PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “LABORATORIES, MEDICAL”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Appropriateness in programs for continuous quality improvement in clinical laboratories.

BACKGROUND: External reviews and the accreditation of medical laboratories involve more than the mere assessment of conformance with standards for organisational processes. The new approaches to quality improvement suggest that, rather than using inspection to correct unusual errors, there should be more emphasis on improving the processes of health care to ensure that desired outcomes are produced. Appropriateness plays a key role in programs for quality improvement. METHODS: Appropriateness in laboratory medicine can be assessed, and improved, through the governance of the entire testing process. This begins with test selection, proceeds through valuable pre-, intra- and post-analytical procedures, and concludes by assuring the correct interpretation and utilization of laboratory information. RESULTS: The International Standard, specifically developed for medical laboratories (ISO 15189) recognizes the value of appropriate interpretation and advisory services, although it does not specify requirements for assessing appropriateness, requesting tests and interpreting results. The effectiveness of clinical laboratories can be assessed by using surrogate markers, which indicate physicians' satisfaction, and clinical audits. Effectiveness is also enhanced by stressing the importance of the technical and professional competence of evaluators. CONCLUSIONS: Inappropriate laboratory utilization unjustifiably increases health care costs, can harm patients and perpetuates the vision of laboratory testing as a commodity. Improvement in laboratory appropriateness can be achieved by seeking a better relationship with physicians and by stressing the role of laboratory specialists in providing clinical advice for the selection of laboratory tests, and the interpretation and utilization of their results, thus leading to more satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗
PubMed1999

Effect of current and forthcoming European legislation and standardization on the setting of quality specifications by laboratories.

A network of national and international guidelines and directives developed in the last few decades by various bodies will lead to a new concept of total quality for medical laboratory services comprising legislative regulations on national and international levels, standardizations backed up by legislation and recommendations of professional societies. One example is the IVD Directive of the European Community. It will not only stimulate accreditation in the field of laboratory medicine, but also necessitate numerous standardization activities which are presently co-ordinated by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Another standardization example is the development of quality management systems, mainly by ISO. The ISO 9000 series has become the most successful family of standards world-wide. Meanwhile, specific standards for the needs of laboratories (ISO 17025), and in particular of medical laboratories (ISO 15189), are being worked out. A new trend to develop quality management systems towards total quality management systems can be observed including additional aspects such as economic and quality interests of society, customers and owners of laboratories. The goal of all activities is to create a network of confidence which provides some guarantee to the clients, i.e. the physicians and their patients, that they will receive a high-quality medical laboratory service.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The challenging journey of CLS/MLS student recruitment.

Clinical laboratory science/medical laboratory science (CLS/MLS) programs struggle for student applicants. At the same time, the health-care industry suffers from a shortage of qualified laboratory scientists. This article addresses the University of Utah's (U of U) Medical Laboratory Science program efforts to increase student enrollment. Student applicants were needed desperately. The Director of Medical Laboratory Science Education appointed a 0.5-FTE person to manage student recruitment and academic advisement. Immediately, we took a "shotgun" approach to promote and attract qualified students, followed by specific exploratory methods to examine students' motivations in applying to the U of U MLS program. Recently, we conducted a national study of university-based CLS/MLS programs to research what motivates students' enrollment in CLS/MLS programs. We found that the most important motivational factors for a student's choice of a CLS/MLS program are 1) based on geographical location, 2) influenced by family and friends in making their decision, 3) viewing the laboratory profession as a stepping stone to other professions, and 4) their college advisor, the most relevant information source for these students. The U of U MLS program markets locally and encourages family and friends to spread the word about the profession. We remain visible to college advisors and find new opportunities to expose the profession to high school students.

Career Choice↗
PubMed2004

Evaluating metabolic syndrome in a medical physiology laboratory.

The metabolic syndrome, a cluster of factors linked to obesity that contribute to risk for atherosclerosis and Type 2 diabetes, may affect 20-25% of the adults in the United States. We designed a medical physiology laboratory to evaluate and discuss the physiological and nutritional principles involved in the metabolic syndrome. The five criteria used to diagnose this syndrome (fasting blood triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose, blood pressure, central obesity) were measured by students on each other either previously or during this exercise. In addition, to illustrate nutritional factors involved in causation and treatment of the metabolic syndrome, a meal was provided during the laboratory. Class members were randomized to groups allowed ad libitum meal composition, or constrained to the National Cholesterol Education Program Step I or Step II diets. The composition of the diet (including saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and carbohydrate content) was discussed in the context of blood cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels. This laboratory allows a comprehensive analysis of the physiological and nutritional factors involved in the development of the metabolic syndrome.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1984

Dermatophytes identified at the Australian National Reference Laboratory in Medical Mycology 1966-1982.

Over a 17 yr period from 1966 to 1982, 4354 dermatophytes were identified at the Australian National Reference Laboratory in Medical Mycology. The most frequently identified species was Trichophyton rubrum, accounting for 35.3% of identifications, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (26.5%), Trichophyton tonsurans (12.8%), Epidermophyton floccosum (10.7%) and Microsporum canis (8.4%). Specimens taken from the feet were the most common source of the Trichophyton rubrum isolates, followed by specimens from the groin. The highest incidence of T. rubrum and other Trichophyton infections was found in males in the age group 21-30 yr. Microsporum species were most commonly isolated from children aged 10 yr or less. In 1.5% of specimens, more than one fungal species was isolated. In most of these instances a yeast (predominantly Candida species) was found in addition to a Trichophyton species.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Resistance of gonococci in the Netherlands; results of a survey of medical microbiology laboratories].

OBJECTIVE: To collect information about the incidence ofgonorrhoea and gonococcal resistance in the Netherlands. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to 39 medical microbiology laboratories to obtain information on current diagnostics and the susceptibility testing method, and on the number of positive results and the susceptibility pattern of gonococcal isolates in 2002 and 2003 (up to and including November). RESULTS: 32 laboratories participated in this survey. 13 laboratories used culture alone and 19 laboratories used culture and/or a molecular test. Gonorrhoea was diagnosed 2,666 times in 2002 and 2,190 times in 2003, with an incidence of 33.5 and 27.0 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. The rate of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillin and amoxicillin) was 12.2% and 10.7% in 2002 and 2003, respectively, and the rates of resistance to tetracycline were 18.5% and 20.6%. An increase in the resistance to quinolones was observed from 6.6% in 2002 to 9.5% in 2003. Resistance to cephalosporins was low (0.5% in 2002 and 1.2% in 2003). Furthermore, regional differences in susceptibility were found within the Netherlands. CONCLUSION: The observed gonococcal incidence and resistance form the basis for a gonorrhoea prevention and treatment programme in the Netherlands.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

Introduction to ISO 15189: a blueprint for quality systems in veterinary laboratories.

BACKGROUND: A trend in human and veterinary medical laboratory management is to achieve accreditation based on international standards. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189 standard is the first developed especially for accreditation of medical laboratories, and emphasizes the laboratory-client interface. European veterinary laboratories seeking to train candidates for the certification examination of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) require approval by the ECVCP Laboratory Standards Committee, which bases its evaluation in part on adherence to quality systems described in the ISO 15189 standards. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to introduce the latest ISO quality standard and describe its application to veterinary laboratories in Europe, specifically as pertains to accreditation of laboratories involved in training veterinary clinical pathologists. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2006, the Laboratory Standards Committee reviewed 12 applications from laboratories (3 commercial and 9 university) involved in training veterinary clinical pathologists. Applicants were asked to provide a description of the facilities for training and testing, current methodology and technology, health and safety policy, quality assurance policy (including internal quality control and participation in an external quality assurance program), written standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies, a description of the laboratory information system, and personnel and training. Also during this time period multiple informal and formal discussions among ECVCP diplomates took place as to current practices and perceived areas of concern with regard to laboratory accreditation requirements. RESULTS: Areas in which improvement most often was needed in veterinary laboratories applying for ECVCP accreditation were the written quality plan, defined quality requirements for the tests performed, written SOPs and policies, training records, ongoing audits and competency assessments, and processes for identifying and addressing opportunities for improvement. Recommendations were developed for a stepwise approach towards achieving ISO 15189 standards, including 3 levels of quality components. CONCLUSION: The ISO 15189 standard provides a sound framework for veterinary laboratories aspiring to meet international quality standards.

Accreditation↗
PubMed2000

Cancer skills laboratories for medical students: a promising approach for cancer education.

BACKGROUND: Most medical students graduate without the skills necessary to assist patients in cancer control. To address this problem, the authors developed a cancer skills laboratory for second-year medical students. METHODS: The skills laboratory consists of two hours of training, with 15 minutes allotted per station (six to eight students assigned per station). Faculty and fellows lead the stations on prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, counseling for smoking cessation, and a discussion of anti-tobacco advertisements. Students completed pre- and post-laboratory surveys consisting of ten brief questions. RESULTS: Overall, 94% of eligible students in 1997 and 1998 completed the surveys. Using a five-point scale, self-rated skill level increased from 2.12 to 3.83 when all modalities were averaged (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer skills laboratories are a promising new means for cancer education.

Boston↗
PubMed1995

Laboratory services in the context of health care in the 1990's.

Third in a series of articles on the Clinical Laboratory of the Future, this paper explores the trends affecting the human dimension of laboratory services. The role of the medical laboratory technologist will change along a number of predictable trends over the next five years. Each of these trends is discussed in light of the adjustments to be made over the next five years.

Canada↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Employee satisfaction: an integral component of total quality.

As part of the Total Quality Management process, the leadership of Rush Medical Laboratories, with a staff of 400, made an initial commitment to focus on their own employees as the most important customers. Only after the employees' development, their help, their support, and their empowerment could Rush Medical Laboratories make the improvements in customer relationships and obtain the operations improvement, cost savings, and productivity necessary to maintain a competitive edge. This article outlines the numerous employee initiatives that have resulted from this commitment. All of these initiatives were successful at some point during the 5 or more years since the incorporation of TQM within Rush Medical Laboratories. In the spirit of continuous improvement, some have been modified or discontinued and replaced by others. This article provides an overview of the many improvements that are possible when employees are provided a forum in which to voice their needs, and it challenges the management and employees of all laboratories to focus on this vital component of total quality.

Awards and Prizes↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Laboratory of medical biochemistry].

The main research directions of the laboratory: investigation of infringement mechanisms in certain metabolic processes with vitamin D3 deficiency and ways of their regulation; study of mechanisms of vitamin D3 functioning and exchange in organisms in the healthy state and with certain pathologies; elaboration of high-effective preparation forms of vitamin D3 for their implementation in medicine and agriculture. It is proved that a decrease in content of active metabolites of vitamin D3 in case of rickets depends on the process gravity; disturbances in the mineral exchange and formation of cyclic nucleotides, changes in the structure and conformation of the blood plasma proteins, lipoproteins of low and high density, lipids and cellular membrane proteins (especially protein 3 of erythrocyte membranes) are observed. This causes the disturbances in vitamin D3 function and in activity of membrane-bound enzymes. The above mentioned changes and the increase of the atherogenicity coefficient allowed a conclusion to be made that rickets of children is the risk-factor of cardiovascular diseases both in childhood and in the following age periods. It is determined that when the organism is provided with vitamin D3 the latter is transported not only into hepatocytes but also into reticulocytes which are a locus for vitamin D storage. This factor maintains the concentration of active metabolites of vitamin D3 on the physiological level within three months. The provision degree of the fetus and the newborn infants depends on mother's concentration level. However the vitamin D3 exchange varies during the pregnancy period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biochemical Phenomena↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of medical technology students' perceptions of clinical site rotations and job choice criteria.

This study reflects an assessment conducted at the University of Utah to determine medical laboratory science students' perceptions and influence of clinical rotations on job choice criteria. A mixed method design was used, incorporating semistructured interviews and mailed questionnaires. This study identified both favorable as well as unfavorable factors that influence students' employment choices. Clinical managers should: 1) foster a positive organizational climate; 2) encourage constructive employee-student interaction and respect; 3) promote the clinical facilities' reputation of excellence in health care; and 4) continue to offer competitive wages and employee benefits. Clinical managers should avoid: 1) a lack of positive attitudes toward students; and 2) a lack of respect for the student's knowledge. This study provides crucial information for laboratory directors, managers, and supervisors who are interested in creating an ideal climate in which to recruit graduating medical laboratory science (MLS) students.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Futue direction of three-year educational establishments for students of medical technology].

The medical laboratory technologist education currently offered at four state run junior colleges will be upgraded to higher education as all those junior colleges become universities in 2004. It has already been decided that several private junior colleges and vocational schools are to be upgraded to universities as well. Furthermore, the course will not only be offered in undergraduate universities, but also on a postgraduate level, increasing the number of medical laboratory technologists with a master's degree or a doctorate. This reform is perhaps due to a demand for medical laboratory technologists of higher quality because of such social conditions as a highly-sophisticated information society, advancement in healthcare and medicine, and transition from volume to quality. It is also a measure for securing further capacity by seeking adequate human resources because of the declining population in the 18-year-old bracket, due to the declining birth rate. In such a condition, the direction three-year educational establishments must take is to nurture human resources with qualities that compare favorably with university graduates. As ways of accomplishing this, we could focus on practical technological education at vocational schools with the educational period set at four years, or recruit and train university graduates with rudimental abilities, as they do at specialist postgraduate schools.

Curriculum↗
PubMed2000

A pilot study on the quality control of film processing in medical radiology laboratories in Greece.

The results of a pilot study on the quality of film processing in 80 medical diagnostic radiology laboratories all over Greece are presented. The sensitometric technique for the evaluation of processing has been used to calculate film's base + fog, maximum optical density, speed and contrast, parameters which describe the performance characteristics of automatic film processors and films. The mean values of the base + fog and the maximum optical density were well within the acceptance limits. The film speed was almost constant while the film contrast showed significant variation.

Equipment Design↗