COVER STORY

Molecular Testing for Respiratory Viruses
FDA-Cleared Panels Expand Labs’ Choices
By Deborah Levenson

Two new FDA-cleared multiplexed respiratory virus assays allow labs to test single samples for a variety of viruses using PCR. While the tests are generally more sensitive and specific than some other methods and require less validation than molecular homebrews, they are costly, and a decision to bring them in-house depends on individual labs’ staffing, workflow, and patient population.  

The Outlook on Home, Direct Access Testing
Are Consumers Ready to Manage Their Health?
By Phil Kibak

The consumer diagnostic market is predicted to expand as people discover they have the power to manage their own well being. But access to increasingly sophisticated information and greater health awareness also means that the medical community must serve as a watchdog to protect the public from products and services that may be detrimental.  

SERIES ARTICLE

Stroke
A Look at Emerging Biochemical Markers 
By Robert H. Christenson, PhD, DABCC , FACB and Svetlana Damb inova, DSc, PhD

Although the role of the laboratory is relatively modest at present, emerging and promising biochemical markers and strategies may one day contribute to the determination of long-term cerebrovascular risk and acute assessment of suspected stroke patients. 

NEWS BRIEF

Report Card: Diabetics’ Glycemic Control is Improving

INSIDE

According to CDC’s  2006  recommendation,  healthcare providers in all settings should screen patients ages 13 to 64 for HIV. While most screenings occur in traditional settings like hospitals and physicians' offices, new research shows that administering rapid HIV tests from mobile units located where those at high risk congregate is part of an effective screening strategy.

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