Cover Story

Blunting the synergistic effect of viral infections and allergies—IgE testing for at-risk asthma patients
There is a demonstrable synergy between viral infections and allergies, and guideline-based s—IgE testing of asthma patients can be of value in reducing the morbidity linked with the effects of allergen exposure and seasonal viral exposure.
By Robert Reinhardt, MD, DABFM

PLUS  Tips to remember when performing rapid immunochromogenic influenza assays
By Elliot L. Rank, PhD, D(ABMM)

PLUS  Molecular respiratory panels
By Jon Faiz Kayyem, PhD

Features

Clinical Issues

Hemoglobinopathy and thalassemia detection
Traditional methods and a novel method — capillary electrophoresis technology
By Aigars Brants, PhD

PLUS  Is it time for your HbA1c method check-up?
By Jim K. Noffsinger, PhD

PLUS  Hemoglobinopathies: Utilizing HPLC
By Ranka Milojkovic

Lab Management

First-world standards take root in Haiti’s National Lab
Lab sets sights on ISO accreditation
By Paula Pou

Special Feature

Technologies to improve the future of blood banking
By Tony S.Casina

PLUS  Automation in blood banking: RFID
By Bruce R. Wray

Education and Training

What color is your lab?
For many public health laboratories, the answer is green.
By Nancy Maddox, MPH

PLUS Key considerations in creating a “green” laboratory
By Marisa Manley

Current Buzz

The lab’s increasing arsenal of tools to battle antibiotic resistance
By Yun F (Wayne) Wang, MD

PLUS The judicious use of antibiotics to conserve efficacy is difficult...
By Cynthia Fowler, MD

Executive Snapshot

TELCOR’s mission grows its markets
By Alan Lenhoff, Editor

Departments

From the Editor

A new beginning—the same commitment
By Alan Lenhoff

Letters to the Editor

Readers Respond

The Observatory

News/Trends/Analysis

Columns

Management Q&A

Addressing management issues

By Jay M. Lieberman, MD

• Preparing for the 2011-2012 influenza season

Tips from the Clinical Experts

Answering your questions

Washington Report

Labs vital in the diagnosis and management of food allergies
By Robert Reinhardt, MD, DABFM