CLINICAL
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Read articles about clinical microbiology from Microbiologics’ experts and other field experts. Learn about clinical lab best practices, case files, identifying viral, fungal, bacterial, and parasitic agents contributing to the infectious process, and more.
In Vitro Diagnostic Use (IVD) versus Research Use Only (RUO) in the Clinical Laboratory
This blog post is the third in our Optimal QC in the Clinical Laboratory series. Previously, in this series we highlighted the importance of external and third-party quality control products in the clinical laboratory, emphasizing that quality control, by design,...
Why Third-Party Clinical QC is Critical
This blog post is the second in our Optimal QC in the Clinical Laboratory series. In a previous blog post, we highlighted the importance of external quality control products for QC in the clinical laboratory, rather than relying solely on internal controls built into...
The Necessity of External Controls
This post on external quality controls is the first in our series on Optimal QC in the Clinical Laboratory, which also covers third-party controls and IVD labelled controls. By principle, quality control (QC) in the clinical laboratory must subject all...
Comparing and Contrasting Traditional and Molecular Methods in Clinical Microbiology
An Interview with Julie Laramie, MS-CLS, MLS (ASCP)CM, SMCM Significant technological advancements have changed the world of clinical diagnostics. For instance, the application of molecular biology to clinical microbiology has decreased turn-around-times for some...
The Role of Diagnostics in Preventing HPV Infection and Related Cancers
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), in part because many experience no symptoms, so it is unknowingly passed between partners. This is why it is considered to be the “silent STI.” HPV is a viral infection that may result...
Top Ten Best Practices for Streak Plating
Streak plating is an indispensable tool in microbiology. It is so fundamental, that it is often overlooked. We have compiled a list of best practices to help you master your technique, save time, and avoid errors in your laboratory. The streak plate method relies on...
How Clinical Laboratories Are Adapting to Covid-19 Challenges
An Interview with a Diagnostic Laboratory Director For every major challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, many lesser-known difficulties have multiplied the complexities of laboratory diagnostics. Logistical issues, for example, continue to impact the speed and...
Group B Strep Awareness Month
The CDC and other health organizations recognize July as International Group B Streptococcus (Group B Strep, GBS) month. In many ways, Group B Strep seems somewhat harmless, remaining asymptomatic for most healthy adults who carry the bacteria. Yet the same factors...
The Unique Challenges of Drug Resistant Gonorrhea
When penicillin went into widespread use during WWII, it became known as “the wonder drug” for its revolutionary impact on infections. In addition to its ability to treat war wounds, it also dramatically changed treatment of common infections, including STIs like...
Women’s Health & STI Quiz
According to the World Health Organization, over one million sexually transmitted infections are contracted every day. Infection rates have been steadily increasing, reaching new records each year since 2014, but public awareness of STIs is not keeping pace. How much...
