Cover Story

Can you predict disaster?

If you cannot predict a disaster, can you predict your readiness at any given moment to handle one?

PLUS Uninterruptible power supplies keep lights on in the lab

Features

Clinical Issues

Newer laboratory testing algorithms for syphilis begin with EIA
As labs switch to new algorithms for syphilis testing, staff will need to be familiar with interpreting results produced when starting with a treponemal EIA test.
By Kenneth Katz, MD, MSc, MSCE

Lab Management

Analyzers faster, simpler in 2010
“Multiplexing” and “automation” mean processing more specimens faster.

PLUS Gearing up for the automated lab
By Richard R. Rogoski

PLUS Elevating patient care at University of Michigan Hospital
Lab-informatics solutions helped UMH improve patient care.
By Sue Stern, MS, MT(ASCP)

Special Feature

Pharmacogenomic potential of psychiatric medications and CYP2D6
By knowing a patient’s disposition to drugs, appropriate dosing regimens can begin without the trial-and-error period common with psychiatric medications.
By Kevin F. Foley, PhD, D(ABCC), MT, and Denise I. Quigley, PhD, F(ACMG)

Molecular Technology

Get in the “groove” with new molecular technology
MGB technology overcomes some of the obstacles that traditional real-time PCR chemistries encounter with strain variability of genetic sequences.
By George Corpus, CLSp(MB)

2010 Lab Predictions

2010 Lab Predictions

Executive Snapshot

Conley draws on lab experience for McKesson
Lisa Conley’s lab background helps her understand customers’ issues and needs.

International Corner

Quotient banks on biodiagnostics
Edited by Carren Bersch, Editor

Columns

From the Editor

Unpredictable predictions
By Carren Bersch

The Observatory

News/Trends/Analysis

Management Q&A

Addressing management issues
Edited by C. Anne Pontius, MBA, CMPE, MT(ASCP)

• Plan a ceLABration for Lab Week

Tips from the Clinical Experts

Answering your questions
Edited by Brad S. Karon, MD, PhD

• Pretransfusion plasma testing
• Post-vasectomy semen analysis

Mentoring minute

Diary of the “mad” med-lab techs

Liability and the Lab

New Year’s resolutions refined for the lab
By Barbara Harty-Golder, MD, JD

Washington report

The Joint Commission cuts key patient-safety measure

Click here for news