Laboratory Medicine

Sher, Paul Phillip

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.134pmid: N/A

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.135pmid: N/A

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.138pmid: N/A

Strazzella, Michael P.; Welsh, Alyson J.

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.141pmid: N/A

Davis-Morse, Ruth W.

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.145pmid: N/A

Sosler, Steven D.; Saporito, Catherine

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.148pmid: N/A

Balagot, Maija; Hamilton, Janice

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.152pmid: N/A

Williams, Robert H.; Erickson, Timothy

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.158pmid: N/A

Digoxin and theophylline, widely prescribed therapeutic drugs, can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias when overdosed, typically bradycardia (digoxin) or tachycardia (theophylline). The level of drug does not always correlate with the severity of illness. Thus, patients are managed differently, depending on whether the overdose is acute or chronic. The clinical laboratory provides quantitative levels for each drug that initially help guide patient management. Because several pathophysiologic factors can increase the risk of toxicity, the clinician often must rely on other laboratory tests, such as electrolytes and renal function, to monitor the patient effectively. This is especially true with administration of antidotal therapy in a digoxin overdose

Hong, Gene George

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.163pmid: N/A

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that has been used in China for at least 4,500 years. Recently, it has gained rapid acceptance by the US public. During the past decade, scientific studies have been published in the Western medical literature that suggest a biological basis for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. Published clinical studies also confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of many different illnesses. This article, the first of two about acupuncture, will explore the historical basis of this medical practice and describe the various types of acupuncturists in the United States

Vossler, James L.

doi: 10.1093/labmed/29.3.167pmid: N/A

The Internet, especially the World Wide Web (the Web), is becoming an increasingly powerful tool for providing information. As the role ofthe medical technologist changes and increased cross-training of personnel continues, a cost-effective method of delivering instruction to increased numbers of professionals is needed. The ease with which Web-based instructional modules can be developed facilitates offering continuing education and refresher courses to laboratory professionals. In addition, the potential use ofthe Web and Web-based instruction to assess the competency of laboratory personnel is being explored. This article reviews issues and offers examples related to the design, development, and implementation of Web-based instruction and competency assessment.