusion, we’re answering…
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Sepsis is estimated to affect more than 30 million people worldwide every year6 and is also one of the leading causes of death in hospitals throughout the United States7. To raise awareness of this condition, several organizations recognize September as…
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It probably comes as no surprise that we think sci-fi is the best movie genre, especially when rogue viruses or genetic mutation are involved. We created our latest quiz with our fellow sci-fi connoisseurs in mind. Give it a go…
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As a microbiology student, you have a passion for understanding the microscopic organisms that live on, in, and all around us. Even though you love your field of study, leaving school and starting your career can be intimidating. So, what…
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As regulatory standards continue to increase, additional responsibility is being placed on laboratories to ensure the quality and safety of finished products. Now more than ever, traceability is a major concern. Laboratories are required to provide evidence that the reference…
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In a world where antibiotic resistant organisms are on the rise, including multi-drug resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae, it’s more important than ever for clinicians and healthcare providers to provide proper and timely treatment for infections. Complex interactions exist between…
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You love being a microbiologist. Your passion for understanding microorganisms and the impact they have on every aspect of life fuels your long days in the lab. We know all too well that a busy lab and finicky microorganisms can…
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Recalling and pronouncing peculiar microorganism names is a skill every microbiologist has mastered. However, the intricate rules for writing about microorganisms may leave even experienced microbiologists second-guessing how to annotate or spell a strain name. Our quiz below will challenge…
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