The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a three-to 10-month national shortage of Aplisol (Par Pharmaceuticals; Chestnut Ridge, N.Y.), one of two purified-protein derivative … [Read more...]
PUBLIC HEALTH
CDC Announces Shortage of TB Skin Test Antigen, New TB Testing Guidelines
August 12, 2019
OIG OPINION
Is Your Billing Company Putting You At Compliance Risk?
August 5, 2019
By Sean McSweeney bio Does your orthopedic billing company charge a percentage of collections for their coding and billing? They might break out separate charges for statements or other … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Upfront Next-Generation Sequencing for Lung Cancer Patients Saves Time, Money
August 5, 2019
Use of upfront next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing at diagnosis of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) is associated with substantial cost savings, according to a study … [Read more...]
SAFETY
Ergonomics in the Laboratory Setting
July 28, 2019
By Dan Scungio, MT (ASCP), SLS, CQA (ASQ) bio Sometimes when I am talking about lab safety and the topic turns to ergonomics, I get an unusual reaction from the audience—laughter. It … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Genetic Testing Guidelines for Hereditary Cancer Miss Many At Risk
July 28, 2019
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network genetic testing criteria for hereditary cancer miss almost one in five at-risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and more than one in three at-risk for Lynch … [Read more...]
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Adoption Quickening for Genomic Cancer Testing in Community Settings
July 22, 2019
Clinicians are increasingly using genomic cancer testing in community health care settings, although there are lingering questions about the utility of results. These are the findings of several … [Read more...]
GENETIC TESTING
Expanded Access to Genetic Testing for Cardiomyopathy Is Cost Effective
July 22, 2019
Expansion of genetic testing in asymptomatic relatives of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to guide clinical surveillance is cost-effective, according to a study published in Genetics in … [Read more...]
EMERGING TESTS
Nonculture Molecular Tests Speed Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections
July 22, 2019
The T2Bacteria Panel (T2Biosystems; Lexington, Mass.) can rapidly and accurately diagnoses bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by five common bacteria, according to a study published May 14 in the … [Read more...]
GENETIC TESTING
Guidelines at a Glance
July 22, 2019
Screening for HIV Published June 11 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for HIV infection in adolescents and … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Routine Urine Test Can Screen for Medication Adherence at Primary Care Visit
July 22, 2019
A single urine spot sample can be used to objectively screen for nonadherence to diabetes medications in the primary care setting, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care. … [Read more...]
