Clinics in laboratory medicine
-
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has long been recognized as the etiologic agent of skin and genital warts, and only recently has an oncogenic role been attributed to the virus. This article discusses the classification, genetics, and pathogenesis of HPV. HPV detection, epidemiology of HPV and cervical neoplasia, and HPV infections in the genital tract are also reviewed.
-
Quality assessment and performance improvement are important management functions that add value to information and services produced by the clinical microbiology laboratory. Analytical quality control procedures are well standardized, and in many cases regulated. Whereas preanalytical and postanalytical factors have considerable impact on quality, performance assessment and improvement in this area have received less consideration. This article describes an approach to quality management of the total testing process in clinical microbiology, including interdisciplinary participation, specimen quality, test use, result use, turnaround time, information quality, user perceptions, and benchmarking.
-
Various factors are important in the laboratory detection of bacteremia and fungemia. These include clinical factors, the type of blood culture system, and laboratory processing of blood culture bottles. ⋯ To optimize microbial recovery, clinicians should order and collect the proper number of blood cultures at the earliest possible time and before the administration of antimicrobial agents. Clinical microbiologists should select a blood culture system that optimizes the recovery of common microbial pathogens and should use blood culture systems according to the manufacturers' recommendations.
-
Pretransfusion compatibility testing, if performed properly, helps to maximize the effectiveness of transfusion therapy and to minimize the risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions. Each laboratory should select the procedures and protocols that are best suited to meet their patient care and institutional needs. Quality assessment monitoring of the elements of compatibility testing helps to ensure a high level of safety for patients receiving transfusion therapy.
-
Multitasking operating systems and expanding networks now permit smooth access to remote computers, peripherals, data, and information resources. Graphic user interfaces and productivity-enhancing software packages reduce the need for training and memorization of commands. New models of desktop computers based on "data-centered" software architecture can enhance workstation usefulness even more. Pathologists need to consider how these tools might improve access to and management of information and knowledge.