COVER STORIES

The BNP Debate
How Important is this Biomarker in Diagnosing Heart Failure?
By Gina Rollins

BNP and NT-proBNP stand out among a constellation of biomarkers that have been investigated for diagnosing, staging and assessing the risk of heart failure progression. However, heart failure remains a clinically defined disease, leaving clinicians with questions about how best to use BNP and NT-proBNP.

Comparative Effectiveness
Where do Labs Fit in?
By Bill Malone

With over $1 billion in new funds available, comparative effectiveness research is gaining new prominence as Congress looks toward healthcare reform. Laboratorians can build upon current evidence-based medicine approaches to be a part of this push for greater focus on outcomes and evidence.

SERIES ARTICLES

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
How Lab Results Contribute to Clinicopathologic Diagnosis
By Kristi J. Smock, MD, and George M. Rodgers, MD, PhD

As one of the most widespread drugs used today, heparin is an essential part of modern medicine. Unfortunately, its use is occasionally accompanied by immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. Diagnosing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is not a simple process.

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Regulatory Profiles