Point of care testing (POCT) is a new concept in laboratory medicine that is widely used at present. It is the new advent that helps ease medical care in the present day. The knowledge on the POCT medicine is very important and necessary for the general practitioner. In this specific book, the author summarizes, presents and discusses on the concept of POCT, its importance and examples of important POCT tools.

In a perfect world, after their clinical rotation, CLSs and MLTs will be working in all four areas of study of medical technology (Microbiology, Chemistry, Hematology and Immunohematology), retain all that they know and live and work happily ever after. But as we all know that is far from the case, more frequently than not, a CLS or MLT will be stuck in one or two specialized area of study. Mycology is a unique sub-subspecialty of Microbiology that both the macroscopic and microscopic part of it require years of experience for a CLS to feel a high level of confidence. CLSs who had been away from the Mycology department for a period of time or never had a chance to work in the Mycology department will need a good refresher course before venturing into this department. This manual does not claim to be able to boost someone's confidence overnight or claim to have all the answers, but instead this manual serves as a guide to re-discovering what one previously knew. My hope is that this manual will serve its purpose and be a source of confidence to those who are brave enough to venture out in the mycology department as a newbee or someone who had been away from it for a period of time.

With the first IVF treatments, many skeptics rejected the process due to the possibility of something going wrong. But with time, this new way of conceiving became accepted throughout the world. But there is always a danger that somebody might come up with an unethical and dangerous idea to influence the process of fetal development in order to be able to offer his or her services to the people who would be prepared to pay enormous sums and in this way endanger the lives of the innocent newborn.

With time and effort, some of the ideas, impossible today, might be achievable in the future and it could go beyond our present understanding but we should be on guard that it does not go beyond our control.

Homeless women and female-headed families represent the fastest growing subgroups of homeless individuals. To expand the body of knowledge and provide further insight into the complex area of homelessness and health, health practices of sheltered homeless women were investigated using a cross-sectional, descriptive, and non-experimental design using Pender's Health Promotion Model as the theoretical framework. Homeless women in this study were found to be highly educated, mostly unemployed, and primarily single. A greater number of African Americans than represented in the local population were found to be shelter residents. Significant findings reflected women's personal strengths. Homeless women were noted to practice health-promoting behaviors in all areas but scored the lowest on physical activity; negative health behaviors related to tobacco use was widespread. Health care access and effective utilization of services were evidenced in the sample. This book is addressed to those who provide services to homeless women including shelters, clinics, nurses, outreach workers, and social workers.

Heart rejection is a major problem for heart transplant patients. The best strategy for understanding and preventing organ rejection is to study experimental animal models. The popular mouse model of heterotopic cardiac transplantation has been used for over three decades to help investigators understand the pathogenesis of graft rejection and in turn, how novel drugs can attenuate the immune response to transplanted organs. Also, since the genetic blueprint of mice is well-known, specific genes can be modified to study its effect on graft acceptance and tolerance. Despite the large potential for this model, little is known about the physiology, haemodynamics, and morphology of the transplanted heart and there is no method to assess objectively graft survival. This work describes in detail the use of high-frequency ultrasound for investigating the small transplanted mouse heart. For the first time, insights are made into blood flow, the effects of graft rejection, and organ survival with never before seen high-resolution images unachievable with conventional ultrasound. This work will be of significant interest to investigators, clinicians and students in the field.

Increased intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may result in tissue damage and are therefore associated with various diseases, especially with cancer. Apart from their potentially harmful functions, ROS have been identified as important mediators of essential cellular processes like apoptosis. Antioxidants are the cellular antagonists of ROS and act to neutralize the cytotoxic impact of oxyradicals. In healthy individuals, antioxidant systems serve to maintain intracellular ROS levels below a certain threshold, permitting the functionality of essential ROS-mediated signaling processes but preventing ROS overproduction and potential tissue damage. Even small shifts of the ROS-antioxidant balance may entail serious biological consequences. In the context of ROS-based anti-cancer applications inducing apoptosis, the action of antioxidants may critically influence the outcome of the therapy. Decreased antioxidant capacity that is induced purposefully as a therapeutic strategy may result in an improved anti-cancer action, whereas the external addition of antioxidants may reduce the cytotoxic potential of the therapy.

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) play an important role in the treatment of numerous neurodegenerative, cognitive and psychiatric disorders. How can we identify exogenous ligands mediating the effects of mGluRs? How do these ligands affect the receptor? The author Tobias Noeske presents the establishment of strategies for the identification and optimization of molecules acting as non-competitive antagonists of group I mGluRs. These strategies ensure high diversity in the identified chemotypes not resembling original reference molecules ("scaffold-hopping"). The detection of new scaffolds, in turn, is divided into two approaches: First the development of pharmacological assays to screen compounds at a certain target for their bioactivity, and second the evaluation of computer aided methods for the identification of virtual hits to be screened on the pharmacological assays. Promising molecules were optimized regarding bioactivity and selectivity, their binding mode investigated and, finally, compared to existing lead compounds. This book addresses scientists in academia and industry working in early stage drug discovery, predominantly in computer aided drug design.

The classic reference, expanded and updated

Tietz's Applied Laboratory Medicine, Second Edition provides a comprehensive overview of modern laboratory medicine in a real-life, case-based format. Complete with patient history and laboratory data, the cases illustrate many new laboratory tests and treatments, current risk factor guidelines based on laboratory tests, and new test algorithms. For ease of use, cases are grouped by body system or disease category, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, liver, gastrointestinal, endocrine, gynecologic and obstetrical, hematological, and central nervous system, as well as lipid and metabolism disorders, congenital disorders, toxicology, infectious, autoimmune diseases, and more. Extensively updated and expanded, this reference features: Ninety cases illustrating the latest laboratory tests for disease diagnosis and risk assessment, including: cardiac damage markers, congestive heart failure markers, cardiac risk factors, autoimmune markers, bone resorption markers, and genetic testing New case studies encompassing hematology, coagulation, infectious disease, autoimmune disease, molecular diagnostics, and more Detailed case studies that include the definition of the disease, its pathophysiology, and treatment

This is a practical, valuable reference for clinical chemists, clinical lab technologists, pathologists, allied health professionals, general practitioners, residents, medical students, and educators.

Introduction to MOHS Cryotomy by Steven Lee is the first Manual written for those individuals interested in becoming Mohs Techs. The manual touches on all areas of a Mohs techs' responsibilities, with charts, diagrams and photographs to aid the beginner to better understand their most important responsibility. This manual covers Quality Control, Specimen Inking and Mapping, Embedding, Cryotomy, The Hematoxylin and Eosin Stain, Coverslipping and Troubleshooting. ~~~~~~~~~~Upon graduating Laboratory Technology training in New York City, Steven Lee moved to Florida where he began his work in Histology. Lee worked for one of the first Mohs Surgeons in Palm Beach County in 1982 and has continued working in that specialty for a number of surgeons in the South Florida region. This past year, Lee created the first employment Staffing Agency that specifically address this specialized area of expertise. www.mohstechstaffing.com is a website designed to place qualified Mohs Techs with Mohs Surgeons. In addition, Mr. Lee also offers individual and group training programs.~~~~~~~~~~~~~1stworldpublishing.com

The X-ray equipment maintenance and repairs workbook is intended to help and guide staff working with, and responsible for, radiographic equipment and installations in remote institutions where the necessary technical support is not available, to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs of equipment to avoid break downs. The book can be used for self study and as a checklist for routine maintenance procedures.

A one-of-a-kind roadmap for foreign medical graduates seeking positions in the United States. Includes user-friendly advice on obtaining a visa; moving to and living in America; passing the USMLE, CSA, and TOEFL; developing residency survival skills; and practicing medicine successfully in the USA.

The revised and updated Third Edition of this popular text/atlas details the expanding diagnostic capabilities of two of the most rapidly growing brain imaging modalities: single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). This edition describes the latest instrumentation and techniques and examines the clinical utility of both modalities in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors, dementia, seizure disorders, trauma, and psychiatric disorders. The authors compare PET versus SPECT and introduce receptor imaging findings where applicable. More than 400 illustrations complement the text

Dry chemistry has been accepted as an important technology in medical laboratories for many years. Many evaluations of this technology have been undertaken by reputable clinical laboratories, the results of which were excellent when compared with conventional wet chemistry analysis.

This book contains a detailed overview of the current knowledge in the field of dry chemistry both in the physicians' office laboratories and large medical laboratories. The results from many evaluation studies are presented, as is data from interference studies which complete the descriptions of many dry chemistry methods.

A detailed description of various commercially available dry chemistry systems such as Ektachem, Reflotron, Seralyzer, Cobas Ready, Drichem, Opus and Stratus are also included.

This book effectively describes the current state-of-the-art technology and knowledge and succeeds in filling the gap in information in this important field of clinical chemistry science.

Originally published as 'Trockenchemie' by Georg Thieme Verlag,
Stuttgart, Dr. Sonntag has taken the opportunity of this translation to completely revise and update the contents of his book.

Handbook of Flow Cytometry Methods Edited By J. Paul Robinson Associate Editors: Zbigniew Darzynkiewicz, Phillip Dean, Lynn Dressler, Hans Tanke and Leon Wheeless Here is the ideal laboratory manual for investigators involved in research and diagnostic applications of flow cytometry. Handbook of flow cytometry methods offers a collection of proven, basic procedures designed for use in the flow cytometry laboratory. Methods implemented at Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories and developed in laboratories of contributors worldwide provide practical, step-by-step procedures for:

• the preparation and handling of standards, reagents and specimens
• laboratory analyses for immunophenotyping
• measurement of DNA content and cell cycle analyses
• determination of cell physiology and function
• set up and operation of flow cytometers
• computational and data analysis techniques
• safety precautions

• ample space throughout for personal annotations
• suggestions of alternative procedures; trouble-shooting tips
• extensive list of reagents and suppliers
• comb-bound format for ease of use at the lab bench

Selecting the best embryo to transfer to the uterus is key to successful in vitro fertilization (IVF). A huge amount of research has been devoted to this topic and there are numerous methods used, from simple morphological assessment to molecular biological techniques to assess the genome and metabolism of the newly fertilized embryo. For many of these techniques, an adequate evidence base is lacking, and expert opinion is valuable. Clinical imperatives require ranking all embryos in a cohort according to their viability, thereby enabling the selection of the best embryo to optimize live birth outcome: a key indicator used to measure and rate IVF Clinics worldwide. This clear and informative manual will provide embryologists and clinicians with an overview of the tools now available to assist in embryo selection, as well as evidence for their efficacy and safety and the broader considerations that must underlie these important clinical decisions.

Theorie und Praxis klaffen im Studium von Biologie, Chemie, Medizin oder Pharmazie vor allem im Hinblick auf die Einarbeitung in die Labor-Routine zunachst weit auseinander. Dieser Leitfaden bietet eine praxisnahe und erprobte Anleitung zum sicheren Beherrschen grundlegender Methoden und Techniken im Labor. Einen besonderen Schwerpunkt bildet das Thema "Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz". Behandelt werden u.a. folgende Inhalte: Wie setzt man exakt eingestellte Loesungen an? Was bedeutet Gefassjustierung? Wie berechnet man den pH-Wert einer schwachen Saure? Was ist bei Hochdruckgasen und Reduzierventilen zu beachten? Wie funktionieren Chromatographie und Elektrophorese? Die Leser bekommen eine kompakte Einstiegshilfe in die Soft Skills der praktischen Laborarbeit mit Material- und Geratekunde sowie Schritt-fur-Schritt-Anleitungen an die Hand. Diese stark bearbeitete Neuauflage enthalt zusatzlich zwei kleine Kapitel zur Planung von Experimenten sowie zur statistischen Behandlung von Messergebnissen.

Die grundsatzlichen Moglichkeiten und Grenzen der Bewertung des Nachweisvermogens von Analysenverfahren und -ergebnissen werden dargestellt. Diesbezugliche Leistungskriterien haben Bedeutung fur die Auswahl und den Vergleich von Verfahren fur die Spurenanalyse inbezug auf praktische Aufgabenstellungen, die Interpretation von Analysenergebnissen sowie die Entwicklung, Optimierung und Validierung von Analysenverfahren. Die gegenwartige Vielzahl von teilweise widerspruchlichen Bezeichnungsarten und Berechnungsweisen der eingefuhrten charakteristischen Kenngrossen fuhrt zu Verwirrungen und Fehldeutungen und somit zu Unsicherheiten sowohl im Verstandnis als auch in praktischen Anwendungen."

The rapid acceptance of immunohistochemistry as an important and even indispensable adjunct to morphological examination and diagnosis requires the modern anatomical pathology laboratory to be conversant with, and proficient in, immunostaining procedures, as well as methods of tissue processing and antigen retrieval and the underlying characteristics of the increasing number of antibodies and antisera available. This fully revised, expanded and updated edition provides a comprehensive list of antisera and monoclonal antibodies that have useful diagnostic applications in tissue sections and cell preparations. Various clones, which are commercially available to detect the same antigen, are listed and the sensitivities and specificities of the antibodies are discussed. Importantly, the authors, all pathologists with a wealth of experience in immunostaining procedures, provide fully referenced details and expert advice on each reagent, which the reader will find invaluable. Finally, the appendices provide easily accessible and clear summaries of selected antibody panels for specific diagnostic situations, details of heat-induced antigen/epitope retrieval (including the use of microwaves) and a useful reference to the websites of the main antibody suppliers.

The epic history of how antibiotics were born, saving millions of lives and creating a vast new industry known as Big Pharma. As late as the 1930s, virtually no drug intended for sickness did any good; doctors could set bones, deliver babies, and offer palliative care. That all changed in less than a generation with the discovery and development of a new category of medicine known as antibiotics. By 1955, the age-old evolutionary relationship between humans and microbes had been transformed, trivializing once-deadly infections. William Rosen captures this revolution with all its false starts, lucky surprises, and eccentric characters. He explains why, given the complex nature of bacteria-and their ability to rapidly evolve into new forms-the only way to locate and test potential antibiotic strains is by large-scale, systematic, trial-and-error experimentation. Organizing that research needs large, well-funded organizations and businesses, and so our entire scientific-industrial complex, built around the pharmaceutical company, was born. Timely, engrossing, and eye-opening, Miracle Cure is a must-read science narrative-a drama of enormous range, combining science, technology, politics, and economics to illuminate the reasons behind one of the most dramatic changes in humanity's relationship with nature since the invention of agriculture ten thousand years ago.

Lab reports are used across a range of subjects, and they require very different skills to writing essays or literature reviews. Get the know-how you need to avoid losing marks and write your report with ease. Understand the structure so you know what's different before you start Avoid wasting time with insider tips on style and content Check your final report so you submit your best work. Super Quick Skills provide the essential building blocks you need to succeed at university - fast. Packed with practical, positive advice on core academic and life skills, you'll discover focused tips and strategies to use straight away. Whether it's writing great essays, understanding referencing or managing your wellbeing, find out how to build good habits and progress your skills throughout your studies. Learn core skills quickly Apply right away and see results Succeed in your studies and life. Super Quick Skills give you the foundations you need to confidently navigate the ups and downs of university life.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for assessing the extent of environmental contamination and human health consequences in the event of a radiological incident such as a terrorist incident involving radioactive materials. Although the EPA will be mainly involved in the intermediate and recovery phases of an incident response, there also may be involvement in some activities in the early phase. This book describes project method validation guidance that a radioanalytical laboratory should comply with in order to validate methods used to process samples submitted during a radiological or nuclear incident, such as that caused by a terrorist attack. These responsibilities include response and recovery actions to detect and identify radioactive substances, and to co-ordinate federal radiological monitoring and assessment activities.