Laboratory Medicine

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.589pmid: N/A

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Elder, B., Laurel;Roberts, Glenn, D.

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.591pmid: N/A

Abstract Rapid, accurate identification of fungal agents has become essential for the laboratory, particularly in those serving the increasingly frequent compromised patient. Rapid diagnosis can currently be achieved by using direct fungal smears whenever appropriate, by taking advantage of new fungal isolation systems, and by judicious selection of rapid identification tests for organism identification. In addition, knowledge of the fungi seen most frequently in each particular laboratory setting will allow the microbiologist to intensify efforts at identification for those organisms that are deemed most important or that occur most commonly. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists

Chapman, John, F.;Herbert, William, N.P.

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.597pmid: N/A

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Elias, Jules, M.;Hassell, Ann, M.;Johnsen,, Teresa

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.603pmid: N/A

Abstract The use of indirect immunofluorescence for the identification of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) in human bone marrow and peripheral blood may be offset by the lack of a positive control. Since appropriate human material is not usually available for use as a positive control, a human T-cell leukemic cell line (RPMI 8402) and calf thymus were used. Expression of the TdT antigen was retained in cytocentrifuge preparations of RPMI 8402 and thymus imprints when stored at freezer temperatures under dry conditions for at least six months. Storage at 4 °C and exposure to moisture severely compromised TdT antigenicity. The criteria for maximal preservation of the TdT antigens for generating positive controls are also applicable to more immediate TdT immunofluorescence studies of human bone marrow or peripheral blood. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists

Gerhan, Sandra, L.

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.607pmid: N/A

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Milson, Linda, M.;Laatsch, Linda, J.

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.610pmid: N/A

Abstract Modifications in teaching methods and the learning environment in the laboratory component of a medical parasitology course resulted in significant changes in student performance as measured by practical examination. Mean scores from 745 students improved from 75.8% at the inception of the course to 92% at the end of the 25-year period studied. A retention study, conducted over a six-year period, revealed an average retention rate of 57% one year after the course was completed. Although this retention rate was not significantly different from the rate found in other studies in which retention of factual material was measured, it suggests that the students retain enough knowledge to complete the clinical parasitology course. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists

Nichols, Roger, C.;Kauffmann,, Christopher

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.613pmid: N/A

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Rollins,, Ankica;Minnich,, Virginia

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.616pmid: N/A

Abstract A staining method using 3-amino-9-ethylcarbozole for staining blood and bone marrow granulocytes for myeloperoxidase (MPX) is described. Former methods for staining for MPX with benzidine compounds have had to be discarded, as (with few exceptions) benzidine is no longer desirable nor available because of its carcinogenic properties. The staining method described herein depends on the principle that peroxidase catalizes the oxidation of 3-amino-9-ethylcarbozole by hydrogen peroxide, giving an insoluble red product.1 The method is rapid, requiring only 30 s for fixation, 2 1/2 minutes for incubation, and 5 minutes for counterstaining with hematoxylin. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists

Snyder, John, R.;Hansen,, James;Lien,, Constance;Fredriksen, Carol, A.

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.618pmid: N/A

Abstract This article describes the plans, efforts, struggles, and progress made in improving quality assurance in the clinical laboratories at the Haiti State University Hospital under the direction of Project HOPE. The article focuses on the elements of program design, methods of improvement, and indicators of progress. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists

, De Cresce, Robert P.;Lifshitz, Mark, S.

doi: 10.1093/labmed/17.10.624pmid: N/A

Article PDF first page preview Close This content is only available as a PDF. Author notes The New Instrumentation Preview is designed to provide information on newly introduced laboratory instrumentation that is more detailed than that usually available from the manufacturers. The column does not include any evaluation and does not constitute endorsement of any instrument by the ASCP. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists