Cover Story
Reshaping healthcare at the clinical laboratory level
As “accountable care” reshapes healthcare, what can clinical labs do to create departmental accountable care models to contribute efficiency and productivity to their hospitals?
By Nilam Patel, MT(ASCP)SH and Barbara Connell, MS, MT(ASCP)SH
Features
Clinical Issues
LC-MS/MS in the clinical lab: strengths, applications, challenges
Combining atmospheric pressure ionization methods with tandem mass spectrometry opened up this technology to the clinical laboratory arena.
PLUS
Full micro-lab automation mass spec: Fast, reliable microorganism ID within reach
Lab Management
The ‘pneu’ in pneumatic-tube transport
This mainstay technology in hospitals for half a century now has some newfangled details that are a “must have” for laboratories.
Special Feature
Always be ready: biohazard or pandemic, preparation is key
There is always something new to learn about getting a plan together for a pandemic or a biohazard. Our military experts share what they have learned.
Education and Training
Bacterial biofilms and healthcare-associated infections
Biofilms are efficient, highly effective strategies for bacterial survival in hostile immune and antimicrobic environments.
Current Buzz
A new reflex testing algorithm for syphilis screening
Newborns should not be discharged from a hospital without determination of its mother’s serologic status for syphilis.
Executive Snapshot
Biocare Medical CEO touts multiplex solution for complex cases
Roy Paxton Yih says personalized medicine one day will enable pathologists and oncologists to treat their patients more effectively.
Departments
From the Editor
Had your fill of germs?
By Carren Bersch
Letters to the Editor
Readers Respond
The Observatory
News/Trends/Analysis
Columns
Liability and the Lab
Prevent spoliation when using electronic records
By Virginia B. Evans, Esquire
Management Q&A
Avoid burnout in the lab
Edited by C. Anne Pontius, MBA, CMPE, MT(ASCP)
Tips from the Clinical Experts
Edited by Brad S. Karon, MD, PhD
By Diane Kawa, PhD, SM(ASCP)
Washington Report
New technologies help combat infectious diseases
By Doug Flammang
Products
Product Focus
New PLGF testing aids in effective diagnosis of pre-eclampsia