The September 2008 issue of Medical Laboratory Observer is now online. www.mlo-online.com To subscribe to the print version, click on SUBSCRIBE at the left side of the MLO homepage.

American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a nationally and internationally recognized certification agency for allied health professionals, including Medical Technologists (MTs), Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) and Phlebotomists. In existence since 1939, AMT is also a membership association, providing continuing education and other services to over 12,000 MT and MLT members. AMT is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) for all its competency-based examinations. Visit us at www.amt1.com.

Focus on National Celiac Disease Awareness Month
October is designated as National Celiac Disease Month by the Celiac Sprue Association — the nation’s largest and oldest support group. Celiac disease is an inheritable genetic disorder affecting people who eat a certain type of protein (gluten), which sets off an autoimmune response, damaging the small intestine and causing it to lose its ability to absorb food nutrients. The disease affects one in every 133 people. To learn more, go to www.csaceliacs.org

Got a management problem? Send us your most puzzling problems on management, from dealing with budget cuts to cranky employees or bosses. Contact our Management Q&A editor, Anne Pontius, at manqa@mlo-online.com.

Tracking cholera
News-Medical.net reports that U.S. scientists have established a way to predict outbreaks of cholera, making it easier to control, while also providing a prediction model for other important infectious diseases. A team at the University of Maryland-College Park has used remote satellite imaging to track environmental factors, including sea surface temperature, ocean height, and biomass, and used the collected data to predict cholera outbreaks. This ability could be a step in controlling the waterborne disease by enabling rapid-response public-health measures. The bacterium that causes cholera, Vibrio cholerae, has a known association with the crustacean copepod which lives on zooplankton, a type of plankton.

NBF grants to aid researchers
The National Blood Foundation (NBF) Board of Trustees recently announced the recipients of its 2008 NBF Scientific Research Grants. Each grant recipient receives up to $65,000 to pursue either a one- or two-year research project in the field of blood banking, transfusion medicine, or cellular and related biological therapies. Since 1985, NBF has awarded more than $5.5 million in grants to 152 early-career researchers. This year’s recipients are involved in research ranging from hematopoietic stem cell mobilization by cannabinoids, to the role of platelets in experimental transfusion-related acute lung injury, to the potential for improving platelet cold storage, and blood-donation considerations in African-Americans.

Survivors of 1918 flu studied
Reuters reported in August that antibodies from survivors of the 1918 flu pandemic, now aged 91 to 101, are still protected against the highly deadly virus. The specific 1918 virus — an H1N1 strain — was lost to the world for decades until it was reconstructed three years ago using genetic material from victims. Researchers manipulated those survivors’ antibodies into a vaccine and found that it kept alive all the mice they injected with the killer flu, according to a study published Aug. 17 online in the journal Nature. The research suggests that antibodies from survivors might make a good interim treatment for pandemic flu while a vaccine is formulated, manufactured, and distributed — a process that takes months.

Congenital herpes infection cited
New research from the University of Rochester Medical Center shows that some parents pass on the human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) to their children because it is integrated into their chromosomes. This is the first time a virus has been shown to become part of the human DNA and then get passed to subsequent generations. This unique mode of congenital infection may be occurring in as many as one of every 116 newborns, and the long-term consequences for a child's development and immune system are unknown. For more information about the study, go to www.urmc.rochester.edu/pr/news/story.cfm?id=2094.

Interested in submitting your product announcement to MLO?
The Product Focus section features a specific type of new products, services, and/or technology each month. The specific category is scheduled on MLO’s 2009 editorial calendar, which is now online at www.mlo-online.com under the "Advertise" tab.

• Submissions are accepted via e-mail at productfocus@nelsonpub.com.
• Deadline for submission is 60 days prior to issue date.
• Please limit copy to 100 words (MLO reserves the right to edit). A color photograph (5x7, at least 300 dpi, EPS, JPG, or TIF) must accompany all products.

Placement is not guaranteed; MLO reserves the right to publish products submitted for Product Focus in another product section if space is not available.

Got a testing problem? Send us your most vexing problems on test methods, validation, reporting procedures, ornery instruments, and other technical questions. Contact our TIPS editor, Dan Baer, at tips@mlo-online.com.

Salmonella outbreak ends
In late August, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials reported that the outbreak of the rare strain of Salmonella St. Paul, which began in April, sickened more than 1,400 people, and put 286 in hospitals in 43 states, appears to be over. The CDC pointed to jalapeno and serrano peppers from Mexico as the main source of the outbreak. The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 requires produce processors and distributors to keep track of where food comes from and where it goes; however, the measure excludes restaurants and farms. Just recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of ionizing radiation to help decontaminate fresh spinach and lettuce. The FDA has also linked breakfast cereal to a salmonella outbreak that sickened at least 23 people in 14 states. Back in April, Northfield-based Malt-O-Meal voluntarily recalled its unsweetened Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat cereals when it found the contamination in the cereals during routine testing. Affected products both had a "best if used by" date between April 8, 2008, and March 18, 2009.

A FAREWELL TO CHRIS FRINGS

One of MLO’s Management Q&A panelists, Alton B. Sturtevant, forwarded a copy of the Sept. 7, 2008, Birmingham News tribute to our friend and former columnist, Chris Frings, which can be seen in its entirety here.

Certifying agencies to merge
The Dark Daily Report’s Sept. 5 issue notes that The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) in Chicago and The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) in Lenexa, KS, announced a letter of intent to form a unified credentialing agency. The two parties are developing an agreement on the details of governance; how the proposed single certification agency will handle the credentials of currently certified individuals; and what processes will be established to accommodate both re-certification and new applicants.

CHECK OUR WEBSITE'S NEW PRODUCTS AT WWW.MLO-ONLINE.COM FOR INFORMATION ON LINKS TO THE LATEST CLINICAL LABORATORY PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY.

Interested in submitting your new product, service, or technology to MLO’s Industry Spotlight? Send only items that are currently available in the marketplace. Upgrades of existing products and services are also acceptable. Submissions are accepted via e-mail at mlo-admin@nelsonpub.com or by regular mail. Limit copy to 50 words. (MLO reserves the right to edit.) Provide a color photograph (5x7, at least 300 dpi, EPS, JPG, or TIF). Appropriate products are kept on file for 120 days and are used when space is available. Deadline for submission is 60 to 90 days prior to the desired publication issue dates. Note: Because of the number of submissions MLO receives, its staff members cannot verify receipt of Industry Spotlight submissions by e-mail or by telephone.

Got a legal issue? Send us your legislative questions, inquiries on human resource management legalities, and general problems on healthcare law. Contact our Liability and the lab editor, Dr. Barbara Harty-Golder, at toadehall@comcast.net.

HIV stats important to Hispanic population
News-Medical.net reported in early September that a recent CDC report about new annual HIV infections in the United States excluded data from Puerto Rico with the fifth-largest concentration of HIV cases nationwide. This omission could have widespread consequences say Hispanic HIV/AIDS advocates. National HIV/AIDS estimates that do not accurately reflect HIV incidence among Hispanics could result in fewer resources allocated for prevention and treatment for that population. The CDC did not include Puerto Rican HIV infections because it uses census population data for the report, whereas Puerto Rico estimates population differently. Meanwhile, in New York City, HIV is spreading at about three times the national rate, with an incidence of 72 new HIV infections per 100,000 people, compared with 23 new infections per 100,000 people nationwide, according to a study released Aug. 27 by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The findings are based on a new HIV-testing method developed by the CDC that can determine when an HIV infection occurred.

Chance discovery offers insight into SIDS
Mice genetically engineered to overproduce the brain chemical serotonin died at an early age after developing symptoms similar to those of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suggesting improper regulation of serotonin may cause SIDS in humans. The majority of the mice died after being unable to regulate their heart rate and body temperature, scientists from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Monterotondo, Italy, recently reported in July in the journal Science. This was a chance discovery when a scientist suggested that the mice, part of a study on serotonin’s role in aggression and anxiety, began dying. The findings support autopsy-based results reported from 2006 in which researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston found that infants who died of SIDS had abnormal serotonin-producing cells in their brain stems. Although differences exist between the mice and babies who die of SIDS, both reports point to improper regulation of the serotonin system as a cause of the disorder, say the researchers.

Looking for a new employee? If you need to hire or recruit medical lab professionals, find them with an MLO classified ad. Call Jane Lyman at (800) 226-6113, ext. 199. Check out MLO’s Marketplace.

FDA steps in regarding potentially risky drugs
In early September, according to CNN, the FDA recently ordered stronger warnings on four TNF-alpha blockers, which are widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, juvenile arthritis, certain types of psoriasis, and other conditions, cited for raising the risk of a possibly fatal fungal infection — histoplasmosis. These injectable drugs — Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, and Cimzia — suppress the immune system to keep it from attacking the body. An FDA spokesperson from the office that oversees arthritis drugs revealed that the agency became concerned after discovering that doctors appeared to be overlooking the fungal infection. Of 240 cases of histoplasmosis reported to the FDA, 45 patients died — about 20%. The FDA's order means that the risk of histoplasmosis will be flagged in a "black box," the strongest warning information in a drug's prescribing literature; the language varies from drug to drug.

Another CNN report last month detailed the government’s posting of prescription drugs under investigation for potential safety problems, in an effort to better inform doctors and patients. The basic warning system is a bare-bones compilation naming 20 medications and the potential risk for each. The list includes drugs whose problems have already been publicized, such as the blood thinner Heparin and immune-suppressing medications as well as some drugs involved in overdoses linked to perhaps confusing instructions. Drugs will be placed on the list based on reports the FDA receives regularly from hospitals, doctors, and patients; the list will be updated each calendar quarter. The FDA cautions consumers to continue taking their medications, even if it appears on the list of drugs under investigation, until advised by their physicians to stop.

HAI website now available
A website devoted to helping hospitals fight healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) was unveiled at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology’s (APIC) 35th annual conference in June. The site, www.KnowledgeIsInfectious.org, is a gathering place for infection-prevention-and-control professionals and healthcare executives committed to fighting HAIs. It serves as a central location for up-to-date scientific information about the causes and prevention of HAIs and includes scientific studies, interviews with infection-prevention experts, and links to infection-prevention resources. Healthcare-device manufacturer Cook Medical, transferred the site to APIC in May after having launched it in September 2006 with the goal of educating hospital executives and leadership about HAIs and the steps they can take to improve patient outcomes.

Conferences
Sept. 17-19. Currently underway, the Washington G-2 Reports’ 16th annual Lab Institute at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA, presents: "Changing of the Guard: Working with a New Administration, the New Millennial Generation, and a New Health Care System." Visit www.g2reports.com/conferences/915.html for more information.

Sept. 23. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ new initiative to address healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) will be unveiled before the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology’s (APIC’s) two-day conference on "Mastering the New CMS Regulation: Implications for Infection Prevention and Control," at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. For a full agenda, information on featured speakers, and conference registration, please visit www.apic.org.

Sept. 24-25. The 2nd annual Lab Quality Confab at the Atlanta Hilton is dedicated to bringing useful business and management intelligence to managers and administrators of clinical diagnostic services, pathologists, radiologists, and industry executives. Diagnostic medicine, particularly the services of clinical lab, pathology, imaging, and radiology, make up its primary emphasis. To register, go to www.labqualityconfab.com.

Sept. 25. In a 90-minute audioconference, Washington G-2 Reports offers “Planning for the Unexpected: Disaster Preparedness for Laboratories" from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., featuring Gina Potenza, CPCP, and director of Information Systems Laboratory Alliance of Central New York, along with Host and Moderator Stephanie Murg, editor of Diagnostic Testing and Technology Report. Learn the 10 best ways to ensure your lab is prepared to deal with disaster by: registering online (www.g2reports.com/audioconferences/1072.html); calling (800-401-5937); or e-mailing (g2reports@ioma.com).

Sept. 22-23 and Sept. 24-25. "Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis" and "Exploring Next-Generation Sequencing," respectively, are being offered by CHI. For details on the distinguished list of faculty presenting on a variety of important topics, download the brochure at http://ckt.thebiotech.net/ckt/SDA/SDA_Brochure_08.asp?EMAIL+[Email]. Hotel information is available at www.healthtech.com/Conferences_Overview.aspx?id=72966. And to register, visit https://chidb.com/register/2008/dtd/reg.asp.

Oct. 2 and Oct. 9. SCC Soft Computer partners with IBM to host the 2008 SCC/IBM Healthcare Information Technology Summit (HIT Summit) Oct. 2 at the West Los Angeles Westwood in CA and Oct. 9 at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. Learn about the future of HIT in a relaxed setting with industry experts and demonstrations of product features to streamline workflow. Visit www.softcomputer.com/hitsummit2008 or call Don Keller at 727-789-0100 or e-mail him at donk@softcomputer.com.

Oct. 2. A 60-minute audioconference entitled "FMLA Intermittent Leave Abuse in Healthcare — Stop It Today!" will be featured from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET with expert Corrie Fishel Conway with Morgan Lewis. Program highlights are available at http://phconferences.com/Abuse2X?ID=-204630224.

Oct. 4-7. Attend this year’s AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO 2008 in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Learn the latest in blood banking, transfusion medicine, and cellular and related biological therapies. Advance your career, explore state-of-the-art products and services, and network with colleagues. This year’s meeting offers more than 160 educational and oral abstract sessions with an impressive array of speakers from around the globe. For more information and registration, visit www.aabb.org/Content/Meetings_and_Events/Annual_Meeting_and_TXPO/.

Oct. 14-15. Co-chaired by Douglas A. Melton, PhD, and co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Paul Nurse, PhD, president of Rockefeller University, this year’s NYSCF Translational Stem Cell Research Conference is geared to scientific as well as lay audiences. A full conference agenda and registration information are at www.nyscr.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=194&Itemid=82.

Oct. 25-28. The ICAAC will hold a joint conference with the IDSA in Washington, DC. Objectives include bridging the widening gaps among the fields of infectious diseases clinical practice, clinical research, epidemiological and health services research, translational research, and basic research; promoting multidisciplinary dialogue and collaboration among clinicians and investigators; and evaluating the spread of infectious diseases throughout the world. To learn more and register, visit www.icaac.org/.

Oct. 26-28. The Pathology Visions Conference on "Digital Pathology" will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. If you are interested in learning about digital pathology, go to www.pathologyvisions.com/index.html for registration and hotel information.

Oct. 27-28. AACC’s 10th anniversary Lab Automation Conference in Kansas City, MO, at The Downtown Marriott will show how middleware and the new EMR with lab results and pathology imaging are changing the lab environment. To register, call 800-892-1400 or 202-857-0717, or visit http://direct.aacc.org/ProductCatalog/Product.aspx?ID=5052.

Nov. 3-6. The APHL announces the 20th annual "Newborn Screening and Genetic Testing Symposium" in San Antonio. Update your knowledge of test platforms and methodology; program evaluation and integration; education and communication; quality assurance, quality control, follow-up services; and ethical, social, and legal issues. Review developments in newborn screening and collaborate on strategies to address changes in the rapidly evolving field. For more information and registration, visit www.aphl.org/profdev/conferences/nbssymp2008/Pages/default.aspx.

Nov. 5. From 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, the AABB presents an audioconference on “Changes in the New AABB Technical Manual.” Outline the changes in the Technical Manual as they relate to white blood cell and platelet serology, blood donation, transfusion and transplantation practice, red cell serology, and transfusion-transmitted disease. For more information and to register, visit www.aabb.org/Content/Meetings_and_Events/Audioconferences/.

Nov. 13-14. Attend the AACC "Laboratory Medicine: Into the Future" conference held at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. The AACC and the AustralAsian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) are joining together to cover laboratory medicine's greatest areas of change, challenge, and advancement. The program will provide a view to the near future in the areas of management, science, and technology. To learn more and register, visit http://direct.aacc.org/ProductCatalog/Product.aspx?ID=4736.

Contemporary of DNA co-discoverers Watson & Crick dies
Gunther Stent — one of the original thinkers in the field of molecular biology whose research wrestled with and validated the breakthrough discovery of the structure of DNA — died June 12 of pneumonia near his home in Haverford, PA, at the age of 84. Dr. James D. Watson, one of the co-discoverers of the structure of DNA, called Dr. Stent “a major intellectual” in the field. Stent, who wrote Molecular Biology of Bacterial Viruses, a textbook for the study of molecular genetics following the finding of the double helix, served as chairman of the department of molecular biology at Berkeley from 1980 to 1986.

"Vaccination is the medical sacrament corresponding to baptism."
—Samuel Butler (1835-1902),
English novelist, essayist and critic

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Look for the next MLO LABline on October 16, 2008

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