2005 CAP TODAY Article Index

title
 

Cap Today

Note: This index does not include CAP TODAY “Marketplace” or “Abstracts”

AACC meetings
From a feast of products to a nibble of news: A sampling of what vendors served on the AACC exhibit floor, October 2005:104
AACC Clinical Lab Expo 2005, September 2005:84
Merging the practical with the cutting-edge, September 2005:84

AIDS/HIV/other bloodborne diseases
For HIV genotyping, plenty of growing pains, May 2005:1

Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis hiding in plain sight, November 2005:1

Analyzer surveys (see Instrumentation/instrument surveys)

Anatomic Pathology
Seeing is believing as AP labs flip digital switch, March 2005:50
Playing it safe—new book takes aim at AP errors, March 2005:1

APIII
APIII safety meetings: Western swing—updates on cancer, errors, more, June 2005:100

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
New editor in chief turning the pages at Archives, March 2005:5

Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
For AFIP, real-time telepathology goes far a field, January 2005:73
“There is no turning back”is AFIP facing demise? August 2005:14
Commission votes to preserve AFIP services, August 2005:101
Senate asked to preserve AFIP functions, December 2005:78

Automation
Lab automation—what a long, lively trip it’s been (laboratory automation systems and workcells), (PDF) February 2005:22

Billing
On client billing, a voice in the wilderness, February 2005:1
Billing and coding in cytopathology: Deciphering the alphanumeric soup, June 2005:581
Passing the test: How to meet Medicare’s teaching physician billing compliance rules, July 2005:106
Check, please—getting paid for your work, December 2005:1

Bioinformatics
On microchips, directing a cast of thousands, April 2005:1

Blood/coagulation/hematology
Q&A: Is it acceptable to use sickle tested donor blood in lieu of commercial sickle-positive and -negative controls? (Novak), January 2005:94
ICUs tighten belts on blood glucose levels, February 2005:1
Q&A: When is the use of fresh frozen plasma in surgical procedures justified? (AuBuchon), February 2005:122
New Q-Probes report: Hand stand—a look at manual blood smear reviews, April 2005:42
Q&A: Are there guidelines pertaining to time intervals and draw sites when collecting multiple blood cultures?(Wilson), June 2005:119
Q&A: Are the osmotic fragility test and the pink test screen useful for diagnosing spherocytosis? (Novak), August 20 05:94
Q&A: What is the significance of two distinct RBC populations aside from the obvious transfusion? (Novak), September 2005:105
For complex coag disorders, plots thicken, November 2005:1

Blood banking/transfusion
Q&A: When is the use of fresh frozen plasma in surgical procedures justified? (AuBuchon), February 2005:122
Q&A: NCCLS/CLSI documents addressing platelet-poor plasma and PT times and how they affect lupus anticoagulant and heparin testing (Chandler), April 2005:89
Disaster planning: Keeping your blood supply high, dry, and flowing, June 2005:5
Adding RFID layer to blood safety loop, July 2005:1
Coming up safe, not short, on platelets, September 2005:1
Attention to errors linked to usefulness of wares (blood bank information systems), (PDF) September 2005:20
Collecting the first edition—blood center error reports, November 2005:5
Not so fast—relaxing transfusion triggers, December 2005:1

Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough)
Identifying, testing for, and treating Bordetella pertussis, January 2005:62

Brief case
Identifying, testing for, and treating Bordetella pertussis, January 2005:62
Lab diagnosis and evaluation of treatment for HCV, April 2005:78
Laboratory diagnosis of celiac disease, November 2005:90

Cancer
Circulating tumor cell tests—boon or bust? January 2005:1
Pilot points way to speedier cancer surveillance, February 2005:5
Lymphoma microarrays stir up debate, March 2005:1
Groping for ground zero in cancers, April 2005:1
Making a valid point about HPV tests, September 2005:1
Cancer registry project passes midterm exam, December 2005:24

CAP ’05
In so many words, lab reports on the mend, August 2005:5
Six pathologists celebrated for stellar service, October 2005:70
CAP annual stated meeting minutes, October 05:70

CAP Foundation
CAP Foundation donor honor roll, December 2005:56

CAP checklists/guidelines/protocols/publications
Playing it safe—new book takes aim at AP errors, May 2005:1
Seeing big picture yields big lab improvements, October 2005:74

CAP programs/services
Past now present with cytology PT, January 2005:1
Aon Affinity wins bid: Liability insurance to return with CAP’s new broker, January 2005:16
On the Pap front: One victory, but a skirmish ahead, October 2005:5
New insurance broker nationwide, locally savvy, November 2005:60
In liability market, the “worst is behind us,” November 2005:62
With Aon, seven more ways to play it safe, December 2005:51

Capitol Scan
No to budget-neutral performance incentives, January 2005:91
CAP members on federal competitive bidding panel, January 2005:91
Advisory opinion issued on dialysis center lab services, January 2005:92
Ending certification for DC medical examiner, January 2005:92
Lab exemption needed from abbreviation prohibition, January 2005:93
South Carolina enacts direct billing law, February 2005:115
In Florida, competitive bidding delayed again, February 2005:115
Stronger OIG guidance on Part A payment, February 2005:116
Federal guidance due on waived test path, February 2005:116
A clearer policy on pay for critical access hospitals, February 2005:117
In Florida, competitive bidding now out, March 2005:92
NJ Pap test bill withdrawn, March 2005:92
Pay-for-performance system gets panel’s nod, March 2005:92
CAP pushes for fix to flow codes and more, March 2005:94
Iowa the 8th state to enact direct billing law, April 2005:90
Congress advised to back pay incentives, fee hike, April 2005:90
Standard for archives specimens now final, April 2005:91
A direct billing law for Montana, May 2005:96
Bill seeks broader role for Calif. pharmacists, May 2005:96
Easing the shortage of lab personnel, May 2005:96
For practice management tips . . . , May 2005:96
Panel to study cytology proficiency testing grading criteria, June 2005:116
A closer look at growth in lab services, June 2005:116
Bill would raise physician fees in ’06, June 2005:116
Pharmacist bill scaled back, June 2005:116
In Pa., fighting Medicaid lab copays, June 2005:117
Quality lab medicine institute holds conference, June 2005:117
A call to rethink cytology proficiency testing, July 2005:142
Senate seeks fee increase, July 2005:143
No new coding edits, July 2005:143
An abbreviation exception for labs, July 2005:144
Bill aims to raise specimen collection fee, July 2005:144
In Iowa, Pap test direct billing preserved, August 2005:80
OIG rules out blood collection scheme, August 2005:80
Congress urged to replace fee formula, August 2005:81
Panel settles on genetics recommendations, August 2005:81
Commission votes to preserve AFIP services, September 2005:101
In North Carolina, a pathology markup disclosure bill, September 2005:101
AMA against clinician misuse of AP codes, September 2005:101
Pay-for-performance bill introduced, September 2005:102
Safety measure now law, September 2005:102
House again passes liability reform legislation, September 2005:102
Washington state law prohibits pathology markups, October 2005:86
Draft guidance issued on CLIA waived tests, October 2005:86
Pay proposals posted for fee schedule codes, October 2005:86
NC lawmakers OK language on autopsy images, October 2005:86
Clinical lab pay issues up for study, November 2005:106
Cytology PT not required of newly boarded pathologists, November 2005:107
Congress urged to prevent physician payment cuts, November 2005:107
A warning about home-use rapid HIV, December 2005:78
Physician quality reporting to start Jan. 1, December 2005:78
Senate asked to preserve AFIP functions, December 2005:78

Cardiovascular disease/cardiac markers
Clearing a path for new cardiac markers, February 2005:1
IMA lines up for place in cardiac triage, July 2005:1

Careers/employment
From hunt to hire—tips for landing that just-right job, April 2005:14
Job seekers, prepare for landing, June 2005:76
The job is yours—but can you keep it? July 2005:94

Celiac disease
Laboratory diagnosis of celiac disease, November 2005:90

CLIA
Looking for an equivalent quality control winner, May 2005:68
Righting the waives: Pulling waived tests back to safety’s shore, November 2005:66

CLSI (formerly NCCLS)
Q&A: NCCLS/CLSI documents addressing platelet-poor plasma and PT times and how they affect lupus anticoagulant and heparin testing (Chandler), April 2005:89

Commentary
Glucose testing variability and the need for an expert oversight committee, May 2005:12

Company profiles
Dollars and sense add up for PSA cooperative, March 2005:5

Competency assessment
Pathology CME—moving from general to specific, February 2005:56

Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Pathology CME—moving from general to specific, February 2005:56

CPT questions/coding
Should a CD34 test that reports the percentage and absolute number of CD34 cells be coded as CPT codes 86587 and 88187 for interpretation since there is no other interpretation code for one marker? February 2005:116
Can you bill CPT codes 88172 and 88173 together for the same FNA specimen and if so when? February 2005:116
Can you use code 88305 for the core biopsy, 88311 for the decalcification procedure, 88173 for the FNA smears, and 88305 for a cell block that was prepared from the residual fluid? April 2005:90
When using codes 80500 and 80502, can you use a hospital standing order to comply with the Medicare requirement that the patient’s physician should request the clinical consultation? April 2005:90
With a Whipple specimen, is it appropriate to charge separately for stomach, duodenum, or both, or are both specimens included in CPT code 88309? June 2005:116
Is there a billing code for interpreting a coag mixing study for a hospital inpatient with prolonged PTT? June 2005:116
Can a pathologist who receives a segmental colon resection from a patient with a history of Crohn’s disease report CPT code 88309 instead of 88307 since looking for dysplasia and cancer in the Crohn’s colon may require extra work? August 2005:82
If we receive distal clavical and acromion in one container instead of separate ones, should this be billed as one specimen or can two CPT codes be reported? August 2005:82
Should we use CPT code 88305 or 88307 for skin excision with suture orientation for melanoma or basal cell cancer? October 2005:86
A pathologist examined a nasal skin lesion for a Medicare patient with hospice coverage and rendered a basal cell carcinoma with free margins, and the local Medicare carrier rejected the claim. What is the proper way to report services for hospice patients? October 2005:86
Cancer registry project passes midterm exam, December 2005:24
CPT—what lies ahead, December 2005:60

Cytopathology/histology (see also PAP/NGC programs review)
Past now present with cytology PT, January 2005:1
Q&A: Should cervical Pap tests with hyperkeratosis or parakeratosis be diagnosed as ASC-US? (Voytek), June 2005:119
On the Pap front: One victory, but a skirmish ahead, October 2005:5
Q&A: Can HPV testing be done on Pap samples collected in SurePath vials? (Bentz), October 2005:92

D-dimer
D-dimer dance card fills up with new tests, uses, April 2005:66

Data management
PDA lab data—what they want is what they see, October 2005:36

Diabetes
Glucose testing variability and the need for an expert oversight committee, May 2005:12
Q&A: Can carnosine dipeptide cause a decrease in diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinitis, and small vessel disease, as well as decrease the level of HbA1C? (Savage), July 2005:138

Digital imaging
The next picture show: New products are encountering a market ripe for digital imaging, February 2005:63
Seeing is believing as AP labs flip digital switch, March 2005:50
Digging its way in: Lab digital imaging, May 2005:1

Digoxin
For digoxin, simple fix to stubborn problem, July 2005:1

Editorials of CAP president (see President’s Desk)

Firsthand Views
Second greatest advice book, January 2005:106
The professional in autumn, February 2005:134
The natural leader, March 2005:106
Down-to-earth leadership, March 2005:106
Partner, don’t parent, May 2005:110
My best advice, June 2005:130
Energy in lieu of passion, July 2005:158
The logic of overpaying, August 2005:98
Don’t be ordinary, September 2005:114
Time to reward productivity, October 2005:102
Seeing everyone as allies, November 2005:126
The perfect (brain) storm, December 2005:90

FISH
IHC, FISH still sharing HER2 spotlight, August 2005:1

Genetics
On microchips, directing a cast of thousands, April 2005:1
For HIV genotyping, plenty of growing pains, May 2005:1
If DNA doesn't add up, array CGH steps in, September 2005:1

Glucose/insulin
ICUs tighten belts on blood glucose levels, February 2005:1
Glucose testing variability and the need for an expert oversight committee, May 2005:12

Heparin
Q&A: NCCLS/CLSI documents addressing platelet-poor plasma and PT times and how they affect lupus anticoagulant and heparin testing (Chandler), April 2005:89

Hepatitis
HCV testing swaps high-low for yes-no, April 2005:1
Lab diagnosis and evaluation of treatment for HCV, April 2005:78

HER2
IHC, FISH still sharing HER2 spotlight, August 2005:1

Histotechnology
Q&A: Is an easy-to-use and reliable methodology available for performing the Jones methenamine sliver stain for renal biopsy interpretation? (Brown and Lewis), September 2005:105

HPV
Q&A: Is it acceptable to use immunological stains for human papillomavirus? (Cooper), August 2005:84
Making a valid point about HPV tests, September 2005:1
HPV vaccines—trying to fill the PAP gap, October 2005:46
Q&A: Can HPV testing be done on Pap samples collected in SurePath vials? (Bentz), October 2005:92

Human cells/tissues/tissue-based products
Tissue issue—honing FDA oversight of practices, December 2005:5

Hurricane Katrina
A pathologist on the frontlines in New Orleans, November 2005:86
Katrina relief and a focus on reports, November 2005:11

Identification
Catching ID errors where it counts—in the lab, September 2005:34

Immunoassay interference
Test tube interference shows “chink in armor”, January 2005:1

Infection control
Border patrol: MRSA admission screening, October 2005:1

Information systems, technologies (see also Automation)
Lab automation—what a long, lively trip it’s been (laboratory automation systems and workcells), (PDF) February 2005:22
Faltering feature: Tumor reporting (anatomic pathology computer systems), (PDF) February 2005:76
Be software savvy: Buy wisely to bill accurately (billing/accounts receivable systems), (PDF) April 2005:20
Linking software making gains and foraying into new domains (physician office-lab links software), (PDF) May 2005:29
Rapid transit—getting data to public health agencies, May 2005:42
From classic to virtual: The morphing of lab information systems, May 2005:93
Attention to errors linked to usefulness of wares (blood bank information systems), (PDF) September 2005:20
Patient ID systems offer smart start, October 2005:1
Positive patient identification: More than a double check (positive patient identification systems and products), (PDF) October 2005:27
PDA lab data—what they want is what they see, October 2005:36
Only time will tell, but LIS experts offer a forecast (laboratory information systems), (PDF) November 2005:24
Opening up the throttle on POC-hospital connectivity, December 2005:12

Innovations in Pathology
Mammography-directed breast biopsies, June 2005:118
An immunohistochemistry vade mecum, June 2005:118
Caveat emptor, June 2005:118
Taring the scale, June 2005:118
“If not now, when?June 2005:118
Thank you and goodbye, August 2005:82
Best of the best, August 2005:82

Institute for Quality in Laboratory Medicine
A dozen first steps to national quality measures for labs, June 2005:1
Capitol Scan: Quality lab medicine institute holds conference, June 2005:117

Instrumentation/instrument surveys
Balancing cost and capabilities of coag analyzers, (PDF) January 2005:20
Shortfall, not windfall, greets PT/INR coverage (coagulation analyzers—point of care, self-monitoring), January 2005:20
For glucose systems, greater accuracy and safety (bedside glucose testing systems), (PDF) April 2005:44
Immunoassay market overflowing with change (automated immunoassay analyzers), (PDF) June 2005:18
Labs want it all, and blood gas vendors oblige (in vitro blood gas analyzers), July 2005:5
Good tidings—the latest in chemistry analyzers (mid- and high-volume laboratories), (PDF) July 2005:62
Small, but sophisticated (chemistry analyzers for low-volume labs), August 2005:21
Hematology analyzers—efficiency through automation, (PDF) December 2005:33

Insulin (see Glucose/insulin)

Joint ventures
Out of joint—OIG takes dim view of pod lab setup, January 2005:5

Laboratory Accreditation News/CLA programs
CLA underscores consistency and accountability, February 2005:59
With PT failures, spinning straw into gold, May 2005:77
Commission forges ahead on many fronts, May 2005:77
Frequently asked PT questions, May 2005:80
CAP’s checklist questions, May 2005:80
Commission raises bar for inspectors, inspections, September 2005:43
Jump-start inspections by working the Web, September 2005:50
Coming soon—unannounced lab inspections, October 2005:1
CAP adds council, readies new inspection processes, October 2005:52
Three tenors: Styles of lab inspections, October 2005:55

Laboratory Accreditation News: Queries and Comments
Before doing a mixing study on a patient, the staff calls the floor to make sure the patient is not on any anticoagulant. Why is the CAP now suggesting that we screen these patients for the drugs instead of accepting the info from the nurse or doctor? February 2005:59
POC checklist: Is there any way to find out how the CAP intends to interpret new CLIA regulations for equivalent QC? February 2005:62
Validating PCO2 reportable ranges, May 2005:82
Checklist item CHM.30550 and range for sweat chloride, May 2005:84
Do checklist items TRM.31241 and TRM.31375 apply to blood filters and administration sets even if a department other than the lab is responsible for distributing these materials? May 2005:84
Is it necessary to perform parallel testing for waived point-of-care tests, such as urine pregnancy and dipsticks? May 2005:84
Can you perform automated batch runs of a given antibody and use just one negative reagent control at the beginning or end or both, of each batch? September 2005:43
For which immunohistochemical reagents is the medical director allowed to extend the outdate? September 2005:43
When asked to implement a quality management program, what is the CAP inspector asking for? September 2005:43
CYP.05316 and when the pathologist name should appear on the report, September 2005:46
Is there any data or resource that may be helpful for our technical staff when it comes to benchmarking for histology? September 2005:46
Does the physician performed section of the CAP POC checklist apply to hospital physicians who perform testing on their patients? December 2005:52
How do the questions in the transfusion medicine checklist about tracking critical materials apply to materials used for transfusion? December 2005:52
What are the CAP patient safety goals, and how are labs supposed to address them? December 2005:52
Immunology checklist and titered controls: Do we need to run the titers if we have no positive patients just to show that we can identify cutoffs? December 2005:52

Laboratory outreach
Rich niche: AP outreach blossoming, August 2005:1
Lab envoys find face value in floor visits, December 2005:1

Lean manufacturing principles
Labs stepping into the stream of Lean, August 2005:1

Legal issues (see also Medical mistakes)
Out of joint—OIG takes dim view of pod lab setup, January 2005:5
In so many words, lab reports on the mend, August 2005:5
Fair catch: What to consider—and why—before agreeing to be responsible for health fair testing, August 2005:53
In liability market, the “worst is behind us,” November 2005:62

Legislation
NY bill would put postanalytical onus on labs, August 2005:38

Letters
Licensure of laboratory personnel, January 2005:14
Reticulocyte counting, February 2005:11
Replacing an old LIS, February 2005:11
Lab personnel licensure, March 2005/11
Sickle controls, March 2005:11
Client billing—a threat to our independence, April 2005:6
Economics and client billing, April 2005:6
The impact of TEFRA, April 2005:8
Why client billing? April 2005:8
Maryland General, April 2005:8
Clinical pathology, May 2005:8
Cytology PT, May 2005:8
Low wages, high risk, May 2005:11
An oversupply, June 2005:11
Digital imaging, July 2005:8
Cytology exam, July 2005:8
Interpreting of PTT mixing study, August 2005:8
Quality measures, August 2005:8
The oversupply, August 2005:8
Finding a job, August 2005:11
Cytology exam, September 2005:8
Technologist licensure, September 2005:8
Communication with clinicians, September 2005:11
What is AmeriPath? October 2005:12
Pathologists then and now, October 2005:12
Technologist licensure, November 2005:8
It’s a matter of compensation, November 2005:8
An “extraordinary asset”, November 2005:11
PAs are part of the solution, December 2005:11

Management issues/laboratory utilization
Maryland lab case—little to learn, lots to remember, February 2005:42
`They know things I don’t know,’ 2/05:46
A dozen first steps to national quality measures for labs, June 2005:1
Disaster planning: Keeping your blood supply high, dry, and flowing, 6/05:5
Labs stepping into the stream of Lean, 8/05:1
A game plan for filling the medical technologist ranks, October 2005:78
Lab envoys find face value in floor visits, 12/05:1

Maryland General Hospital
Maryland lab case—little to learn, lots to remember, February 2005:42

Medical liability insurance
Aon Affinity wins bid: Liability insurance to return with CAP’s new broker, 1/05:16

Medical mistakes (see also Legal issues)
Playing it safe—new book takes aim at AP errors, 5/05:1
Make no mistake, ?perfect’ practice can be costly, 10/05:78

Medicare (see also Medicare entries under Capitol Scan)
Medicare fees good news, despite blows to flow, January 2005:6
2005 Medicare relative values for pathology services, January 2005:7
Coping with the errors in Medicare’s new Internet-only policy manuals, March 2005:32
Passing the test: How to meet Medicare’s teaching physician billing compliance rules, 7/05:106
Higher expense RVUs in ’06 fee schedule proposal, September 2005:6
Back on the books: Controlling Medicare medical necessity write-offs, September 2005:70

Molecular diagnostics
Lymphoma microarrays stir up debate, March 2005:1
Two sides of the coin on respiratory viruses, May 2005:1
Labs shaking hands with molecular middleman, July 2005:54
If DNA doesn’t add up, array CGH steps in, September 2005:1
Border patrol: MRSA admission screening, October 2005:1
Q&A: When Staphylococcus aureus is the predominant organism in a throat culture for beta-streptococci group A, should it be reported? (Church), November 2005:108

Myocardial infarction (see Cardiovascular disease/cardiac markers)

Newsbytes
IBM and Mayo collaborating to customize patient treatment plans, January 2005:95
Interactive Web site focuses on antimicrobial susceptibility, January 2005:95
Silicon Genetics upgrades gene expression software, January 2005:95
ITC to integrate blood gas analyzer with data-management system, January 2005:95
Digital pathology service platform, January 2005:95
Upcoming Lab InfoTech summit, January 2005:95
Dialing for vital signs: The latest application for cell phones, February 2005:118
Portal brings competitors together for common good, February 2005:118
Axolotl releases EMR technology, February 2005:120
Trestle announces plans to acquire Interscope Technologies, February 2005:120
Creative Computer Applications to merge with PACS provider, February 2005:120
New chart-based order entry and results delivery system, February 2005:120
Two vendors bank on health care cards to clean up routine medical claims, March 2005:87
Elekta to acquire Impac, March 2005:88
CAP licenses nursing mappings to NLM, March 2005:90
Misys receives FDA clearance for blood bank and donor modules, March 2005:90
Spectral Diagnostics ships connectivity system, March 2005:90
National computer network could lead to billions in savings, study says, March 2005:92
New DVD media for medical market, March 2005:94
Informatics award exposes residents to health care IT industry, March 2005:94
Misys releases latest version of lab system, March 2005:94
Optio Software launches electronic health record, March 2005:95
PracticeXpert upgrades electronic medical record, March 2005:95
Public laboratory LOINC meeting, March 2005:95
From classic to virtual: The morphing of lab information systems, May 2005:93
New release of materials management software, May 2005: 95
General Data teams with TimeMed Labeling Systems, May 2005: 95
Wolters Kluwer Health adds SNOMED CT mapping file to database, May 2005: 95
Pathology informatics scholarship for residents and fellows, May 2005: 95
The future is now: New community hospital fully digital, June 2005:115
Coalition pushes for single standard for patient information exchange, June 2005:115
Orchard upgrades Harvest LIS, June 2005:115
Medical Automation Systems acquires Epsilon Group, June 2005:115
Doctors Company endorses interactive electronic health record, June 2005:115
SLAM sales soar—blood banks want more, July 2005:139
FDA clears Mediware donor software, July 2005:139
CFI acquires Fletcher-Flora, July 2005:139
Trestle marketing digital workflow applications, July 2005:141
Medical records the vitals of new Web site, July 2005:141
Infotex Holdings to acquire Medical Messenger, July 2005:141
New modules for NovoPath anatomic pathology system, July 2005:142
Initiative to link lab results with electronic records, July 2005:142
The Internet’s new gig(abits), August 2005:85
QuadraMed releases LIS, August 2005:85
SNOMED signs agreement with Health Level Seven, August 2005:86
Trestle partners with Bacus Laboratories, August 2005:86
LabDaq LIS offering Internet connectivity, August 2005:86
Aperio Technologies teams with Media Cybernetics, August 2005:86
BD marketing new version of microbiology software, August 2005:86
HealthServe joins forces with MDanywhere, August 2005:86
Transceiver chip for implanted medical devices takes to the airwaves, September 2005:103
IDM receives FDA clearance for donor software, September 2005:103
Many ignoring HIPAA deadlines, study finds, September 2005:103
BioMerieux completes suite of patient therapy software systems, September 2005:104
Cerner signs deal with U.S. military, September 2005:104
Orchard receives industry award, September 2005:104
Quest Diagnostics connects to retail pharmacies, September 2005:104
Infection-tracking software rights the plight of Alabama hospitals, October 2005:89
The right read: Literature on blood bank validation plans, October 2005:89
CCA to merge with StorComm, October 2005:90
Korchek gets FDA clearance for blood product identification module, October 2005:90
Public laboratory LOINC workshop and meeting, October 2005:90
Health information technology IQ test, October 2005:90
Cleveland Clinic moves to paperless hematology with Sysmex system, November 2005:109
GE Healthcare to acquire IDS Systems, November 2005:109
Broadband connectivity made easy, November 2005:109
Atlas Medical integrates lab order entry and results reporting with EMRs, November 2005:109
Promega distributing forensic system software for Forensic Science Service, November 2005:109
National Cancer Institute licenses software for de-identification, November 2005:109
SPSS unveils new version of statistical software, November 2005:109
Think twice before leaning on LIMS, December 2005:74
IBM partners with cancer centers to advance patient treatment, December 2005:74
New EHR software in the works, December 2005:76
Upcoming HIMSS meeting, December 2005:76

PAP/NGC programs review
Needle points: The lab’s role in endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA, January 2005:51
Removing dots from cytology slides—liability issues, January 2005:51
The upsides and downsides of state licensure for cytotechnologists, January 2005:58
Bethesda 2001 implementation and reporting rates, January 2005:60
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA, January 2005:60
Billing and coding in cytopathology: Deciphering the alphanumeric soup, June 2005:58
Maintaining certification in cytotechnology, June 2005:58
Using liquid-based cervical cytology specimens to test for Chlamydia, June 2005:64
Measuring the significance of field validation in the CAP Interlab Comparison Program: How good are the experts? June 2005:72
Performance of SurePath liquid-based cytology, June 2005:73
Pitfalls in salivary gland fine-needle aspiration cytology, June 2005:74
HPV vaccines—trying to fill the PAP gap, October 2005:46
Proficiency testing and CME in one program, October 2005:46
Proficiency testing: A Winkle in time, October 2005:50
YESRS—where and why they’re available, October 2005:54
Distinguishing carcinoid tumor from small cell carcinoma of the lung, October 2005:56

Pap tests (see Cytopathology/histology)

Pathology reports
In so many words, lab reports on the mend, August 2005:5

Pathology networks
Dollars and sense add up for PSA cooperative, 3/05:5

Patient ID systems
Patient ID systems offer smart start, October 2005:1

Patient safety
In so many words, lab reports on the mend, August 2005:5
NY bill would put postanalytical onus on labs, 8/05:38
Patient ID systems offer smart start, October 2005:1

Payment issues
Medicare fees good news, despite blows to flow, January 2005:6
2005 Medicare relative values for pathology services, January 2005:7
On client billing, a voice in the wilderness, February 2005:1
Passing the test: How to meet Medicare’s teaching physician billing compliance rules, July 2005:106
Check, please—getting paid for your work, December 2005:1

Pharmacogenetics
Facts catching up to fuss in PGx, June 2005:1

Physician office laboratories
Office labs riding the waves in testing trends, March 2005:1

Point-of-care testing
In right setting, POC testing can be kid stuff, March 2005:1
POC connectivity takes hold, June 2005:1
Connective issue: Linking POC with wireless hospitals, November 2005:1
Opening up the throttle on POC-hospital connectivity, December 2005:12

President’s Desk
Like yeast to the dough, January 2005:11
Be seen and be heard, February 2005:11
Achieving proper pay for clinical pathology, March 2005:11
Think now about pay for performance, April 2005:11
Let’s learn from each other about CP pay, May 2005:11
Protecting the proven Pap test, June 2005:11
Covering new ground at CAP ’05, July 2005:11
Where we’ve been, August 2005:11
Writing the epilogue, September 2005:11
A focus on partners, programs, and more, October 2005:11
Katrina relief and a focus on reports, November 2005:11
Have patients become a commodity? December 2005:11

Proficiency testing (see also Laboratory Accreditation News/CLA programs)
Past now present with cytology PT, 1/05:1
D-dimer testing and reporting for the diagnosis of VTE: Proficiency testing finds too-high cutoffs and more, 5/05:54
Proficiency testing: A Winkle in time, October 2005:50

Prognostic markers
Circulating tumor cell tests—boon or bust? 1/05:1

Public health information
Rapid transit—getting data to public health agencies, May 2005:42

Q&A
Is it acceptable to use sickle tested donor blood in lieu of commercial sickle-positive and -negative controls? (Novak), January 2005:94
What are the easiest cost-effective instruments to use to set up a state lab in an ED for chemistry and complete blood count tests? (Karcher and Kiechle), January 2005:94
Can you recommend containers suitable for transporting breast biopsy specimens in fixative? (Connolly), February 2005:122
When is the use of fresh frozen plasma in surgical procedures justified? (AuBuchon), February 2005:122
What procedures or policies are recommended when a tissue contaminant is detected on the stained slide and the paraffin block tissue? (Burgart), February 2005:123
Is there evidence to correlate reporting microbiology lab reports on wound cultures in a graded fashion with the likelihood of infection? (Church), March 2005:86
NCCLS/CLSI documents addressing platelet-poor plasma and PT times and how they affect lupus anticoagulant and heparin testing (Chandler), 4/05:89
Does serum carbon dioxide content decrease when the assay tube sits unstoppered? (Allen), April 2005:89
With today’s short labor supply, is it necessary to repeat critical WBC or hemoglobin results? (Kroft), May 2005:92
Autofaxing lab results: Do we need a cover sheet or can each page carry a disclaimer of confidential information? (Bongiorno), May 2005:92
Is there a standard set of criteria for “culture is indicated” for urinalysis specimens? (Haber), June 2005:119
Should cervical Pap tests with hyperkeratosis or parakeratosis be diagnosed as ASC-US? (Voytek), June 2005:119
When collecting multiple blood cultures, are there guidelines pertaining to time intervals and draw sites? (Wilson), June 2005:119
Q&A: What tests should be used to monitor the pancreatic inflammatory activity level for patients with macroamylasemia with acute pancreatitis? (Eckfeldt), July 2005:138
Can carnosine dipeptide cause a decrease in diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinitis, and small vessel disease, as well as a decrease in the level of HbA1C? (Savage), July 2005:138
Is it acceptable to use immunological stains for human papillomavirus? (Cooper), August 2005:84
Are the osmotic fragility test and the pink test screen useful for diagnosing spherocytosis? (Novak), August 2005:94
Is it appropriate to stain for H. pylori in the duodenum? (Burgart), August 2005:105
What is the significance of two distinct RBC populations aside from the obvious transfusion? (Novak), August 2005:105
Is an easy-to-use and reliable methodology available for performing the Jones methenamine sliver stain for renal biopsy interpretation? (Brown and Lewis), September 2005:105
Can HPV testing be done on Pap samples collected in SurePath vials? (Bentz), October 2005:92
Can you recommend containers suitable for transporting breast biopsy specimens in fixative? (Connolly), February 2005:122
When Staphylococcus aureus is the predominant organism in a throat culture for beta-streptococci group A, should it be reported? (Church), November 2005:108
Is there a benchmark or community standard for the percentage of stat tests relative to total workload? (CAP Practice Management Committee), October 2005:79

Quality control
Looking for an equivalent quality control winner, 5/05:68
A dozen first steps to national quality measures for labs, June 2005:1
Catching ID errors where it counts—in the lab, September 2005:34
Collecting the first edition—blood center error reports, November 2005:5

Q-Probes
New Q-Probes report: Hand stand—a look at manual blood smear reviews, April 2005:42

Radio frequency identification
Adding RFID layer to blood safety loop, July 2005:1

Respiratory viruses
Two sides of the coin on respiratory viruses, May 2005:1

Screening tests
Office labs riding the waves in testing trends, March 2005:1
HCV testing swaps high-low for yes-no, April 2005:1
D-dimer dance card fills up with new tests, uses, April 2005:66
Q&A: What tests should be used to monitor the pancreatic inflammatory activity level for patients with macroamylasemia with acute pancreatitis? (Eckfeldt), July 2005:138
Border patrol: MRSA admission screening, October 2005:1
Amyloidosis hiding in plain sight, November 2005:1

Self-testing (see Point-of-care testing)

Staffing shortages
A game plan for filling the medical technologist ranks, October 2005:78

System review series (see Information systems, technologies)

Telepathology
For AFIP, real-time telepathology goes far a field, January 2005:73
After a merger, a new view of telepathology’s role, September 05:5

Tissue banking
Tissue issue—honing FDA oversight of practices, December 2005:5

Waived tests
Righting the waives: Pulling waived tests back to safety’s shore, November 2005:66

 

Related Links Related Links