The Path to Better MRSA Control

How Active Surveillance and Molecular Tests Can Reduce Infections and Transmission

By Deborah Levenson

Molecular tests that rapidly identify carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus can be an important part of comprehensive, active surveillance plans, but at far greater up-front cost than conventional culture methods. But with effective systems of care that ensure timely response to results, molecular tests may offset the huge costs associated with treating MRSA infections.

Critical Result Reporting

Can IT and Improved Communication Systems Help Labs Meet Patient Safety Standards?

By Julie McDowell

The Joint Commission’s newly released 2008 National Patient Safety Goals once again feature critical test result and value reporting requirements for laboratories. Laboratory leaders and commission officials emphasize the importance of correct interpretation of the goals, the role of IT tools in improving communication between the laboratory and caregivers, and how to streamline a critical value reporting system to maximize efficiency.

Celiac Disease

How Serological Tests Can Improve Diagnosis

By Robin G. Lorenz, MD, PhD

Now recognized as an under-diagnosed disorder, patients with celiac disease can present with the classical symptoms of diarrhea and failure to thrive, or with an atypical and silent presentation. Find out how serological tests are improving diagnosis of these patients.