Lab Services/Testing
Breath test for SIBO
This simple and accurate Breath Test identifies small-
intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by testing a patient’s breath samples for levels of hydrogen, methane, or both. After ingesting lactulose solution, the patient produces breath samples every 20 minutes over a three-hour period. Samples are then mailed to this lab. Analysis of the samples yield data on production of the targeted gases as the digestive process proceeds. The graph produced using this data gives key indicators of the existence/extent of SIBO. The graph is a clear and understandable tool physicians can share with patients in reviewing their results.
Commonwealth Laboratories
Visit www.rsleads.com/906ml-154
Insight into patient immune system
The Pneumococcal Antibody Avidity Test builds on the company’s suite of assays evaluating immune function, and is designed to help physicians better understand and manage patients who have recurrent infections. The test — along with the pneumococcal assay that measures the concentration of antibodies produced in response to the pneumococcal vaccines — lets the clinician assess the effectiveness of those antibodies. Other new tests available include the ProGenotyper Filaggrin Mutation Detection Test, the latest in the company’s menu of molecular assays to investigate skin diseases, and the T-Cell Rx assay, which adds to its line of tests for adverse drug reactions and assists physicians assessing patients who have experienced a delayed drug reaction.
IBT Laboratories
Visit www.rsleads.com/906ml-176
Proficiency-testing programs enhanced
The Proficiency Testing Programs from this organization are accepted by CAP, CMS, COLA, The Joint Commission, and state regulatory agencies. New and enhanced 2009 programs deal with amniotic fluid; glycohemoglobin for Abbott Afinion; haptoglobin; i-STAT chemistry (waived); MRSA/VRE; point-of-care chemistry (for certain devices); and rapid HIV. The Paperless Proficiency Testing feature allows students to submit, review, and print results online, and to receive a confirmation of results receipt. Students also get free CE credits, e-mail notification to view evaluations online, interactive performance reports, and more.
American Proficiency Institute
Visit www.rsleads.com/906ml-177
Highly sensitive H1N1 flu test with 24-hour TAT
A well known national reference lab has introduced the first real-time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to aid in identifying Influenza A H1N1, the virus also known as swine flu, and differentiate patients infected with other seasonal Influenza A strains. Real-time PCR is a highly sensitive testing technique that can detect the presence of a virus’ RNA from a patient’s nasal or nasopharyngeal specimen. The test has been validated using clinical specimens submitted to its reference lab confirmed as positive by public health authorities. Expected TAT for reporting results is within 24 hours of receipt of specimen.
Focus Diagnostics
Visit www.rsleads.com/906ml-178
Verify a range of diarrhea-causing pathogens
The Diarrhea ACE Detection Test has a fast-acting multiplex PCR diagnostic technique to verify, simultaneously, a complex range of pathogens that cause diarrhea, including 10 bacteria (Salmonella spp.,
Shigella spp., Campylobactor spp., Vibrio spp., Clostridium difficile Toxin B, Clostridium perfringens, Yersinia enterocolitica, Aeromonas spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, Verocytotoxin-producing E coli), and four viruses (rotavirus, norovirus, enteric adenovirus, and astrovirus) that cause diarrhea. By accurately detecting and differentiating diarrhea-causing viruses from bacteria, this test can help clinicians apply the correct course of treatment for patients at the earliest possible stage.
Segeene
Visit www.rsleads.com/906ml-179
Detect antiviral-resistant virus strands
A new Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antiviral Resistance Test accurately detects in three days or less key genetic mutations associated with antiviral resistance to CMV; most other tests’ TAT is up to two weeks. The molecular test accurately detects key genetic mutations by sequencing the CMV UL97 phosphotransferase gene and the CMV UL54 DNA polymerase gene. Mutations in the UL97 phosphotransferase gene have been associated with ganciclovir resistance. Mutations in the UL54 DNA polymerase gene have been associated with resistance to the medications ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir.
ViraCor Laboratories
Visit www.rsleads.com/906ml-180
Test combines risk factors and molecular markers
The Insight Dx Breast Cancer Profile helps physicians identify the probability of a patient’s cancer recurring and assess the need for chemotherapy. The new test has been clinically validated for women with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Unlike other assays used to determine the likelihood of recurrence, this test uses a combination of three traditional pathology-staging risk factors and seven key molecular markers to categorize patients as either high risk or low risk. This information is then combined with a proprietary algorithm to produce a risk score that assists clinicians in decision making.
Clarient
Visit www.rsleads.com/906ml-181
ELISA-based screening for HIT
Testing for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is now available from a national reference laboratory specializing in pediatric testing. The assay is an ELISA-based screening test that addresses heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, an infrequent but potentially serious complication of heparin therapy. The diagnosis is made based on clinical findings of unexplained thrombocytopenia starting two days to 10 days following initiation of heparin and supported by appropriate lab tests. Testing is performed Monday through Saturday (daytime shift). Samples requiring same-day results must be received by the special hematology lab by 11 a.m.
ChildLab
Visit www.rsleads.com/906ml-182
Diagnose in utero drug exposure
CordStat is a new alternative to testing a newborn’s meconium for the presence of drugs. The test format utilizes umbilical-cord tissue as the sample matrix and has many advantages over meconium testing, which is difficult to collect. In 8% to 20% of births in the United States, meconium is released into the amniotic fluid due to fetal distress. Umbilical-cord sections are easy to collect, store, and ship, and are available for testing infants that have undergone fetal stress. These sections also have a window of detection for abused drugs equal to or greater than that of meconium. In some instances umbilical-cord testing results are available earlier than meconium testing results.
United States Drug Testing Laboratories
Visit www.rsleads.com/906ml-183
Operational improvements
Valumetrix Services helps labs increase capacity, eliminate waste, overcome labor shortages, and improve quality using Process Excellence, the systematic approach to quality and operational process improvements. Combining tools and methodologies of Six Sigma, LEAN, and design excellence drives improvements in all areas of business performance. Classes offered by ValuMetrix University take a pragmatic approach, teaching attendees to apply skills and tools to real-life workplace challenges. Consultants go to client locations to ID opportunities for rapid gains and guide personnel step-by-step through LEAN or Six Sigma projects. Client personnel get trained, mentored, and certified, equipped with knowledge, tools, and skills to make their own further improvements.
ValuMetrix Services
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics
Visit www.rsleads.com/902ml-176
Increase quality and precision
Lean Histology tailors LEAN principles for streamlining histology workflow and efficiency, achieving faster TAT, improving safety, and increasing quality and precision of diagnoses. In the grossing room with specimen ID, an IP C Cassette Printer can be integrated with an LIS to eliminate duplicate entries — streamlining the process and reducing potential errors. The Peloris Rapid Tissue Processor can process two different tissue protocols simultaneously. The modular EG1150 embedding center provides workspace flexibility. Printing slides on the IP S Slide Printer reduces human error, while sectioning with the RM2255 fully automated microtome improves consistency. With these products (and more), and with an expert workflow evaluation and technical/application support, this complete solution can be implemented step-by-step.
Lean Histology
Leica Microsystems
Visit www.rsleads.com/902ml-178
Customized offerings
BD Laboratory Consulting Services has customized offerings to help address the increasingly complex needs associated with optimizing the laboratory business. These consulting services do more than employ proven methodologies such as Six Sigma and LEAN management. The comprehensive approach also ensures acceptance and buy-in of staff, and focuses on implementing real solutions and building the control plan to ensure success. Providing hands-on problem solving within the lab, these services help to increase revenue, lower operating expenses, improve productivity, and elevate your patient care. Click on
MLO’s RSLead below to access a recent LEAN urinalysis case study outlining how testing efficiency and workflow was maximized with these services.
BD Laboratory Consulting Services
BD Diagnostics - Preanalytical Systems
Visit www.rsleads.com/902ml-177
Early detection aid
The
deCODE ProCa test is a non-invasive, DNA-based reference lab test
for the first genetic risk factors ever found to confer risk for a
common type of cancer in the general population. These markers are not
dependent on a family history of prostate cancer; the genetic risk of
the ProCa test multiples with the family risks mentioned above. Almost
95% of prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, most grow slowly, improving
the chances of early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivability.
Early detection is key to overcoming prostate cancer; the five-year
survival rate among men whose prostate cancer is caught early is 100%.
deCODE Diagnostics
Visit
www.rsleads.com/810ml-168
Celiac testing
The
University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center screens for celiac
disease through both genetic and antibody tests. A positive
result for either requires further action for diagnosis. A free
blood screening is offered every October. Click on MLO's
RSlead below to learn more.
University of Chicago
Celiac Disease Center
Visit www.rsleads.com/808ml-164