1
|
Kampfrath T, Leung F. A Beginner's Guide to Laboratory-Vendor Relationships. J Appl Lab Med 2024; 9:654-657. [PMID: 38696721 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kampfrath
- Department of Medical Affairs, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Tarrytown, NY, United States
| | - Felix Leung
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brazil R. How co-working labs reduce costs and accelerate progress for biotech start-ups. Nature 2024; 626:221-223. [PMID: 38287180 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
|
3
|
Castelvecchi D. The world's top chemical-weapons detectives just opened a brand-new lab. Nature 2023; 617:657-658. [PMID: 37198468 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-01622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
|
4
|
Schuh AJ, Kyondo J, Graziano J, Balinandi S, Kainulainen MH, Tumusiime A, Nyakarahuka L, Mulei S, Baluku J, Lonergan W, Mayer O, Masereka R, Masereka F, Businge E, Gatare A, Kabyanga L, Muhindo S, Mugabe R, Makumbi I, Kayiwa J, Wetaka MM, Brown V, Ojwang J, Nelson L, Millard M, Nichol ST, Montgomery JM, Taboy CH, Lutwama JJ, Klena JD. Rapid establishment of a frontline field laboratory in response to an imported outbreak of Ebola virus disease in western Uganda, June 2019. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009967. [PMID: 34860831 PMCID: PMC8673597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu in August 2018. By June 2019, the outbreak had spread to 26 health zones in northeastern DRC, causing >2,000 reported cases and >1,000 deaths. On June 10, 2019, three members of a Congolese family with EVD-like symptoms traveled to western Uganda’s Kasese District to seek medical care. Shortly thereafter, the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Surveillance and Laboratory Program (VHF program) at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) confirmed that all three patients had EVD. The Ugandan Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of EVD in Uganda’s Kasese District, notified the World Health Organization, and initiated a rapid response to contain the outbreak. As part of this response, UVRI and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with the support of Uganda’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center, the Kasese District Health Team, the Superintendent of Bwera General Hospital, the United States Department of Defense’s Makerere University Walter Reed Project, and the United States Mission to Kampala’s Global Health Security Technical Working Group, jointly established an Ebola Field Laboratory in Kasese District at Bwera General Hospital, proximal to an Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU). The laboratory consisted of a rapid containment kit for viral inactivation of patient specimens and a GeneXpert Instrument for performing Xpert Ebola assays. Laboratory staff tested 76 specimens from alert and suspect cases of EVD; the majority were admitted to the ETU (89.3%) and reported recent travel to the DRC (58.9%). Although no EVD cases were detected by the field laboratory, it played an important role in patient management and epidemiological surveillance by providing diagnostic results in <3 hours. The integration of the field laboratory into Uganda’s National VHF Program also enabled patient specimens to be referred to Entebbe for confirmatory EBOV testing and testing for other hemorrhagic fever viruses that circulate in Uganda. Following an imported outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Uganda’s western Kasese District, the Uganda Virus Research Institute and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention jointly established a frontline field laboratory to test specimens collected from alert and suspect cases for Ebola virus disease. Using a single room equipped with a rapid containment kit to safely inactivate patient specimens and a GeneXpert to perform the Xpert Ebola Assay, the field laboratory rapidly ruled-out Ebola virus disease as the cause of illness in 76 patients during its 46 operational days. All specimens were also referred to Uganda Virus Research Institute (Entebbe) for confirmatory Ebola virus testing and testing against a panel of viruses known to cause hemorrhagic fever in Uganda, in line with the National Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program’s testing protocol and mandate. The Ebola field laboratory served as a valuable asset in the outbreak response by supporting patient management and epidemiological surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy J. Schuh
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AJS); (JDK)
| | - Jackson Kyondo
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - James Graziano
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephen Balinandi
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Markus H. Kainulainen
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alex Tumusiime
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Luke Nyakarahuka
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Sophia Mulei
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Baluku
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - William Lonergan
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Oren Mayer
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Raymond Mugabe
- Uganda Central Public Health Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Issa Makumbi
- Uganda Public Health Emergency Operations Center, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Kayiwa
- Uganda Public Health Emergency Operations Center, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Vance Brown
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ojwang
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lisa Nelson
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Stuart T. Nichol
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joel M. Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Celine H. Taboy
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Julius J. Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - John D. Klena
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AJS); (JDK)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Niu C, Wang X, Zhang Y, Lu L, Wang D, Gao Y, Wang S, Luo J, Jiang Y, Wang N, Guo Y, Zhu L, Dong L. Interlaboratory assessment of quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by reverse transcription digital PCR. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:7195-7204. [PMID: 34697653 PMCID: PMC8545465 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03680-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused severe harm to the health of people all around the world. Molecular detection of the pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), played a crucial role in the control of the disease. Reverse transcription digital PCR (RT-dPCR) has been developed and used in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA as an absolute quantification method. Here, an interlaboratory assessment of quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was organized by the National Institute of Metrology, China (NIMC), using in vitro transcribed RNA samples, among ten laboratories on six different dPCR platforms. Copy number concentrations of three genes of SARS-CoV-2 were measured by all participants. Consistent results were obtained with dispersion within 2.2-fold and CV% below 23% among different dPCR platforms and laboratories, and Z′ scores of all the reported results being satisfactory. Possible reasons for the dispersion included PCR assays, partition volume, and reverse transcription conditions. This study demonstrated the comparability and applicability of RT-dPCR method for quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and showed the capability of the participating laboratories at SARS-CoV-2 test by RT-dPCR platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Niu
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhuo Zhang
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Center for Reference Materials Research and Management (Office of National Research Center for Certified Reference Materials), National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Di Wang
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Yunhua Gao
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Shangjun Wang
- Biological Metrology Center, Nanjing Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingyan Luo
- R & D Department, Guangdong Forevergen Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Foshan, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- R & D Department, Mission Medical Technologies (Ningbo) Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Nuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Lianhua Dong
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lephart P, LeBar W, Newton D. Behind Every Great Infection Prevention Program is a Great Microbiology Laboratory: Key Components and Strategies for an Effective Partnership. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2021; 35:789-802. [PMID: 34362544 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A great clinical microbiology laboratory supporting a great infection prevention program requires focusing on the following services: rapid and accurate identification of pathogens associated with health care-associated infections; asymptomatic surveillance for health care-acquired pathogens before infections arise; routine use of broad and flexible antimicrobial susceptibility testing to direct optimal therapy; implementation of epidemiologic tracking tools to identify outbreaks; development of clear result communication with interpretative comments for clinicians. These goals are best realized in a collaborative relationship with the infection prevention program so that both can benefit from the shared priorities of providing the best patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Lephart
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road Building 36-1221-52, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, USA.
| | - William LeBar
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road Building 36-1221-52, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, USA
| | - Duane Newton
- NaviDx Consulting, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road Building 36-1221-52, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Weaver DT, McElvany BD, Gopalakrishnan V, Card KJ, Crozier D, Dhawan A, Dinh MN, Dolson E, Farrokhian N, Hitomi M, Ho E, Jagdish T, King ES, Cadnum JL, Donskey CJ, Krishnan N, Kuzmin G, Li J, Maltas J, Mo J, Pelesko J, Scarborough JA, Sedor G, Tian E, An GC, Diehl SA, Scott JG. UV decontamination of personal protective equipment with idle laboratory biosafety cabinets during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0241734. [PMID: 34310599 PMCID: PMC8312969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucially important to the safety of both patients and medical personnel, particularly in the event of an infectious pandemic. As the incidence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases exponentially in the United States and many parts of the world, healthcare provider demand for these necessities is currently outpacing supply. In the midst of the current pandemic, there has been a concerted effort to identify viable ways to conserve PPE, including decontamination after use. In this study, we outline a procedure by which PPE may be decontaminated using ultraviolet (UV) radiation in biosafety cabinets (BSCs), a common element of many academic, public health, and hospital laboratories. According to the literature, effective decontamination of N95 respirator masks or surgical masks requires UV-C doses of greater than 1 Jcm−2, which was achieved after 4.3 hours per side when placing the N95 at the bottom of the BSCs tested in this study. We then demonstrated complete inactivation of the human coronavirus NL63 on N95 mask material after 15 minutes of UV-C exposure at 61 cm (232 μWcm−2). Our results provide support to healthcare organizations looking for methods to extend their reserves of PPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davis T. Weaver
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | | | - Vishhvaan Gopalakrishnan
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Kyle J. Card
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Dena Crozier
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Andrew Dhawan
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Cleveland Clinic, Division of Neurology, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Mina N. Dinh
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Emily Dolson
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Nathan Farrokhian
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Masahiro Hitomi
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Emily Ho
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Tanush Jagdish
- Dana Farber Cancer Insitute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Eshan S. King
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | | | | | - Nikhil Krishnan
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Gleb Kuzmin
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Ju Li
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Jeff Maltas
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | | | - Julia Pelesko
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Jessica A. Scarborough
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Geoff Sedor
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Enze Tian
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Gary C. An
- University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Sean A. Diehl
- University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SAD); (JGS)
| | - Jacob G. Scott
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SAD); (JGS)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nimer R, Swedan S, Kofahi H, Khabour O. Increased Adherence to Infection Control Practices Among Medical Laboratory Technicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Self-Reported Survey Study. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:56. [PMID: 34221909 PMCID: PMC8231461 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The adherence of medical laboratory technicians (MLT) to infection control guidelines is essential for reducing the risk of exposure to infectious agents. This study explored the adherence of MLT towards infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method The study population consisted of MLT (n = 444) who worked in private and government health sectors in Jordan. A self-reported survey was used to collect data from participants. Findings More than 87% of the participants reported adherence to hand-washing guidelines and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with patients (74.5%), and handling clinical samples (70.0%). Besides, 88.1%, 48.2%, and 7.7% reported wearing of lab coats, face masks, and goggles, at all times, respectively. The majority reported increased adherence to infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes increased PPE use at the workplace (94.2%), increased frequency of disinfection of laboratory surfaces (92.4%) and laboratory equipment (86.7%), and increased frequency of handwashing/use of antiseptics (94.6%). Having a graduate degree was significantly associated with increased adherence of participants to the daily use of goggles/eye protection (p = 0.002), and the use of PPE while handling clinical samples (p = 0.011). Having work experience of >10 years was associated with increased adherence to the use of PPE while handling clinical samples (p = 0.001). Conclusion MLT reported very good adherence with most assessed infection control practices. In addition, they reported increased conformity with infection control guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Refat Nimer
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Samer Swedan
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Hassan Kofahi
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Omar Khabour
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gutiérrez JM, Zanette L, Vigilato MAN, Pompei JCA, Martins D, Fan HW. Appraisal of antivenom production in public laboratories in Latin America during the first semester of 2020: The impact of COVID-19. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009469. [PMID: 34138853 PMCID: PMC8211283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- * E-mail:
| | - Larissa Zanette
- Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa, Organización Panamericana de la Salud, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Luo Y, Wang J, Zhang M, Wang Q, Chen R, Wang X, Wang H. COVID-19-another influential event impacts on laboratory medicine management. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 35:e23804. [PMID: 34032325 PMCID: PMC8183907 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Before public health emergencies became a major challenge worldwide, the scope of laboratory management was only related to developing, maintaining, improving, and sustaining the quality of accurate laboratory results for improved clinical outcomes. Indeed, quality management is an especially important aspect and has achieved great milestones during the development of clinical laboratories. CURRENT STATUS However, since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a threat worldwide, previous management mode inside the separate laboratory could not cater to the demand of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Among emerging new issues, the prominent challenges during the period of COVID-19 pandemic are rapid-launched laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) for urgent clinical application, rapid expansion of testing capabilities, laboratory medicine resources, and personnel shortages. These related issues are now impacting on clinical laboratory and need to be effectively addressed. CONCLUSION Different from traditional views of laboratory medicine management that focus on separate laboratories, present clinical laboratory management must be multidimensional mode which should consider consolidation of the efficient network of regional clinical laboratories and reasonable planning of laboratories resources from the view of overall strategy. Based on relevant research and our experience, in this review, we retrospect the history trajectory of laboratory medicine management, and also, we provide existing and other feasible recommended management strategies for laboratory medicine in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- YunTao Luo
- Shanghai center for clinical laboratoryShanghaiChina
| | - JingHua Wang
- Shanghai center for clinical laboratoryShanghaiChina
| | - MinMin Zhang
- Shanghai center for clinical laboratoryShanghaiChina
| | | | - Rong Chen
- Shanghai center for clinical laboratoryShanghaiChina
| | - XueLiang Wang
- Shanghai center for clinical laboratoryShanghaiChina
| | - HuaLiang Wang
- Shanghai center for clinical laboratoryShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Effective management of clinical laboratories relies upon an understanding of Quality Control and External Quality Assurance principles. These processes, when applied effectively, reduce patient risk and drive quality improvement. In this Review, we will describe the purpose of QC and EQA and their role in identifying analytical and process error. The two concepts are linked, and we will illustrate that linkage. Some EQA providers offer far more than analytical surveillance. They facilitate training and education and extend quality improvement and identify areas where there is potential for patient harm into the pre-and post-analytical phases of the total testing process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony Badrick
- Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Program, St Leonards, Sydney 2065, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Golden
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kadambari Devarajan
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cathleen Balantic
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joseph Drake
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Hallworth
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Toni Lyn Morelli
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
- U.S. Geological Survey, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Botti-Lodovico
- From the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (Y.B.-L., P.S.) and the Center for Systems Biology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University (P.S.) - both in Cambridge, MA; the Microbiology Laboratories and the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (E.R.), the Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School (E.R.), and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (P.S.) - all in Boston; and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD (Y.B.-L., P.C.S.)
| | - Eric Rosenberg
- From the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (Y.B.-L., P.S.) and the Center for Systems Biology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University (P.S.) - both in Cambridge, MA; the Microbiology Laboratories and the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (E.R.), the Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School (E.R.), and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (P.S.) - all in Boston; and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD (Y.B.-L., P.C.S.)
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- From the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (Y.B.-L., P.S.) and the Center for Systems Biology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University (P.S.) - both in Cambridge, MA; the Microbiology Laboratories and the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (E.R.), the Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School (E.R.), and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (P.S.) - all in Boston; and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD (Y.B.-L., P.C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Weaver DT, McElvany BD, Gopalakrishnan V, Card KJ, Crozier D, Dhawan A, Dinh MN, Dolson E, Farrokhian N, Hitomi M, Ho E, Jagdish T, King ES, Cadnum JL, Donskey CJ, Krishnan N, Kuzmin G, Li J, Maltas J, Mo J, Pelesko J, Scarborough JA, Sedor G, Tian E, An GC, Diehl SA, Scott JG. UV decontamination of personal protective equipment with idle laboratory biosafety cabinets during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0241734. [PMID: 34310599 DOI: 10.1101/2020.03.25.20043489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucially important to the safety of both patients and medical personnel, particularly in the event of an infectious pandemic. As the incidence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases exponentially in the United States and many parts of the world, healthcare provider demand for these necessities is currently outpacing supply. In the midst of the current pandemic, there has been a concerted effort to identify viable ways to conserve PPE, including decontamination after use. In this study, we outline a procedure by which PPE may be decontaminated using ultraviolet (UV) radiation in biosafety cabinets (BSCs), a common element of many academic, public health, and hospital laboratories. According to the literature, effective decontamination of N95 respirator masks or surgical masks requires UV-C doses of greater than 1 Jcm-2, which was achieved after 4.3 hours per side when placing the N95 at the bottom of the BSCs tested in this study. We then demonstrated complete inactivation of the human coronavirus NL63 on N95 mask material after 15 minutes of UV-C exposure at 61 cm (232 μWcm-2). Our results provide support to healthcare organizations looking for methods to extend their reserves of PPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davis T Weaver
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Benjamin D McElvany
- University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Vishhvaan Gopalakrishnan
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Kyle J Card
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Dena Crozier
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Andrew Dhawan
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Cleveland Clinic, Division of Neurology, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Mina N Dinh
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Emily Dolson
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Nathan Farrokhian
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Masahiro Hitomi
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Emily Ho
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Tanush Jagdish
- Dana Farber Cancer Insitute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Eshan S King
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | | | | | - Nikhil Krishnan
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Gleb Kuzmin
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Ju Li
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Jeff Maltas
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | | | - Julia Pelesko
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Jessica A Scarborough
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Geoff Sedor
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Enze Tian
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Gary C An
- University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Sean A Diehl
- University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Jacob G Scott
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fiala JA, Coleman JM. Tailoring the Sleep Laboratory for Chronic Respiratory Failure. Sleep Med Clin 2020; 15:557-568. [PMID: 33131665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
"Many seemingly mundane aspects of the sleep laboratory can have outsized effects on the quality of polysomnographic data obtained from, and care provided to, patients. This is particularly true when performing polysomnography on patients with chronic respiratory failure due to various causes. This article uses a disease-based approach to review physical and protocol-based accommodations that should be considered when performing polysomnography on this patient population."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Fiala
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Street Clair Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - John M Coleman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Street Clair Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Demographics of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce and student body in the US and Europe continue to show severe underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Among the documented causes of the persistent lack of diversity in STEM are bias, discrimination, and harassment of members of underrepresented minority groups (URMs). These issues persist due to continued marginalization, power imbalances, and lack of adequate policies against misconduct in academic and other scientific institutions. All scientists can play important roles in reversing this trend by shifting the culture of academic workplaces to intentionally implement equitable and inclusive policies, set norms for acceptable workplace conduct, and provide opportunities for mentorship and networking. As scientists are increasingly acknowledging the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in science, there is a need for clear direction on how to take antiracist action. Here we present 10 rules to help labs develop antiracists policies and action in an effort to promote racial and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusion in science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V. Bala Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Asmeret Asefaw Berhe
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, California
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Homolka S, Paulowski L, Andres S, Hillemann D, Jou R, Günther G, Claassens M, Kuhns M, Niemann S, Maurer FP. Two Pandemics, One Challenge-Leveraging Molecular Test Capacity of Tuberculosis Laboratories for Rapid COVID-19 Case-Finding. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:2549-2554. [PMID: 32956612 PMCID: PMC7588527 DOI: 10.3201/eid2611.202602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In many settings, the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic coincides with other major public health threats, in particular tuberculosis. Using tuberculosis (TB) molecular diagnostic infrastructure, which has substantially expanded worldwide in recent years, for COVID-19 case-finding might be warranted. We analyze the potential of using TB diagnostic and research infrastructures for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing. We focused on quality control by adapting the 12 Quality System Essentials framework to the COVID-19 and TB context. We conclude that diagnostic infrastructures for TB can in principle be leveraged to scale-up SARS-CoV-2 testing, in particular in resource-poor settings. TB research infrastructures also can support sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 to study virus evolution and diversity globally. However, fundamental principles of quality management must be followed for both TB and SARS-CoV-2 testing to ensure valid results and to minimize biosafety hazards, and the continuity of TB diagnostic services must be guaranteed at all times.
Collapse
|
18
|
Affiliation(s)
- Yongtian Tina Tan
- Yongtian Tina Tan, M.D., M.B.A., is is a third year pediatric resident at University of California San Francisco and a recent graduate of the Harvard M.D./M.B.A. program. Aaron S. Kesselheim, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, a faculty member of the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the Director of the Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), and a primary care physician. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics
| | - Aaron S Kesselheim
- Yongtian Tina Tan, M.D., M.B.A., is is a third year pediatric resident at University of California San Francisco and a recent graduate of the Harvard M.D./M.B.A. program. Aaron S. Kesselheim, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, a faculty member of the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the Director of the Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), and a primary care physician. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
de Sousa ESO, Cortez ACA, de Souza Carvalho Melhem M, Frickmann H, de Souza JVB. Factors influencing susceptibility testing of antifungal drugs: a critical review of document M27-A4 from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:1791-1800. [PMID: 32757139 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00354-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing numbers of fungal infections and the emergence of drug-resistant fungi, optimization and standardization of diagnostic methods for the measurement of antifungal susceptibility are ongoing. The M27-A4 document by the US Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) is presently used for the interpretation of minimum inhibitory concentrations of major opportunistic yeast species as measured by broth microdilution testing in many countries. Although microdilution is considered a benchmark for reproducible and accurate results, increased testing capacity, and limited human bias, the method is often inaccessible to routine clinical laboratories and researchers, especially in low-income countries. Furthermore, several studies suggest that there are still a considerable number of factors that make the estimation of in vitro activity of antifungal agents challenging. This review article summarizes the limitations of the M27-A4 standard which, despite the advances and improvements obtained by the standardization of antimicrobial resistance testing methods by CLSI, still persist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Claúdia Alves Cortez
- Department of Medical Microbiology, National Institute for Amazonian Research - INPA, André Araújo Avenue, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Marcia de Souza Carvalho Melhem
- Department of Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Tropical Medicine at the Bernhard Nocht Institute, German Armed Forces Hospital of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - João Vicente Braga de Souza
- Department of Medical Microbiology, National Institute for Amazonian Research - INPA, André Araújo Avenue, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Adebowale O, Dipeolu S, Oduguwa A, Olubunmi FG, Fasina FO. Capacities and Functionalities Assessment of Veterinary Laboratories in South-west Nigeria Using the FAO Laboratory Mapping Tool. Biomed Environ Sci 2020; 33:458-463. [PMID: 32641210 DOI: 10.3967/bes2020.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oluwawemimo Adebowale
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Saheed Dipeolu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Adebankemo Oduguwa
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Fasanmi Gabriel Olubunmi
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Folorunso Oludayo Fasina
- Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mögling R, Meijer A, Berginc N, Bruisten S, Charrel R, Coutard B, Eckerle I, Enouf V, Hungnes O, Korukluoglu G, Kossyvakis T, Mentis A, Molenkamp R, Muradrasoli S, Papa A, Pigny F, Thirion L, van der Werf S, Reusken C. Delayed Laboratory Response to COVID-19 Caused by Molecular Diagnostic Contamination. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:1944-1946. [PMID: 32433015 PMCID: PMC7392437 DOI: 10.3201/eid2608.201843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) created an exceptional situation in which numerous laboratories in Europe simultaneously implemented SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. These laboratories reported in February 2020 that commercial primer and probe batches for SARS-CoV-2 detection were contaminated with synthetic control material, causing delays of regional testing roll-out in various countries.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
In this study, we explore the constitution of user representations of robots in design practice. Using the results of ethnographic research in two robot laboratories, we show how user representations emerge in and are entangled with design activities. Our study speaks to the growing popularity of and investment in robotics, robots and other forms of artificial intelligence. Scholars in Science and Technology Studies (STS) have shown that it is often difficult for designers and engineers to develop accurate ideas about potential users of such technologies. However, the social context of robots and design settings themselves have received significantly less attention. Based on our laboratory ethnographies, we argue that the practices in which engineers are engaged are important as they can shape the kind of user images designers create. To capture these dynamics, we propose two new concepts: 'image-evoking activities' as well as 'user image landscape'. Our findings provide pertinent input for researchers, designers and policy-makers, as they raise questions with regards to contemporary fears of robots replacing humans, for the effectiveness of user involvement and participatory design, and for user studies in STS. If design activities co-constitute the user images that engineers develop, a greater awareness is needed specifically of the locales in which the design of robots and other types of technologies takes place.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Björn Fischer
- Björn Fischer, Department of Biomedical
Engineering and Health Systems, Royal Institute of Technology KTH, Huddinge,
SE-141 21, Sweden.
| | - Britt Östlund
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health
Systems, Royal Institute of Technology KTH, Sweden
| | - Alexander Peine
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development,
Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Narang R, Deshmukh P, Sherwal BL. Moving beyond clinical medicine: Revised mandate for public health microbiology. Indian J Med Microbiol 2020; 38:137-138. [PMID: 32883924 DOI: 10.4103/ijmm.ijmm_20_302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Narang
- Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pradeep Deshmukh
- Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sader K, Matadeen R, Castro Hartmann P, Halsan T, Schlichten C. Industrial cryo-EM facility setup and management. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2020; 76:313-325. [PMID: 32254055 PMCID: PMC7137108 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798320002223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has rapidly expanded with the introduction of direct electron detectors, improved image-processing software and automated image acquisition. Its recent adoption by industry, particularly in structure-based drug design, creates new requirements in terms of reliability, reproducibility and throughput. In 2016, Thermo Fisher Scientific (then FEI) partnered with the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, the University of Cambridge Nanoscience Centre and five pharmaceutical companies [Astex Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, GSK, Sosei Heptares and Union Chimique Belge (UCB)] to form the Cambridge Pharmaceutical Cryo-EM Consortium to share the risks of exploring cryo-EM for early-stage drug discovery. The Consortium expanded with a second Themo Scientific Krios Cryo-EM at the University of Cambridge Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy. Several Consortium members have set up in-house facilities, and a full service cryo-EM facility with Krios and Glacios has been created with the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre for Industry (eBIC for Industry) at Diamond Light Source (DLS), UK. This paper will cover the lessons learned during the setting up of these facilities, including two Consortium Krios microscopes and preparation laboratories, several Glacios microscopes at Consortium member sites, and a Krios and Glacios at eBIC for Industry, regarding site evaluation and selection for high-resolution cryo-EM microscopes, the installation process, scheduling, the operation and maintenance of the microscopes and preparation laboratories, and image processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasim Sader
- Materials and Structural Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Achtseweg Noord 5, 5651 GG Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rishi Matadeen
- Materials and Structural Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Achtseweg Noord 5, 5651 GG Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Diamond Light Source, Electron Bio-Imaging Centre for Industry, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Castro Hartmann
- Materials and Structural Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Achtseweg Noord 5, 5651 GG Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tor Halsan
- Materials and Structural Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Achtseweg Noord 5, 5651 GG Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Schlichten
- Materials and Structural Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Achtseweg Noord 5, 5651 GG Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mische SM, Fisher NC, Meyn SM, Sol-Church K, Hegstad-Davies RL, Weis-Garcia F, Adams M, Ashton JM, Delventhal KM, Dragon JA, Holmes L, Jagtap P, Kubow KE, Mason CE, Palmblad M, Searle BC, Turck CW, Knudtson KL. A Review of the Scientific Rigor, Reproducibility, and Transparency Studies Conducted by the ABRF Research Groups. J Biomol Tech 2020; 31:11-26. [PMID: 31969795 PMCID: PMC6959150 DOI: 10.7171/jbt.20-3101-003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Shared research resource facilities, also known as core laboratories (Cores), are responsible for generating a significant and growing portion of the research data in academic biomedical research institutions. Cores represent a central repository for institutional knowledge management, with deep expertise in the strengths and limitations of technology and its applications. They inherently support transparency and scientific reproducibility by protecting against cognitive bias in research design and data analysis, and they have institutional responsibility for the conduct of research (research ethics, regulatory compliance, and financial accountability) performed in their Cores. The Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) is a FASEB-member scientific society whose members are scientists and administrators that manage or support Cores. The ABRF Research Groups (RGs), representing expertise for an array of cutting-edge and established technology platforms, perform multicenter research studies to determine and communicate best practices and community-based standards. This review provides a summary of the contributions of the ABRF RGs to promote scientific rigor and reproducibility in Cores from the published literature, ABRF meetings, and ABRF RGs communications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheenah M. Mische
- New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center, New
York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Nancy C. Fisher
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Susan M. Meyn
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville,
Tennessee 37212, USA
| | - Katia Sol-Church
- University of Virginia School of Medicine,
Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | | | | | - Marie Adams
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
USA
| | - John M. Ashton
- University of Rochester Medical Center, West
Henrietta, New York 14642, USA
| | - Kym M. Delventhal
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City,
Missouri 64110, USA
| | | | - Laura Holmes
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City,
Missouri 64110, USA
| | - Pratik Jagtap
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
55455, USA
| | | | | | - Magnus Palmblad
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333, The
Netherlands
| | - Brian C. Searle
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington
98109, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
As COVID-19 continues to surge, cancer scientists engaged in basic research face unique challenges. At centers throughout the United States, investigators are confronting difficult decisions about which experiments to continue, while securing supplies and creating contingency plans for a complete shutdown.
Collapse
|
27
|
DU Q, Shi YC, Shao Y, Wu ZG, Xu S, Shang XJ, Pan BC. [Biosafety in andrology laboratories during the outbreak of COVID-19]. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue 2020; 26:219-222. [PMID: 33346960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) broke out in December 2019 and has been rapidly escalating throughout the world. Clinical findings show that the patients with either symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 can be a potential source of infection. Although respiratory droplets and close contact are considered to be the main routes of transmission, there is the possibility of aerosol transmission in a relatively closed environment. The nucleic acid of the novel coronavirus can be detected in nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum and other lower respiratory tract secretions, blood, feces, urine and so on, but whether it exists in the semen has not been confirmed. It is reported that the novel coronavirus may affect the testis that highly expresses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and theoretically the semen is a possible carrier of the virus considering the fact that it is discharged from the same channel as the urine. Andrology laboratorians are exposed to most of the specimens above, including semen, and some open operations in the laboratory increase the risk of aerosol generation. Therefore, corresponding protective procedures are necessitated in andrology laboratories to reduce the risk of infection during the outbreak of COVID-19. Based on the knowledge and experience available as regards the pandemic and the characteristics of the work in the andrology laboratory, we summarize some biosafety points for andrology laboratorians to attend to during the outbreak of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang DU
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Yi-Chao Shi
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Changzhou Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China
| | - Yong Shao
- Department of Andrology, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine / General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Song Xu
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine / General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Xue-Jun Shang
- Department of Andrology, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine / General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Bo-Chen Pan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ropero‐Miller JD, Smiley‐McDonald HM, Zimmer SA, Bollinger KM. A Census of Medicolegal Death Investigation in the United States: A Need to Determine the State of our Nation's Toxicology Laboratories and Their Preparedness for the Current Drug Overdose Epidemic. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:544-549. [PMID: 31990383 PMCID: PMC7065112 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In 2007, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported on 2004 data collected from the Census of Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices (CMEC). The CMEC was one of the first comprehensive reports on the state of the medicolegal death investigation system in the United States and included information on administration, expenditure, workload, specialized death investigations, records and evidence retention, and resources. However, the report did not include responses on questions that were related to toxicology such as specimen retention and type of testing. The purpose of this publication is to provide the community with toxicology laboratory-specific responses from nearly 2000 medical examiner and coroner (MEC) offices. Data obtained from a BJS CMEC public use dataset for any remaining information that was not reported in the 2007 BJS report were evaluated specific to the operation of toxicology laboratories within a MEC office or specific to toxicology testing. The CMEC includes information on average operating budget for MEC offices with internal or external toxicology services, budget for toxicology/microbiology services, respondents' routine uses of toxicology analysis, toxicology specimen retention time, average turnaround times, use of computerized information management systems, and participation in federal data collections. These historical data begin to address the present state of our nation's toxicology laboratories within the medicolegal death investigation system and their preparedness for the current drug overdose epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeri D. Ropero‐Miller
- Applied Justice Research DivisionRTI International3040 E. Cornwallis RoadResearch Triangle Park27709NC
| | - Hope M. Smiley‐McDonald
- Applied Justice Research DivisionRTI International3040 E. Cornwallis RoadResearch Triangle Park27709NC
| | - Stephanie A. Zimmer
- Statistical and Data Sciences DivisionRTI International3040 E. Cornwallis RoadResearch Triangle Park27709NC
| | - Katherine M. Bollinger
- Applied Justice Research DivisionRTI International3040 E. Cornwallis RoadResearch Triangle Park27709NC
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mills D, Staley S, Aisu S, Kunde T, Kimsey P, Lewis K. International Public Health Laboratory Twinning: An Innovative Approach to Strengthen the National Health Laboratory System in Uganda, 2014-2017. Public Health Rep 2020; 134:37S-42S. [PMID: 31682560 PMCID: PMC6832031 DOI: 10.1177/0033354919836957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
International initiatives to strengthen national health laboratory systems in resource-poor countries are often hampered by unfamiliarity with the country's health laboratory environment and turnover of international partners during the initiative. This study provides an overview of, and lessons learned from, the use of a laboratory long-term partnership approach (ie, "twinning") to strengthen the national public health laboratory system in an international setting. We focused on the partnering of the Uganda Ministry of Health Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) with the New Mexico State Public Health Laboratory to help the CPHL become Uganda's national public health reference laboratory (Uganda National Health Laboratory Services [UNHLS] Institute) and leader of its nascent Uganda National Health Laboratory Network (UNHLN). Via twinning, CPHL leadership received training on laboratory leadership and management, quality systems, facility management, and the One Health environmental strategy (ie, that the health of persons is connected to the health of animals and the environment), and drafted a National Health Laboratory Policy, UNHLS Institute business plan, and strategic and operating plans for the UNHLS Institute and UNHLN. The CPHL is now responsible for the UNHLS Institute and coordinates the UNHLN. Lessons learned include (1) twinning establishes stable long-term collaborations and (2) success requires commitment to a formal statement of activities and objectives, as well as clear and regular communication among partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Mills
- Scientific Laboratory Division, New Mexico Department of Health, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Sherrie Staley
- Global Health Program, Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Steven Aisu
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Twila Kunde
- Scientific Laboratory Division, New Mexico Department of Health, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Paul Kimsey
- California State Public Health Laboratory, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Kim Lewis
- Association of Public Health Laboratories, Pringle Bay, West Cape, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Villanueva J, Schweitzer B, Odle M, Aden T. Detecting Emerging Infectious Diseases: An Overview of the Laboratory Response Network for Biological Threats. Public Health Rep 2020; 134:16S-21S. [PMID: 31682559 PMCID: PMC6832029 DOI: 10.1177/0033354919874354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Laboratory Response Network (LRN) was established in 1999 to ensure an effective laboratory response to high-priority public health threats. The LRN for biological threats (LRN-B) provides a laboratory infrastructure to respond to emerging infectious diseases. Since 2012, the LRN-B has been involved in 3 emerging infectious disease outbreak responses. We evaluated the LRN-B role in these responses and identified areas for improvement. LRN-B laboratories tested 1097 specimens during the 2014 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus outbreak, 180 specimens during the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak, and 92 686 specimens during the 2016-2017 Zika virus outbreak. During the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak, the LRN-B uncovered important gaps in biosafety and biosecurity practices. During the 2016-2017 Zika outbreak, the LRN-B identified the data entry bottleneck as a hindrance to timely reporting of results. Addressing areas for improvement may help LRN-B reference laboratories improve the response to future public health emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Villanueva
- Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Beth Schweitzer
- Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marcella Odle
- Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tricia Aden
- Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Aysal A, Pehlivanoğlu B, Ekmekci S, Gündoğdu B. How to Set Up a Molecular Pathology Lab: A Guide for Pathologists. Turk Patoloji Derg 2020; 36:179-187. [PMID: 32525209 PMCID: PMC10510618 DOI: 10.5146/tjpath.2020.01488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In today's pathology practice, pathologists combine molecular tests with conventional histopathological methods. Pathology laboratories should therefore be designed and operated in accordance with the requirements of molecular testing procedures. While the specifics of the requirements may vary depending on the spectrum of the tests that will be performed, there are several basic criteria that need to be fulfilled for standardization. Adequate space, appropriate equipment and qualified personnel are required to establish a molecular pathology laboratory. One of the most important points that should be taken into consideration while designing a molecular pathology laboratory is to create a plan to prevent contamination. As molecular diagnosis has a major role in treatment decisions, the management of the molecular pathology laboratory is of utmost importance. In this review, the criteria required to establish an optimal molecular pathology laboratory will be reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anıl Aysal
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dokuz Eylul University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burçin Pehlivanoğlu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dokuz Eylul University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sümeyye Ekmekci
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dokuz Eylul University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Betül Gündoğdu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dokuz Eylul University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Dainiak N, Albanese J, Kaushik M, Balajee AS, Romanyukha A, Sharp TJ, Blakely WF. CONCEPTS OF OPERATIONS FOR A US DOSIMETRY AND BIODOSIMETRY NETWORK. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2019; 186:130-138. [PMID: 30726970 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncy294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The USA must be prepared to provide a prompt, coordinated and integrated response for radiation dose and injury assessment for suspected radiation exposure, whether it involves isolated cases or mass casualties. Dose estimation for radiation accidents typically necessitates a multiple parameter diagnostics approach that includes clinical, biological and physical dosimetry to provide an early-phase radiation dose. A US Individual Dosimetry and Biodosimetry Network (US-IDBN) will increase surge capacity for civilian and military populations in a large-scale incident. The network's goal is to leverage available resources and provide an integrated biodosimetry capability, using multiple parameter diagnostics. Initial operations will be to expand an existing functional integration of two cytogenetic biodosimetry laboratories by developing Standard Operating Procedures, cross-training laboratorians, developing common calibration curves, supporting inter-comparison exercises and obtaining certification to process clinical samples. Integration with certified commercial laboratories will increase surge capacity to meet the needs of a mass-casualty incident.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dainiak
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven CT 06520, USA
| | - Joseph Albanese
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven CT 06520, USA
| | - Meetu Kaushik
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven CT 06520, USA
| | - Adayabalam S Balajee
- Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, PO Box 117, MS 39, Oak Ridge TN 37831, USA
| | | | - Thad J Sharp
- Naval Dosimetry Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda MD 20889, USA
| | - William F Blakely
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, 4555 South Palmer Road, Bldg. 42, Bethesda MD 20889-5648, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jang S, Suto Y, Liu J, Liu Q, Zuo Y, Duy PN, Miura T, Abe Y, Hamasaki K, Suzuki K, Kodama S. CAPABILITIES OF THE ARADOS-WG03 REGIONAL NETWORK FOR LARGE-SCALE RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN ASIA. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2019; 186:139-142. [PMID: 30576530 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncy279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, the Asian Radiation Dosimetry Group established a regional network of biological dosimetry laboratories known as the ARADOS-WG03 (Working Group 03; Biological Dosimetry). A survey was conducted in 2017 to evaluate the capabilities and capacities of the participating laboratories for emergency preparedness and responses in large-scale nuclear and/or radiological incidents. The results of this survey were identified and assessed. The data provide important information on the current state of emergency cytogenetic biological dosimetry capabilities in the Asian region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Jang
- Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), Seoul, South Korea
| | - Y Suto
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan
| | - J Liu
- National Institute of Radiation Protection (NIRP), China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Q Liu
- National Institute of Radiation Protection (NIRP), China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Y Zuo
- China Institute of Radiation Protection (CIRP), China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Taiyuen, China
| | - P N Duy
- Nuclear Research Institute (NRI), Viet Nam Atomic Energy Commission, VINATOM, Dalat, Viet Nam
| | - T Miura
- Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Y Abe
- Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - K Hamasaki
- Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), Hiroshima, Japan
| | - K Suzuki
- Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - S Kodama
- Osaka Prefacture University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pickering BS, Spengler JR, Shadabi E, Dalziel AE, Lautner EA, Silva P. The Biosafety Level 4 Zoonotic Laboratory Network (BSL4ZNet): Report of a workshop on live animal handling. Antiviral Res 2019; 172:104640. [PMID: 31669332 PMCID: PMC7105346 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Biosafety Level 4 Zoonotic Laboratory Network (BSL4ZNet) was established in 2016, to provide a means of communication and support for the global high-containment laboratory community. Its working groups focus on international response, institutional cooperation and knowledge sharing, scientific excellence and training. In the latter role, BSL4ZNet sponsored its first international workshop in February 2018, held at the USDA National Centers for Animal Health, Ames, Iowa, USA, focused on necropsy procedures in high-containment laboratories. A second workshop, in November 2018, was held at the National Microbiology Laboratories (CFIA/PHAC) in Winnipeg, Canada, and focused on decontamination. A third workshop, held at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong, Australia, in February 2019, was devoted to handling methods and ethical concerns for live animals in high-containment laboratories. The third workshop brought together 12 laboratorians from seven partner organizations in Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. It included both discussion-based and hands-on training sessions on animal welfare, animal models, site-specific infrastructure constraints, health monitoring and humane endpoints, sampling procedures, and carcass disposal. This report summarizes the inception, development, and structure of the BSL4ZNet, and highlights the aims and results of the Geelong workshop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brad S Pickering
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Preventative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Jessica R Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elnaz Shadabi
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antonia E Dalziel
- Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Lautner
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Primal Silva
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
The results of medical laboratory testing are only useful if they lead to appropriate actions by medical practitioners and/or patients. An underappreciated component of the medical testing process is the transfer of the information from the laboratory report into the reader's brain. The format of laboratory reports can be determined by the testing laboratory, which may issue a formatted report, or by electronic systems receiving information from laboratories and controlling the report format. As doctors can receive information from many laboratories, interpreting information from reports in a safe and rapid manner is facilitated by having similar report layouts and formats. Using Australia as an example, there is a wide variation in report formats in spite of a body of work to define standards for reporting. In addition to standardising of report formats, consideration needs to be given to optimisation of report formatting to facilitate rapid and unambiguous reading of the report and also interpretation of the data. Innovative report formats have been developed by some laboratories; however, wide adoption has not followed. The need to balance uniformity of reporting with appropriate innovation is a challenge for safe reporting of laboratory results. This paper discusses the current status and opportunity for improvement in safety and efficiency of the reading of laboratory reports, using current practise and developments in Australia as examples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham R D Jones
- Department of Chemical Pathology, SydPath, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Legg
- Michael Legg and Associates, University of Wollongong, Bulli, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Infectious diseases by definition spread and therefore have impact beyond local hospitals and institutions where they occur. With increasingly complex and worrisome infectious disease evolution including emergence of multidrug resistance, regional, national, and international agencies and resources must work hand in hand with local clinical microbiology laboratories to address these global threats. Described are examples of such resources, both existing and aspirational, that will be needed to address the infectious disease challenges ahead. The authors comment on several instances of entrenched policy that are nonproductive and may be worthy of revision to address unmet needs in infectious disease diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose A Lee
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Life Science, 3 Blackfan Circle - CLS 5th FL 517/4C, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James E Kirby
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Clinical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue - YA309, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Several lines of evidence now confirm that the vast majority of errors in laboratory medicine occur in the extra-analytical phases of the total testing processing, especially in the preanalytical phase. Most importantly, the collection of unsuitable specimens for testing (either due to inappropriate volume or quality) is by far the most frequent source of all laboratory errors, thus calling for urgent strategies for improving blood sample quality and managing data potentially generated measuring unsuitable specimens. A comprehensive overview of scientific literature leads us to conclude that hemolyzed samples are the most frequent cause of specimen non-conformity in clinical laboratories (40-70%), followed by insufficient or inappropriate sample volume (10-20%), biological samples collected in the wrong container (5-15%) and undue clotting (5-10%). Less frequent causes of impaired sample quality include contamination by infusion fluids (i.e. most often saline or glucose solutions), cross-contamination of blood tubes additives, inappropriate sample storage conditions or repeated freezing-thawing cycles. Therefore, this article is aimed to summarize the current evidence about the most frequent types of unsuitable blood samples, along with tentative recommendations on how to prevent or manage these preanalytical non-conformities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Verona, Piazzale LA Scuro, 37100 - Verona, Italy
| | - Alexander von Meyer
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Kliniken Nordoberpfalz AG and Klinikum St. Marien, Weiden and Amberg, Germany
| | - Janne Cadamuro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ana-Maria Simundic
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Sveti Duh, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Caplan I, DeCamp M. Of Discomfort and Disagreement: Unclaimed Bodies in Anatomy Laboratories at United States Medical Schools. Anat Sci Educ 2019; 12:360-369. [PMID: 30586224 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Use of unclaimed bodies for anatomy teaching in undergraduate medical education continues, but is ethically controversial. The purposes of this study were to estimate the proportion of United States (US) medical schools using unclaimed bodies in first-year anatomy laboratories, to determine whether schools inform students of this use, and to explore anatomy course leaders' attitudes toward unclaimed body use. Anatomy course leaders from 146 US medical schools that had independent preclinical programs including anatomy were surveyed. Survey results were analyzed with descriptive statistics and statistical tests of association. Free text responses were analyzed using a thematic editing style of qualitative content analysis. Of 89 responses (response rate, 61.0%), 11 schools (12.4%) reported possible use of unclaimed bodies. Course leaders from these schools reported greater comfort with using unclaimed bodies compared to leaders from other schools (P < 0.01). Although most course leaders (49/76, or 64.5%) believed it was important or very important to inform students about use of unclaimed bodies, respondents from schools where unclaimed bodies could be used were more neutral (P < 0.01). Qualitative findings revealed deep disagreement and contradictory views about how unclaimed body use relates to ethical principles of respect for persons and justice. Continued use of unclaimed bodies, varying levels of comfort with their use, and disagreement about the practices' underlying morality suggest a need for greater ethical reflection about the permissibility of unclaimed body use in clinical anatomy and for educational interventions that teach students about its history, ethics, and contemporary practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Caplan
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Matthew DeCamp
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Shu Y, Song Y, Wang D, Greene CM, Moen A, Lee CK, Chen Y, Xu X, McFarland J, Xin L, Bresee J, Zhou S, Chen T, Zhang R, Cox N. A ten-year China-US laboratory collaboration: improving response to influenza threats in China and the world, 2004-2014. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:520. [PMID: 32326921 PMCID: PMC6696701 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) underscored the importance of influenza detection and response in China. From 2004, the Chinese National Influenza Center (CNIC) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) initiated Cooperative Agreements to build capacity in influenza surveillance in China.From 2004 to 2014, CNIC and USCDC collaborated on the following activities: 1) developing human technical expertise in virology and epidemiology in China; 2) developing a comprehensive influenza surveillance system by enhancing influenza-like illness (ILI) reporting and virological characterization; 3) strengthening analysis, utilization and dissemination of surveillance data; and 4) improving early response to influenza viruses with pandemic potential.Since 2004, CNIC expanded its national influenza surveillance and response system which, as of 2014, included 408 laboratories and 554 sentinel hospitals. With support from USCDC, more than 2500 public health staff from China received virology and epidemiology training, enabling > 98% network laboratories to establish virus isolation and/or nucleic acid detection techniques. CNIC established viral drug resistance surveillance and platforms for gene sequencing, reverse genetics, serologic detection, and vaccine strains development. CNIC also built a bioinformatics platform to strengthen data analysis and utilization, publishing weekly on-line influenza surveillance reports in English and Chinese. The surveillance system collects 200,000-400,000 specimens and tests more than 20,000 influenza viruses annually, which provides valuable information for World Health Organization (WHO) influenza vaccine strain recommendations. In 2010, CNIC became the sixth WHO Collaborating Centre for Influenza. CNIC has strengthened virus and data sharing, and has provided training and reagents for other countries to improve global capacity for influenza control and prevention.The collaboration's successes were built upon shared mission and values, emphasis on long-term capacity development and sustainability, and leadership commitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuelong Shu
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Collaboration Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, 102206 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Song
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Dayan Wang
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Collaboration Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, 102206 People’s Republic of China
| | - Carolyn M. Greene
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Ann Moen
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - C. K. Lee
- On behalf of Emerging Disease Surveillance and Response (ESR), World Health Organization Western Pacific Region, Manila, Philippines
| | - Yongkun Chen
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Collaboration Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, 102206 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiyan Xu
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Jeffrey McFarland
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Li Xin
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Collaboration Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, 102206 People’s Republic of China
| | - Joseph Bresee
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Suizan Zhou
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Tao Chen
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Collaboration Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, 102206 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Nancy Cox
- Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Liu B, Ma F, Rainey JJ, Liu X, Klena J, Liu X, Kan B, Yan M, Wang D, Zhou Y, Tang G, Wang M, Zhao C. Capacity assessment of the health laboratory system in two resource-limited provinces in China. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:467. [PMID: 32326939 PMCID: PMC6696693 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strong laboratory capacity is essential for detecting and responding to emerging and re-emerging global health threats. We conducted a quantitative laboratory assessment during 2014-2015 in two resource-limited provinces in southern China, Guangxi and Guizhou in order to guide strategies for strengthening core capacities as required by the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). METHODS We selected 28 public health and clinical laboratories from the provincial, prefecture and county levels through a quasi-random sampling approach. The 11-module World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory assessment tool was adapted to the local context in China. At each laboratory, modules were scored 0-100% through a combination of paper surveys, in-person interviews, and visual inspections. We defined module scores as strong (> = 85%), good (70-84%), weak (50-69%), and very weak (< 50%). We estimated overall capacity and compared module scores across the provincial, prefecture, and county levels. RESULTS Overall, laboratories in both provinces received strong or good scores for 10 of the 11 modules. These findings were primarily driven by strong and good scores from the two provincial level laboratories; prefecture and county laboratories were strong or good for only 8 and 6 modules, respectively. County laboratories received weak scores in 4 modules. The module, 'Public Health Functions' (e.g., surveillance and reporting practices) lagged far behind all other modules (mean score = 46%) across all three administrative levels. Findings across the two provinces were similar. CONCLUSIONS Laboratories in Guangxi and Guizhou are generally performing well in laboratory capacity as required by IHR. However, we recommend targeted interventions particularly for county-level laboratories, where we identified a number of gaps. Given the importance of surveillance and reporting, addressing gaps in public health functions is likely to have the greatest positive impact for IHR requirements. The quantitative WHO laboratory assessment tool was useful in identifying both comparative strengths and weaknesses. However, prior to future assessments, the tool may need to be aligned with the new WHO IHR monitoring and evaluation framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- Office of Laboratory Management, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Room 335, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206 People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Ma
- Emerging and Infectious Disease Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100600 China
| | - Jeanette J. Rainey
- Emerging and Infectious Disease Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100600 China
| | - Xin Liu
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329-4027 USA
| | - John Klena
- Emerging and Infectious Disease Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100600 China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Office of Laboratory Management, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Room 335, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206 People’s Republic of China
| | - Biao Kan
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (ICDC), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206 China
| | - Meiying Yan
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (ICDC), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206 China
| | - Dingming Wang
- Guizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guizhou Province, 550004 China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Province, 530028 China
| | - Guangpeng Tang
- Guizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guizhou Province, 550004 China
| | - Mingliu Wang
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Province, 530028 China
| | - Chihong Zhao
- Office of Laboratory Management, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Room 335, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206 People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Queiruga D, Cabello J. Cooking a Research Project: New Trends in the Kitchen and in Scientific Policies. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1900017. [PMID: 30970157 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The culture of chefs from the world's best restaurants is substituted by new trends paradigmatically epitomized by the TV program Masterchef. The authors feel that a similar transformation affects modern research. Recent scientific policies constrict the design of research grants with the aim of short-term maximization of the monetary value generated by the researcher.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Queiruga
- Departamento de Economía y Empresa, Universidad de La Rioja, C/ La Cigüeña 60, Logroño, 26006, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Juan Cabello
- CIBIR (Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja), C/ Piqueras 98, Logrono, 26006, La Rioja, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Löwing Svensson L. [The future of laboratory medicine, the future laboratory physician]. Lakartidningen 2019; 116:FLEC. [PMID: 31192385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Internal and external factors influence the future of laboratory medicine. In the coming years point of care testing and faster and cheaper methods of genome sequencing are predicted to become more important. Changes in laboratory organization and demography with an aging population will likewise impact the coming years. An increased information flow between laboratories and clinicians, where symptoms, findings and vital signs are combined with laboratory results and their change over time, has the potential of generating refined reports. Sharing of equipment between laboratory specialities as well as working in conjunction with clinicians in influencing patterns of testing through guidelines and algorithms may also aid in saving precious resources.
Collapse
|
43
|
Tasker TL, Burgos WD, Ajemigbitse MA, Lauer NE, Gusa AV, Kuatbek M, May D, Landis JD, Alessi DS, Johnsen AM, Kaste JM, Headrick KL, Wilke FDH, McNeal M, Engle M, Jubb AM, Vidic RD, Vengosh A, Warner NR. Accuracy of methods for reporting inorganic element concentrations and radioactivity in oil and gas wastewaters from the Appalachian Basin, U.S. based on an inter-laboratory comparison. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2019; 21:224-241. [PMID: 30452047 DOI: 10.1039/c8em00359a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Accurate and precise analyses of oil and gas (O&G) wastewaters and solids (e.g., sediments and sludge) are important for the regulatory monitoring of O&G development and tracing potential O&G contamination in the environment. In this study, 15 laboratories participated in an inter-laboratory comparison on the chemical characterization of three O&G wastewaters from the Appalachian Basin and four solids impacted by O&G development, with the goal of evaluating the quality of data and the accuracy of measurements for various analytes of concern. Using a variety of different methods, analytes in the wastewaters with high concentrations (i.e., >5 mg L-1) were easily detectable with relatively high accuracy, often within ±10% of the most probable value (MPV). In contrast, often less than 7 of the 15 labs were able to report detectable trace metal(loid) concentrations (i.e., Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb) with accuracies of approximately ±40%. Despite most labs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with low instrument detection capabilities for trace metal analyses, large dilution factors during sample preparation and low trace metal concentrations in the wastewaters limited the number of quantifiable determinations and likely influenced analytical accuracy. In contrast, all the labs measuring Ra in the wastewaters were able to report detectable concentrations using a variety of methods including gamma spectroscopy and wet chemical approaches following Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard methods. However, the reported radium activities were often greater than ±30% different to the MPV possibly due to calibration inconsistencies among labs, radon leakage, or failing to correct for self-attenuation. Reported radium activities in solid materials had less variability (±20% from MPV) but accuracy could likely be improved by using certified radium standards and accounting for self-attenuation that results from matrix interferences or a density difference between the calibration standard and the unknown sample. This inter-laboratory comparison illustrates that numerous methods can be used to measure major cation, minor cation, and anion concentrations in O&G wastewaters with relatively high accuracy while trace metal(loid) and radioactivity analyses in liquids may often be over ±20% different from the MPV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T L Tasker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Laboratory Response Network (LRN) laboratories help protect populations from biological and chemical public health threats. We examined the role of LRN biological laboratories in enhancing capacity to detect and respond to public health infectious disease emergencies in South Korea. The model for responding to infectious disease emergencies leverages standardized laboratory testing procedures, a repository of standardized testing reagents, laboratory testing cooperation among hospital sentinel laboratories and reference laboratories, and maintenance of a trained workforce through traditional and on-demand training. Cooperation among all network stakeholders helps ensure that laboratory response is an integrated part of the national response. The added laboratory testing capacity provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention LRN assets helps protect persons who reside in South Korea, US military personnel and civilians in South Korea, and those who reside in the continental United States.
Collapse
|
45
|
Concepción-Acevedo J, Patel A, Luna-Pinto C, Peña RG, Cuevas Ruiz RI, Arbolay HR, Toro M, Deseda C, De Jesus VR, Ribot E, Gonzalez JQ, Rao G, De Leon Salazar A, Ansbro M, White BB, Hardy MC, Georgi JC, Stinnett R, Mercante AM, Lowe D, Martin H, Starks A, Metchock B, Johnston S, Dalton T, Joglar O, Stafford C, Youngblood M, Klein K, Lindstrom S, Berman L, Galloway R, Schafer IJ, Walke H, Stoddard R, Connelly R, McCaffery E, Rowlinson MC, Soroka S, Tranquillo DT, Gaynor A, Mangal C, Wroblewski K, Muehlenbachs A, Salerno RM, Lozier M, Sunshine B, Shapiro C, Rose D, Funk R, Pillai SK, O’Neill E. Initial Public Health Laboratory Response After Hurricane Maria - Puerto Rico, 2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018; 67:333-336. [PMID: 29565842 PMCID: PMC5868205 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6711a5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
46
|
Voelkl B, Vogt L, Sena ES, Würbel H. Reproducibility of preclinical animal research improves with heterogeneity of study samples. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2003693. [PMID: 29470495 PMCID: PMC5823461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2003693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-laboratory studies conducted under highly standardized conditions are the gold standard in preclinical animal research. Using simulations based on 440 preclinical studies across 13 different interventions in animal models of stroke, myocardial infarction, and breast cancer, we compared the accuracy of effect size estimates between single-laboratory and multi-laboratory study designs. Single-laboratory studies generally failed to predict effect size accurately, and larger sample sizes rendered effect size estimates even less accurate. By contrast, multi-laboratory designs including as few as 2 to 4 laboratories increased coverage probability by up to 42 percentage points without a need for larger sample sizes. These findings demonstrate that within-study standardization is a major cause of poor reproducibility. More representative study samples are required to improve the external validity and reproducibility of preclinical animal research and to prevent wasting animals and resources for inconclusive research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Voelkl
- Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucile Vogt
- Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emily S. Sena
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Chancellors Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hanno Würbel
- Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Braglia L, Morello L, Gavazzi F, Gianì S, Mastromauro F, Breviario D, Cardoso HG, Valadas V, Campos MD. Interlaboratory Comparison of Methods Determining the Botanical Composition of Animal Feed. J AOAC Int 2018; 101:227-234. [PMID: 28762324 DOI: 10.5740/jaoacint.17-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A consortium of European enterprises and research institutions has been engaged in the Feed-Code Project with the aim of addressing the requirements stated in European Union Regulation No. 767/2009, concerning market placement and use of feed of known and ascertained botanical composition. Accordingly, an interlaboratory trial was set up to compare the performance of different assays based either on optical microscope or DNA analysis for the qualitative and quantitative identification of the composition of compound animal feeds. A tubulin-based polymorphism method, on which the Feed-Code platform was developed, provided the most accurate results. The present study highlights the need for the performance of ring trials for the determination of the botanical composition of animal feeds and raises an alarm on the actual status of analytical inaccuracy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Braglia
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Via A. Corti 12, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Morello
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Via A. Corti 12, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Floriana Gavazzi
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Via A. Corti 12, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Gianì
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Via A. Corti 12, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Diego Breviario
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Via A. Corti 12, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Hélia Guerra Cardoso
- University of Évora, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Pólo da Mitra, Apartado 94, 7002 Évora, Portugal
| | - Vera Valadas
- University of Évora, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Pólo da Mitra, Apartado 94, 7002 Évora, Portugal
| | - Maria Doroteia Campos
- University of Évora, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Pólo da Mitra, Apartado 94, 7002 Évora, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Taiwan's National Laboratory System is one of the action packages of the Global Health Security Agenda, which was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote health security as an international priority and to encourage progress toward full implementation of the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005. The mission of each national laboratory system is to conduct real-time biosurveillance and effective laboratory-based diagnostics, as measured by a nationwide laboratory system able to reliably conduct diagnoses on specimens transported properly to designated laboratories from at least 80% of the regions in the country. In Taiwan, the national laboratory system for public health is well-established and coordinated by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which is the government authority in charge of infectious disease prevention and intervention. Through the national laboratory system, Taiwan CDC effectively detects and characterizes pathogens that cause communicable diseases across the entire country, including both known and novel threats, and also conducts epidemiologic analyses of infectious diseases. In this article, we describe the national laboratory system for public health in Taiwan. We provide additional information on the national influenza laboratory surveillance network to demonstrate how our national laboratory systems work in practice, including descriptions of long-term seasonal influenza characterization and successful experiences identifying novel H7N9 and H6N1 influenza viruses.
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A clinical laboratory management (CLM) curriculum that can objectively assess the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pathology systems-based practice milestones and can provide consistent resident training across institutions is needed. METHODS Faculty at Emory University created a curriculum that consists of assay verification exercises and interactive, case-based online modules. Beta testing was done at Emory University and Johns Hopkins. Residents were required to obtain a score of more than 80% in the online modules to achieve levels 3 to 4 in the milestones. In addition, residents shadowed a laboratory director, performed an inspection of a laboratory section, and completed training in human subjects research and test utilization. RESULTS Fourteen residents took and evaluated the laboratory administration curriculum. The printed certificates from the modules were used for objective faculty evaluation of mastery of concepts. Of all the activities the residents performed during the rotation, the online modules were ranked most helpful by all residents. A 25-question knowledge assessment was performed before and after the rotation and showed an average increase of 8 points (P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS The multimodal CLM training described here is an easily adoptable, objective system for teaching CLM. It was well liked by residents and provided an objective measurement of mastery of concepts for faculty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Guarner
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Charles E Hill
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Timothy Amukele
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Petersen A, Held N, Heide L. Surveillance for falsified and substandard medicines in Africa and Asia by local organizations using the low-cost GPHF Minilab. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184165. [PMID: 28877208 PMCID: PMC5587284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Substandard and falsified medical products present a serious threat to public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Their identification using pharmacopeial analysis is expensive and requires sophisticated equipment and highly trained personnel. Simple, low-cost technologies are required in addition to full pharmacopeial analysis in order to accomplish widespread routine surveillance for poor-quality medicines in low- and middle-income countries. Methods Ten faith-based drug supply organizations in seven countries of Africa and Asia were each equipped with a Minilab of the Global Pharma Health Fund (GPHF, Frankfurt, Germany), suitable for the analysis of about 85 different essential medicines by thin-layer chromatography. Each organization was asked to collect approximately 100 medicine samples from private local medicine outlets, especially from the informal sector. The medicine samples were tested locally according to the Minilab protocols. Medicines which failed Minilab testing were subjected to confirmatory analysis in a WHO-prequalified medicine quality control laboratory in Kenya. Results Out of 869 medicine samples, 21 were confirmed to be substandard or falsified medical products. Twelve did not contain the stated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), six contained insufficient amounts of the API, and three showed insufficient dissolution of the API. The highest proportion of substandard and falsified medicines was found in Cameroon (7.1%), followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (2.7%) and Nigeria (1.1%). Antimalarial medicines were most frequently found to be substandard or falsified (9.5% of all antimalarials). Thin-layer chromatography according to the Minilab protocols was found to be specific and reproducible in the identification of medicines which did not contain the stated API. Since only samples which failed Minilab testing were subjected to confirmatory testing using pharmacopeial methods, this study did not assess the sensitivity of the Minilab methodology in the detection of substandard medicines, and may underestimate the prevalence of poor-quality medicines. Conclusions Surveillance for poor-quality medicines can be carried out by local organizations in low- and middle-income countries using a simple, low-cost technology. Such surveillance can identify an important subgroup of the circulating substandard and falsified medical products and can help to prevent them from causing harm in patients. A collaboration of the national drug regulatory authorities with faith-based organizations and other NGOs may therefore represent a promising strategy towards the Sustainable Development Goal of “ensuring access to quality medicines”.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Petersen
- Difäm - German Institute for Medical Mission, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail: (AP); (LH)
| | - Nadja Held
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Eberhard Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lutz Heide
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Eberhard Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail: (AP); (LH)
| | | |
Collapse
|