COVER STORIES

After more than a decade of confusion over how molecular tests should be coded and reimbursed, a new coding system promises to add greater transparency and uniformity. But just how the government will handle the transition to the new system could have
far-reaching consequences for labs.

Recent studies show that MRSA rates are declining, but experts caution that it is still a formidable pathogen that requires a concerted team effort to control. The science around surveillance methods is evolving, leaving labs and hospitals with several options and no one best approach.

SERIES ARTICLE

Labs measure total calcium more frequently than ionized calcium because it’s more convenient to measure. But monitoring patients’ calcium status is not straightforward and depends on using equations to arrive at the value.

NEWS BRIEF

INSIDE

Lab Tests Online celebrated its 10th year online by launching a mobile app for Apple and Android phones and tablets at the 2011 Annual Meeting.

PROFILES