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Permanent Pathology Job in Las Cruces New Mexico with Community Health Systems
Join a private practice in Las Cruces NM. Las Cruces is a beautiful and growing community, nestled in the mountains and mesas of southern New Mexico. Located just 45 minutes away is El Paso International
Permanent Pathology Job in Riverton Wyoming with Riverton Memorial Hospital
Physician Pathology Beautiful Wyoming Wind River Country Seeking a pathologist for 70 bed hospital. Surgical specialties: orthopedics, ent, ophthalmology, general surgery, bariatric surgery, urology,
Locum Tenens Pathology Job in Florham Park New Jersey with Medical Search International
Great $$$-BC/BE Pathologist-Locum Tenens-Northern New Jersey Seeking a BC/BE Pathologist for a Locum Tenens assignment in New Jersey. 90-180 days (may be extended). This position may be converted to
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials - Latest articles
Pitfalls in efficacy testing – how important is the validation of neutralization of chlorhexidine digluconate?
Mirja Reichel, Peter Heisig and Günter Kampf Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Effective neutralization of active agents is essential to obtain valid efficacy results, especially when non-volatile active agents like chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) are tested. The aim of this study was to determine an effective and non-toxic neutralizing mixture for a propan-1-ol solution containing 2% CHG. Methods: Experiments were carried out according to ASTM E 1054-02. The neutralization capacity was tested separately with five challenge microorganisms in suspension, and with a rayon swab carrier. Either 0.5 mL of the antiseptic solution (suspension test) or a saturated swab with the antiseptic solution (carrier test) was added to tryptic soy broth containing neutralizing agents. After the samples were mixed, aliquots were spread immediately and after 3 h of storage at 2 – 8°C onto tryptic soy agar containing a neutralizing mixture. Results: The neutralizer was, however, not consistently effective in the suspension test. Immediate spread yielded a valid neutralization with Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium jeikeium but not with Micrococcus luteus (p < 0.001) and Candida albicans (p < 0.001). A 3-h storage period of the neutralized active agents in suspension resulted in significant carry-over activity of CHG in addition against Staphylococcus epidermidis (p < 0.001) and Corynebacterium jeikeium (p = 0.044). In the carrier test, the neutralizing mixture was found to be effective and non toxic to all challenge microorganisms when spread immediately. However, after 3 h storage of the neutralized active agents significant carry-over activity of CHG against Micrococcus luteus (p = 0.004; Tukey HSD) was observed. Conclusion: Without effective neutralization in the sampling fluid, non-volatile active ingredients will continue to reduce the number of surviving microorganisms after antiseptic treatment even if the sampling fluid is kept cold straight after testing. This can result in false-positive antiseptic efficacy data. Attention should be paid during the neutralization validation process to the amount of antiseptic solution, the storage time and to the choice of appropriate and sensitive microorganisms.
Brachyspira pilosicoli bloodstream infections: Case report and review of the literature
Lilia Bait-Merabet, Arnaud Thille, Patrick Legrand, Christian Brun-Buisson and Vincent Cattoir Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Brachyspira pilosicoli is the etiologic agent of human and animal intestinal spirochetosis and is rarely implicated as a cause of bacteremia. Here, we describe the case of a B. pilosicoli spirochetemia in a 53-year-old male patient suffering from cardiogenic shock. This fastidious bacterium was isolated from blood, likely after translocation from the intestinal tract. Blood cultures were positive after 5 days of incubation (one day after the patient's death), highlighting the problem of the recovery of such type of fastidious bacterium. Identification was achieved by molecular methods (16S rRNA sequencing). A review of the English literature found only 8 cases of bacteremia caused by B. pilosicoli, mostly in immunocompromised or critically ill patients. Finally, difficulties in rapid and accurate diagnosis of B. pilosicoli bloodstream infections, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of human clinical isolates, and therapeutic options are discussed.
Predicting the sensitivity and specificity of published real-time PCR assays
Gordon H Lemmon and Shea N Gardner Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: In recent years real-time PCR has become a leading technique for nucleic acid detection and quantification. These assays have the potential to greatly enhance efficiency in the clinical laboratory. Choice of primer and probe sequences is critical for accurate diagnosis in the clinic, yet current primer/probe signature design strategies are limited, and signature evaluation methods are lacking. Methods: We assessed the quality of a signature by predicting the number of true positive, false positive and false negative hits against all available public sequence data. We found real-time PCR signatures described in recent literature and used a BLAST search based approach to collect all hits to the primer-probe combinations that should be amplified by real-time PCR chemistry. We then compared our hits with the sequences in the NCBI taxonomy tree that the signature was designed to detect. Results: We found that many published signatures have high specificity (almost no false positives) but low sensitivity (high false negative rate). Where high sensitivity is needed, we offer a revised methodology for signature design which may designate that multiple signatures are required to detect all sequenced strains. We use this methodology to produce new signatures that are predicted to have higher sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: We show that current methods for real-time PCR assay design have unacceptably low sensitivities for most clinical applications. Additionally, as new sequence data becomes available, old assays must be reassessed and redesigned. A standard protocol for both generating and assessing the quality of these assays is therefore of great value. Real-time PCR has the capacity to greatly improve clinical diagnostics. The improved assay design and evaluation methods presented herein will expedite adoption of this technique in the clinical lab.
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Permanent Pathology Job in Las Cruces New Mexico with Community Health Systems
Join a private practice in Las Cruces NM. Las Cruces is a beautiful and growing community, nestled in the mountains and mesas of southern New Mexico. Located just 45 minutes away is El Paso International
Permanent Pathology Job in Riverton Wyoming with Riverton Memorial Hospital
Physician Pathology Beautiful Wyoming Wind River Country Seeking a pathologist for 70 bed hospital. Surgical specialties: orthopedics, ent, ophthalmology, general surgery, bariatric surgery, urology,
Locum Tenens Pathology Job in Florham Park New Jersey with Medical Search International
Great $$$-BC/BE Pathologist-Locum Tenens-Northern New Jersey Seeking a BC/BE Pathologist for a Locum Tenens assignment in New Jersey. 90-180 days (may be extended). This position may be converted to
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials - Latest articles
Pitfalls in efficacy testing – how important is the validation of neutralization of chlorhexidine digluconate?
Mirja Reichel, Peter Heisig and Günter Kampf Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Effective neutralization of active agents is essential to obtain valid efficacy results, especially when non-volatile active agents like chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) are tested. The aim of this study was to determine an effective and non-toxic neutralizing mixture for a propan-1-ol solution containing 2% CHG. Methods: Experiments were carried out according to ASTM E 1054-02. The neutralization capacity was tested separately with five challenge microorganisms in suspension, and with a rayon swab carrier. Either 0.5 mL of the antiseptic solution (suspension test) or a saturated swab with the antiseptic solution (carrier test) was added to tryptic soy broth containing neutralizing agents. After the samples were mixed, aliquots were spread immediately and after 3 h of storage at 2 – 8°C onto tryptic soy agar containing a neutralizing mixture. Results: The neutralizer was, however, not consistently effective in the suspension test. Immediate spread yielded a valid neutralization with Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium jeikeium but not with Micrococcus luteus (p < 0.001) and Candida albicans (p < 0.001). A 3-h storage period of the neutralized active agents in suspension resulted in significant carry-over activity of CHG in addition against Staphylococcus epidermidis (p < 0.001) and Corynebacterium jeikeium (p = 0.044). In the carrier test, the neutralizing mixture was found to be effective and non toxic to all challenge microorganisms when spread immediately. However, after 3 h storage of the neutralized active agents significant carry-over activity of CHG against Micrococcus luteus (p = 0.004; Tukey HSD) was observed. Conclusion: Without effective neutralization in the sampling fluid, non-volatile active ingredients will continue to reduce the number of surviving microorganisms after antiseptic treatment even if the sampling fluid is kept cold straight after testing. This can result in false-positive antiseptic efficacy data. Attention should be paid during the neutralization validation process to the amount of antiseptic solution, the storage time and to the choice of appropriate and sensitive microorganisms.
Brachyspira pilosicoli bloodstream infections: Case report and review of the literature
Lilia Bait-Merabet, Arnaud Thille, Patrick Legrand, Christian Brun-Buisson and Vincent Cattoir Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Brachyspira pilosicoli is the etiologic agent of human and animal intestinal spirochetosis and is rarely implicated as a cause of bacteremia. Here, we describe the case of a B. pilosicoli spirochetemia in a 53-year-old male patient suffering from cardiogenic shock. This fastidious bacterium was isolated from blood, likely after translocation from the intestinal tract. Blood cultures were positive after 5 days of incubation (one day after the patient's death), highlighting the problem of the recovery of such type of fastidious bacterium. Identification was achieved by molecular methods (16S rRNA sequencing). A review of the English literature found only 8 cases of bacteremia caused by B. pilosicoli, mostly in immunocompromised or critically ill patients. Finally, difficulties in rapid and accurate diagnosis of B. pilosicoli bloodstream infections, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of human clinical isolates, and therapeutic options are discussed.
Predicting the sensitivity and specificity of published real-time PCR assays
Gordon H Lemmon and Shea N Gardner Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: In recent years real-time PCR has become a leading technique for nucleic acid detection and quantification. These assays have the potential to greatly enhance efficiency in the clinical laboratory. Choice of primer and probe sequences is critical for accurate diagnosis in the clinic, yet current primer/probe signature design strategies are limited, and signature evaluation methods are lacking. Methods: We assessed the quality of a signature by predicting the number of true positive, false positive and false negative hits against all available public sequence data. We found real-time PCR signatures described in recent literature and used a BLAST search based approach to collect all hits to the primer-probe combinations that should be amplified by real-time PCR chemistry. We then compared our hits with the sequences in the NCBI taxonomy tree that the signature was designed to detect. Results: We found that many published signatures have high specificity (almost no false positives) but low sensitivity (high false negative rate). Where high sensitivity is needed, we offer a revised methodology for signature design which may designate that multiple signatures are required to detect all sequenced strains. We use this methodology to produce new signatures that are predicted to have higher sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: We show that current methods for real-time PCR assay design have unacceptably low sensitivities for most clinical applications. Additionally, as new sequence data becomes available, old assays must be reassessed and redesigned. A standard protocol for both generating and assessing the quality of these assays is therefore of great value. Real-time PCR has the capacity to greatly improve clinical diagnostics. The improved assay design and evaluation methods presented herein will expedite adoption of this technique in the clinical lab.

Sites:
Aloha Laboratories, Inc: Providing services to physicians, clinics, surgery centers and medical groups throughout the Pacific region. Contact and service details are given with an outline of cancer pathology. Honolulu, Hawaii.AmeriPath, Inc.: National provider of anatomic pathology services and dermatopathology in disease diagnosis for physicians, hospitals and clinical laboratories.
Avera Laboratory Network: A catalogue of available tests and a list of service centres are given with information on customer support. South Dakota.
BioHealth Diagnostics Laboratory: BioHealth is a leading innovator in laboratory testing and treatment methods for a wide range of conditions, evaluating hormones, immunity, digestion, and metabolism.
Blood-Check: Full service blood tests and health screening services
Cambridge Biomedical Research Group: High-quality reference laboratory providing esoteric tests. DesignerLab service guarantees clients new tests are operational within 90 days. Diagnostic Incubator helps academia and small business commercialize assays.
Cutting Edge: Provides dermatopatholgy services and includes a printable order form. Tigard, Oregon, USA.
Direct Laboratory Services, Inc: Blood tests and wellness screening tests for individuals who desire to stay healthy and fit.
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute: Florida Hospital Cancer Institute Clinical and Research Laboratories undertake clinical testing in hemostasis, thrombosis and molecular diagnostics; clinical research in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and basic research in blood coagulation and cancer metastasis
Gamma-Dynacare: Learn about Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories and our extensive range of community, clinical trial, employee health and institutional laboratory services. Find information on our mission, values, role in the health care system and accomplishments.
Independent Histopathology Services: Providing services to the private and government health sectors. Details of staff, services and quality assurance standards are given with an outline of logistics. London, England.
Laboratory Medicine Consultants, Ltd.: Offering surgical pathology and cytology services. Staff, test and insurance information is provided with health advice and references. Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lakewood Pathology Associates: Providing global pathology services to hospitals, physicians and patients as well as consumer education on cervical cancer, Pap tests and other issues. Lakewood, New Jersey.
Lower Columbia Pathologists: Lower Columbia Pathologists; an anatomic pathology laboratory providing quality, timely, diagnostic test results to our clients in the fields of Nuclear Medicine, Histology, Cytology, Immunohistochemistry and Dermatopathology.
MDS Laboratory Services, Inc.: Clinical laboratory services in the United States and Canada. Staff profiles are provided with test information, reference ranges and a list of locations.
Midwest Hemostais and Thrombosis Laboratories, Inc.: Specialising in bleeding and thrombotic disorders. Test information, educational articles and symposium details. Muncie, Indiana.
Pathogenesys: Providing DNA analysis, immunohistochemistry and other pathology services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
PhenoPath Laboratories: A national immunohistochemistry service in the United States. Clinical and research services are described and cases of interest are illustrated with photomicrographs.
Precision Pathology: Provides ooutpatient, surgical and clinical services, as well as cytopathology. Arvada, Colorado, USA.
Regional Medical Laboratories, Inc.: Regional Medical Laboratories, Inc. is an independent clinical laboratory that provides laboratory services to area physicians, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, veterinarians, and occupational medicine throughout Southwest Michigan. Since 1950, we have served the laboratory needs of the greater...
San Diego Pathologists Medical Group, Inc: Details of services provided in anatomic pathology, cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry and research.
UniPath, LLC: UniPath is the largest Pathology Practice in the Rocky Mountain Region, with 25 pathologist physicians and supporting histotechnologists, cytotechnologists, management and other personnel.
Walter Reed Army Medical Center Pathology Department: A hospital-based laboratory offering a full range of clinical and anatomic services including electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, transfusion medicine and autopsy services.
Weland Clinical Laboratories: Weland Clinical Laboratories, P.C., has been serving Eastern Iowa for thirty-five years. Weland Clinical Laboratories, P.C. is a full service pathologist owned and directed laboratory, operating five convenient locations. Weland's team of health care professionals is dedicated to providing the hi...
