Laboratory Management Research Articles

Implementation and Performance of a Point-of-Care COVID-19 Test Program in 4,000 California Schools

To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of an unprecedented COVID-19 antigen testing program in schools, which required a healthcare provider order, laboratory director, a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certificate of waiver, as well as training of school personnel. Descriptive report of a point-of-care, school-based antigen testing program in California from August 1st, 2021 through May 30, 2022, in which participants grades K-12 self-swabbed and school personnel performed testing. Participants included 944 009 students, personnel, and community members from 4022 California kindergarten through high schools. Outcomes measured include sensitivity and specificity (with polymerase chain reaction [PCR] as comparator) of the Abbott BinaxNOW antigen test, number of tests performed, and active infections identified. Of 102 022 paired PCR/antigen tests, the overall sensitivity and specificity for the antigen test was 81.2% (95% CI: 80.5%-81.8%) and 99.6% (95% CI: 99.5%-99.6%), respectively, using cycle threshold values<30. During January through March 2022, the highest prevalence period, the positive predictive value of antigen testing was 94.7% and the negative predictive value was 94.2%. Overall, 4022 school sites were enrolled and 3 987 840 million antigen tests were performed on 944 009 individuals. A total of 162 927 positive antigen tests were reported in 135 163 individuals (14.3% of persons tested). Rapidly implementing a school-based testing program in thousands of schools is feasible. Self-swabbing and testing by school personnel can yield accurate results. On-site COVID-19 testing is no longer necessary in schools, but this model provides a framework for future infectious disease threats.

Neural networks pipeline for quality management in IVF laboratory

This study introduces a novel neural network-based pipeline for predicting clinical pregnancy rates in IVF treatments, integrating both clinical and laboratory data. We developed a metamodel combining deep neural networks and Kolmogorov-Arnold networks, leveraging their complementary strengths to enhance predictive accuracy and interpretability. The metamodel achieved robust performance metrics after training and fitting on 11500 clinical cases: accuracy = 0.72, AUC = 0.75, F1 score = 0.60, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient of 0.42. According to morpho-kinetical embryo evaluation, our model’s PRC of 0.66 significantly improves over existing time-lapse systems for pregnancy prediction, demonstrating better handling of imbalanced clinical data. The metamodel’s calibration metrics (Brier score = 0.20, expected calibration error = 0.06, maximum calibration error = 0.12, Hosmer-Lemeshow test p-value = 0.06) indicate robust reliability in predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes. We validated the model’s reproducibility using an independent dataset of 665 treatment cycles, showing close alignment between predicted and actual pregnancy rates (58.9% vs. 59.1%). With the Bayesian method, we proposed a robust framework for integrating historical data with real-time predictions from neural networks, enabling a transition from retrospective to prospective analysis. Our approach extends beyond conventional embryo selection, incorporating post-analytical phase evaluation in the IVF laboratory. This comprehensive framework enables detailed analysis across different patient subpopulations and time periods, facilitating the identification of systemic issues and IVF protocol optimization. The model’s ability to track pregnancy probabilities over time and staff members allows for both outcome prediction and retrospective and prospective assessment of IVF treatment efficacy, providing a data-driven strategy for continuous improvement in assisted reproductive technology.

Research on Safety Management of University Laboratories Based on Isolation Forest Algorithm

This paper mainly discusses the application of the Isolation Forest Algorithm in the safety management of university laboratories. Through the analysis of the current situation of safety management in university laboratories, the deficiencies of traditional management methods are expounded. Then, the principle and advantages of the Isolation Forest Algorithm are introduced in detail, and the effectiveness of this algorithm in the abnormal detection of laboratory safety is verified through experiments in a simulated laboratory environment. The experimental results show that the Isolation Forest Algorithm can quickly and accurately detect abnormal situations in the laboratory, providing a new and effective means for the safety management of university laboratories.

Analysis of the Availability of Laboratory Tests to the Number of Requests for Tests and Its Implications on Patient Satisfaction

This study aims to analyze the availability of laboratory tests based on the number of test requests and their implications for patient satisfaction. Health laboratories are a vital component of healthcare services, providing accurate laboratory test results to support patient diagnosis and treatment. The availability of fast and accurate laboratory tests plays a crucial role in speeding up diagnosis and treatment, which ultimately impacts patient satisfaction. However, many healthcare facilities face challenges in providing adequate laboratory test availability, such as limitations in equipment, expertise, and inefficient procedures. This study employs a literature review approach to collect, analyze, and synthesize information from various relevant sources. The findings reveal that the availability of fast and accurate laboratory services can enhance patient satisfaction, while limitations in availability can lead to dissatisfaction and increased waiting times. Therefore, effective laboratory management is essential to improve service quality and patient experience in hospitals. This research is expected to provide valuable insights for improving the healthcare system, particularly in laboratory management.

National recommendations of the Croatian Chamber of Medical Biochemists and Working group for Laboratory hematology of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine: Management of samples with suspected EDTA-induced pseudothrombocytopenia.

Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is defined by the occurence of spouriously low platelet count as a consequence of in vitro platelet aggregation. It is a rare and benign artifact, not associated with any specific disorder or therapy, that becomes clinically relevant when it is not timely and reliably recognized. Thus, it may result in inappropriate clinical decisions (i.e. unnecessary further testing, misdiagnoses and potential patients' mismanagement) unavoidably compromising patient safety. The most common form of PTCP is caused by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Several approaches for the management of samples with EDTA-induced PTCP have been described in the literature. However, expert recommendations are scarce. The scope of these recommendations is to assist in achieving national harmonisation in laboratory management (i.e. detecting and reporting platelet counts) of samples with EDTA-induced PTCP. These minimal recommendations were prepared by the members of the joint working group of the Croatian Chamber of Medical Biochemists and Working group for Laboratory Hematology of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, and might be customized according to specific conditions (i.e. personnel and equipment) of each individual laboratory. These recommendations are primarily intended to all laboratory professionals involved in the management of samples with EDTA-induced PTCP, but also to other healthcare professionals involved in collecting samples and interpreting complete blood count results.

Optimizing trainee handoffs on a busy transfusion medicine service

Abstract Objective Within the healthcare system, handoff processes are critical to maintain safety &amp; continuality of care. Many handoff platforms exist for clinical inpatient housestaff specialties. However, these do not always align with the needs of clinical pathologists. Academic transfusion medicine (TM) services often oversee a hybrid of laboratory management, clinical services including apheresis therapy, and blood product management. To date, the literature is limited in describing the effectiveness of TM handoff in addressing these needs. Methods Our institution transitioned from using Microsoft Word document-based handoff to a Microsoft Sharepoint, browser-based handoff accessible via campus intranet or virtual private network (VPN). A verbal handoff accompanying the document remains unchanged. The previous Word document-based handoff followed the known structured communication framework (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation (SBAR)) structure for each patient. This document could only be concurrently edited by one user and was distributed via closed-loop encrypted email to ensure Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance. The new Sharepoint-based handoff features an expanded format including patient name/medical record number (MRN), date of contact, category of service, history, assessment and a task (to-do) list. This site can be concurrently edited and viewed by multiple users. It is version-controlled and searchable. It is also customizable to enable tracking of issues that are not associated with a MRN, such as product inventory, on-call staffing, and product investigation. Six months following the handoff transition, trainees’ feedback towards both formats were solicited with a Likert scale-based survey. The survey was open to any trainee that had rotated on the TM service, regardless of whether they had experienced both handoff formats. Handoff measures that were surveyed included effectiveness at communicating important information, ease of use, time spent, impact on patient care, amount of detail, integration in patient management and general attitudes towards TM call. Trainee demographics were also collected. Results Out of 18 potential participants, 15 trainees responded to the survey. Trainees reported that the Word document-based handoff contained significantly more extraneous detail, took excessive time to write and required more time overall to draft compared to the Sharepoint-based handoff (all p=&amp;lt;0.05). They also found that the Sharepoint-based handoff was significantly easier to use compared to the Word document-based handoff (p=&amp;lt;0.05). Additionally, the Sharepoint-based handoff was reported to convey important information more effectively and reduced the duration of verbal handoff compared to the Word document-based handoff, though these were not statistically significant. Conclusions TM services have unique responsibilities and benefit from customized handoffs with discrete categories that reflect the TM service’s distinct role. Such structure can help create a more standardized, focused handoff that requires less drafting time and improves efficiency and user satisfaction.

Optimizing Science Laboratory Management for Enhanced Student Learning Outcomes

Background: Laboratory management is vital for improving science education, yet many institutions struggle to optimize these resources. Specific Background: Effective management enhances student interest and practical skills in natural sciences, but inadequate management leads to underutilization of laboratory facilities, negatively impacting learning experiences. Knowledge Gap: While the importance of laboratory management is acknowledged, studies on specific practices and their effects on student engagement in natural science remain limited. Aims: This study explores management practices in a natural science laboratory and their implications for educational outcomes. Results: Findings reveal that planning, organization, implementation, supervision, and evaluation are poorly executed, resulting in incomplete documentation and minimal follow-up. Although practical activities spark student interest, systemic issues hinder their effectiveness. Novelty: The research provides new insights into the operational challenges of laboratory management in a specific educational context. Implications: Enhanced management strategies are necessary to improve resource allocation and laboratory utilization, fostering student engagement and skill development in natural sciences. Highlights : Critical Role: Effective laboratory management enhances student interest and practical skills in science education. Systemic Issues: Inadequate management practices lead to underutilization of laboratory resources, negatively impacting learning experiences. Need for Improvement: Enhanced strategies are essential for optimizing resource allocation and fostering student engagement in natural sciences. Keywords: laboratory management, science education, student engagement, practical skills, educational outcomes

A-241 Verification and Validation Study for a Host Response Assay Based on TRAIL, IP-10, and CRP: Application to Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract Background Acute febrile illnesses (AFIs) represent a significant disease burden globally; however, the lack of reliable, rapid point-of-care testing makes diagnosis difficult. A simple tool for distinguishing bacterial versus non-bacterial infections would radically improve patient management and reduce indiscriminate antibiotic use. MeMed BV® (MMBV) is a blood test to reliably differentiate between viral and bacterial infections. Three host proteins (TRAIL, IP-10, and CRP) are measured quantitatively and a combinational score (0-100) is computed that indicates the likelihood of bacterial infection (or co-infection) versus viral infection (BV Score). MMBV time to result is 15 min on the MeMed Key® analyzer that conducts chemiluminescence-based immunoassays to measure protein concentrations and calculates the test score, using 100 µL of serum. Methods The verification study design was a comparison of known results to on-site testing for contrived samples. The validation study design was a prospective, single-center, observational, blinded diagnostic accuracy study conducted between 8/3/22 to 5/30/23. The population was pediatric patients with suspected serious infections presenting to Geisinger’s quaternary care Pediatric Emergency Dept. in Danville, PA. The comparator was a clinical chart review and adjudication of over 60 clinical and laboratory variables related to systemic infections. The data review team consisted of one pediatric emergency department physician, one pediatric infectious disease physician, and one microbiology laboratory director. If clinical decisions differed among the three, the team adjudicated with a full chart review including knowledge of the eventual outcome, which served as the final reference standard result. The study aims were to assess the analytical and clinical accuracy of MMBV testing and to assess the test’s potential impact to further inform the provider’s decision to admit or discharge the patient. Results Of 60 contrived samples there was three failed tests (5% failure rate) and 2 discordant results. Analytical accuracy was 55/57 (96.5%) for 28 bacterial, 26 viral, and 1 equivocal control. Of 50 pediatric patients recruited, 8 were excluded because they were trauma patients. Among 42 patients tested, 22/42 (52.4%) were interpreted as bacterial or co-infection, 16/42 (38.1%) as viral or non-infectious, and 4/42 (9.5%) as equivocal. For 37/38 (97.3%) of patients with bacterial/viral MMBV results, the result was concordant with expert adjudication. Of the 42 patients for which potential utility was assessed, all results were in alignment with the clinical decisions made for admission or discharge. Conclusions MMBV performed accurately in pediatric ED patients with symptoms of severe infection, both clinically and analytically. A larger sample size will be tested to assess the utility in ED admission and discharge decisions and antimicrobial stewardship. The prevalence of viral and bacterial or coinfection cases within the sample population is representative of the pediatric population samples.

A-197 Enhancing Patient Safety and Workforce Sustainability Through ASCP BOC Credentials

Abstract Background The global healthcare system faces a critical shortage of medical and public health laboratory professionals, hindering patient care with diagnosis and treatment delays. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Board of Certification (BOC) credentials are recognized as a key solution to uphold excellence in lab medicine and pathology, delivering precise test results crucial for 70% of medical decisions. This study investigates how ASCP BOC credentials enhance lab management, bolster patient safety, tackle workforce issues, and foster professional growth amidst evolving healthcare needs. Methods This investigation analyzed the impact of BOC credentials via a comprehensive review of BOC records, certification of over 625,000 professionals, and credential attainment in 117 countries. It evaluated the credentials' effectiveness in ensuring competency, regulatory compliance, and professional development. Additionally, it assessed the BOC’s contribution to mitigating workforce shortages, referencing the 2021 ASCP Wage Survey, 2022 ASCPi Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts, and examined their role in promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) within the laboratory profession. Results BOC credentials have significantly contributed to the competence and professionalism of the global laboratory workforce. They are recognized and endorsed by various international accreditation entities like ANAB, the Dubai Health Authority, and others, promoting competency-based examinations worldwide. BOC credentials are being embraced in various regions, including the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East &amp; North Africa, helping to standardize laboratory practices to meet international safety and accuracy benchmarks such as ISO 15189 as prescribed by JCI and CAP. Furthermore, BOC credentials are now recognized in hundreds of countries around the world. In the Philippines, for instance, 35% of respondents to the 2022 BOC ASCPi Survey found employment outside of the Philippines, and 51% attributed their hiring to their BOC credential. Credentialing enhances test reliability, builds trust, and ensures regulatory compliance. BOC credentials and the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) help public health lab workers meet the CDC's 15 domain areas. They also improve workforce dynamics by providing career advancement and professional development opportunities, attracting and retaining talent. In fact, a 2020 ASCP cross-sectional survey revealed that successful laboratories are characterized by their implementation of strategies including ongoing professional development (such as CMP), and the establishment of career advancement routes tied to credentials. Conclusions BOC credentials play a crucial role in improving the standards of laboratory medicine and pathology, significantly affecting laboratory functionality and patient safety. They help alleviate global workforce shortages by certifying laboratory professionals' expertise and practical skills as a reliable foundation, enhancing workplace culture, and encouraging ongoing professional growth. Furthermore, BOC credentials are essential in promoting IDEA within the lab workforce. The importance of these credentials is underscored by the variety of disciplines covered in the ASCP BOC examination catalog, contributing to a sustainable, robust, and diverse global healthcare system. Future efforts should aim to expand these credentialing programs and use them to further enhance patient care quality, laboratory efficiency, and the durability of the workforce amidst changing healthcare demands.

B-109 Six Sigma Analysis for Enhancing Biochemistry Internal Quality Control in a Private Laboratory in India

Abstract Background This abstract outlines a comprehensive study on the application of Six Sigma methodologies to optimize internal quality control processes in a private biochemistry laboratory in India. Data collection was performed using Bio-Rad Assayed Chemistry Control on the Roche cobas 6000 instrument, facilitated by Bio-Rad Unity software. The study adheres to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) 2024 guidelines, specifically focusing on Total Error (TEa). Methods The analytical performances of Cobas c501 insturment as analyse by running biochemical tests (urea, creatinine, uric acid, total bilirubin, AST, Amylase, Lipase, CK, LD, ALT, ALP, LDH, HDL-C, Ca2+, cholesterol, TG, HDL LDL, total protein, albumin, Na+, K+, and Cl−) and glucose on Cobas 400 were evaluated. Biases and CV were obtained from internal quality control programs using biorad unity software. The performance of each instrument was assessed using the σ scale; the benchmark performance was &amp;lt;3 σ (improvement needed); “world-class” quality was six sigma. Results Analytes such as “Alk PO4,” “ALT,” “Amylase,” “Bilirubin,” “CK,” “GGT,” “LD,” “Phosphorus,” “HDL,” “LDL Cholesterol,” “Triglycerides,” and “Uric acid” exhibited impressive sigma scores exceeding 6. Meanwhile, analytes including “Calcium,” “Total Cholesterol,” “Potassium,” “Total Protein,” “Urea,” and “Glucose” achieved sigma scores between 4 and 6, demonstrating noteworthy performance within acceptable bounds. Conclusions This study contributes valuable insights to laboratory management, specifically in the context of biochemistry testing in private Indian laboratories. The adoption of Six Sigma principles, coupled with adherence to CLIA 2024 guidelines and the utilization of advanced instrumentation and software, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. This positions the laboratory to deliver high-quality and reliable results in the dynamic landscape of healthcare diagnostics.

A-089 Development and Implementation of an online learning Environment for clinical chemistry resident education: UAMS experience

Abstract Background The clinical chemistry resident teaching rotation extends over 12 weeks, equivalent to a three-month period. The first chemistry rotation is scheduled for the first year, the second for the second year, and the final rotation for the fourth year. Throughout the 12-week teaching rotation, residents are exposed to a range of clinical chemistry concepts, including laboratory management, quality assurance, and test interpretation, among others. By the end of the program, residents should be well-equipped to provide expert guidance and advice on clinical chemistry matters. The current generation of learners values education that is flexible and accessible, leading to the growth and integration of blended or hybrid learning in various educational settings. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of the newly implemented online platform by analyzing feedback from residents and their quiz scores before and after the change. Methods A Box folder was created for the clinical chemistry rotation and divided into three subfolders for each rotation. Each subfolder contains materials for quizzes, cases for discussions, articles, and presentations. All the residents have access to the Box folder for educational materials. Previously, reading assignments were emailed the day before sessions, while quizzes and cases were given during sessions. In order to assess the efficacy of the online platform, we conducted an analysis of the average quiz scores before and after its implementation. In addition, we utilized the feedback provided by residents to evaluate the platform's practicality and adaptability. Results On average, the residents post-implementation scores (30 quizzes) increased by 20% (10%-35%). The pre-implementation average score was 50%, which increased to an 80% success rate after implementation. The residents unanimously agreed that the new online learning environment was very helpful in preparing them for the in-person session. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the previous learning style, which made it difficult for them to focus on learning while answering questions given on the spot. Instead, they preferred being provided with the questions beforehand, which allowed them to carefully read and search for answers to quizzes and case studies. The residents found that speed-reading through the questions and quickly glancing over the answers and explanations was not helpful to their learning process. Overall, the new learning format was able to alleviate their stress levels and helped them better prepare for the in-person session. Conclusions The online learning environment has been found to be a preferred mode of education by UAMS pathology residents. It has been deemed effective and suitable for our academic setting.

Young investigators in parasitology meeting: building foundations and supporting early-career researchers

The fourth biennial Young Investigators in Parasitology Meeting (YIPs) was held on September 14-15, 2024, in Woods Hole, MA, USA. YIPs was founded to support early-career principal investigators (PIs) in parasitology, offering practical advice and fostering collaboration among researchers within their first five years of independence. The meeting addresses critical skill gaps in lab management and professional development for junior PIs, covering essential topics such as recruitment, budgeting, funding, mentoring, and navigating institutional politics. By combining structured sessions with opportunities for networking, YIPs has become a vital resource for the parasitology community, serving as a model for similar initiatives in other fields. In this TrendsTalk, we invite the organizers this year to highlight the main themes and takeaways discussed over eight sessions at YIPS 2024.

Enhancing Laboratory Sample Collection Efficiency through Laboratory Information Systems: Insights into Optimal Despatch Rider Management

Effective administration of dispatch riders is crucial for delivering reliable diagnoses and research results by enabling prompt and precise sample collection. Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) offers a solution to enhance the efficiency and organization of dispatch riders in laboratory settings. Thus, the main objective of this study is to provide insights and knowledge on the potential benefits of implementing LIS to optimize the management of dispatch riders and enhance the efficiency of sample collection. An analysis of previous research findings illustrates the varied benefits of using LIS in improving key performance indicators such as turnaround time, mistake rates, and coordination of dispatch riders. The LIS platform serves as a centralized system for managing and allocating sample collection jobs, minimizing scheduling conflicts, and optimizing dispatch rider routes. Real-time tracking capabilities enable laboratory management to monitor dispatch rider locations and sample collection progress, facilitating enhanced coordination and resource allocation. Furthermore, LIS-generated data analytics provide valuable insights into sample collection patterns, enabling proactive management strategies to mitigate potential bottlenecks. Integration of LIS into payroll systems allows for automated compensation calculation based on dispatch rider performance metrics, ensuring fair and transparent pay rates. Studies consistently demonstrate that adequate compensation positively impacts dispatch rider motivation and sample collection effectiveness. This study highlights the vital importance of LIS in enhancing dispatch rider administration for efficient sample collection operations. It provides insights for laboratory managers and policymakers to optimize the potential of LIS to improve operational performance, facilitate patient care, and advance research outcomes.

Esophageal Function Testing Patterns in the Evaluation and Management of Lung Transplantation: Results of a National Survey.

We surveyed esophageal motility laboratories affiliated with adult pulmonary transplant centers to determine esophageal function testing (EFT) practices. Gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal dysmotility are associated with worse lung transplant outcomes, yet no consensus guidelines for EFT exist in this population. A deidentified online survey was sent to gastrointestinal motility laboratory directors of 49 academic and community-affiliated medical centers that perform lung transplants. Practice characteristics, including annual lung transplant volume and institutional EFT practices pre-lung transplantation and post-lung transplantation were queried. Respondents were categorized by transplant volume into small and large programs based on median annual volume. Among 35 respondents (71% response rate), the median annual transplant volume was 37, and there were 18 large programs. Institutional EFT protocols were used pretransplant by 24 programs (68.6%) and post-transplant by 12 programs (34.2%). Among small and large programs, 52.9% and 72.2% always obtained high-resolution manometry before transplant, respectively. Endoscopy before transplant was performed more often in small programs (n=17, 100%) compared with large programs (n=15,83.3%). Pretransplant endoscopy ( P =0.04), barium esophagram ( P <0.01), and high-resolution manometry ( P =0.04) were more common than post-transplant. In contrast, post-transplant reflux monitoring off-therapy was more common than pretransplant ( P =0.01). In general, pulmonologists direct referrals for EFT and gastroenterology consultation (n=28, 80.0%), with symptoms primarily prompting testing. In the absence of established guidelines, substantial variability exists in pretransplant and post-transplant EFT, directed by pulmonologists. Standardized EFT protocols and gastroenterologist-directed management of esophageal dysfunction has potential to improve lung transplant outcomes.

Exploring prescriptive and agile management of university-based living labs

ABSTRACT University-based living labs serve as open innovation platforms that foster collaborative research and experimentation across various disciplines. These labs bring together academics, citizens, community organisations, companies, and other entities to collectively address complex contemporary issues. The labs’ managers are expected to adopt flexible, agile management approaches to support the openness of their lab to stakeholders. Flexible management approaches create various challenges, as the labs are often expected also to comply with traditional project management principles of deadlines, project deliverables, budget restrictions, and quality conditions as set by their project sponsors and host organisation. The combination of prescriptive and agile project management approaches in such open innovation settings has been relatively underexplored in higher education research. Drawing on the theoretical literature on boundary work and project management, we analyse how the managers of a Dutch university-based living lab execute flexible project management styles in a setting that is dominated by prescriptive project management traditions. Based on information from 20 interviews and document analysis we identify five areas of tension between agile and prescriptive project management. Living lab managers, supported by researchers, buffer these tensions through boundary work that shapes the openness of the projects in rather unexpected ways.

Defining our worth.

A recent article by Rodino et al. published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology (K. G. Rodino, P. M. Luethy, A. N. Abbott, J. M. Bender, A. R. Eberly, M. Gitman, A. Leber, and J. Dien Bard, J Clin Microbiol 62:e00359-24, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.00359-24) hones in on clinical consultation as a way for clinical microbiology laboratory directors (CMLDs) to provide evidence of our worth. They relate that, unlike our physician colleagues, we are unable to generate billing for clinical consultations, relative value units, or other metrics that could assist to describe our import. Their study evaluated consultations performed by CMLDs as a way to underscore our importance as a key member of the healthcare team.

Determination of Aloin A, Aloin B, and Aloe-Emodin in Raw Materials and Finished Products Using HPLC Multi-Laboratory Validation Study, AOAC 2016.09, Final Action Status.

A multi-laboratory validation study was performed on AOAC Official Method of Analysis (OMA) 2016.09, for final action. Eight different laboratories throughout the world participated in the study tested the same set of 6 different laboratory samples of raw materials (commercial) and formulated products (commercial), and all the laboratories successfully generated results within the acceptance criteria. The intention of the study was to evaluate specificity, precision (variation), linearity/range, system suitability, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) by multiple laboratories to satisfy the requirement of moving the OMA 2016.09 to the final action status. Accuracy and ruggedness were already validated in earlier work of single laboratory validation (1), and it was not necessary to include these validation parameters in the multi-laboratory validation study. Laboratory samples containing Aloe were sent out to participating laboratories. Each lab followed AOAC 2016.09 (First Action status) to analyze contents of aloin A, aloin B, and aloe emodin using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instrument. The results generated by each laboratory were collected and evaluated. The specificity results show that blank and matrix chromatograms do not contain major interfering peaks on the retention time of aloin A, aloin B, and aloe-emodin. The precision (variation) results of duplicated preparations are not more than 0.05 parts per million (ppm) different. The linearity/range results from six standards (10 parts per billion (ppb), 20 ppb, 40 ppb, 80 ppb, 160 ppb, and 500 ppb) have correlation coefficient (R) value of ≥ 0.999. The system suitability results meet the acceptance criteria to show the instrument validity. The limit of detection (LOD) results show that the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of 10 ppb standards for all three components are about 3. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) results show that the S/N ratio of 20 ppb standards for all three components are about 10. The validation parameters (specificity, precision (variation), linearity/range, system suitability, LOD, and LOQ) have been successfully analyzed, and it shows that the test method is suitable for its intended use. The test method has been successfully validated by the eight different laboratories around the world (US, UK, Germany, and Canada). Each of the laboratory is managed independently by the site lab management team. This multi-lab study validated the method of Determination of Aloin A, Aloin B, and Aloe-Emodin in Raw Materials and Finished Products Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the method fits for its intended purpose.

The Protest that Never Was: Silencing Political Activism at CERN Before and During the Vietnam War

AbstractThis article focuses on the history of CERN from the perspective of its staff’s political initiatives. Notwithstanding the extensive coverage that the international physics laboratory has received, historians have yet to document these campaigns in full. What follows explains this omission by focusing on provisions that muzzled the activists’ initiatives. Since 1955, staff rules and regulations elaborated by CERN managers aimed at curbing efforts to promote political campaigning in the laboratory. Designed to safeguard its special legal status as an international organization in Switzerland devoted to scientific collaborations, these provisions strengthened its public image as a “sanctuary” for pure physics. With the war in Vietnam in full swing, however, it became more difficult to bottle in political initiatives, especially as CERN staff contributed to anti-war protests and supported local solidarity groups. At this critical junction, the laboratory managers muffled campaigns targeting Nobel-prize winning physicist Murray Gell-Mann, and made it seem as if a petition against the US military strikes in Vietnam signed by its staff was never put together.

Penerapan Aplikasi Manajemen Laboratorium Dinas Lingkungan Hidup Kota Palembang

Waste samples that is managed properly will generate added value and provide benefits for environmental management. The purpose of this study is to design a web-based waste water sample data management information system so that it can make it easier for waste laboratory staff and the public as customers and admins to manage and access waste water sample data and transactions. The method used in data collection is the DevOps method and it is also not important as a researcher to interview officials from the Palembang city environmental service regarding the laboratory management application program.. In making the website, the author uses the PHP and MySQL programming languages with the DevOps development method, object-based software modeling using UML and designing the system interface to show system functions. Database design is made to show the relationship between entities and data contained in the system. Users who will use the waste laboratory management application information system are employees of the environmental service laboratory unit as admin and the public. The results of this study indicate that the website design that was built can make it easier for the admin to manage waste water sample data, it can be stored in a database and can be accessed at any time. Apart from that, for residents,, this system has the benefit of accelerating the process of collecting waste in their environment, this system has the benefit of speeding up the process of collecting waste water sample data.

Design and Development of an Intelligent Laboratory Management System Based on STM Processors

Abstract In response to the escalating inventory of laboratory equipment, the inadequacy of traditional manual management practices has become increasingly apparent. Current management challenges are underscored by historical data, which reveals a borrowing rate of approximately 30%, a concerning return rate of only about 5%, and an equipment loss rate of 10%. To address these inefficiencies, this paper introduces an advanced, intelligent laboratory equipment management system leveraging STM32 and GM65 technologies, designed to significantly enhance the return rate and minimize equipment loss. The system is meticulously engineered, featuring three integral modules: the scanning module, the core board module, and the communication module. The scanning module employs GM65 technology to rapidly scan and decode QR codes, facilitating the swift transmission of critical data to the core board for intelligent processing and interaction with the laboratory equipment. At the heart of the system, the core board module serves as the central processing unit, adeptly managing data from the scanning module. It intelligently discerns various information types and dynamically updates the TFT-LCD screen with the current status of equipment, ensuring that all users have access to real-time and accurate information regarding the borrowing and returning of equipment. The communication module is pivotal in bolstering the system's connectivity capabilities. Designed with a robust structure, the system is characterized by its simplicity of operation and robust practicality. It not only significantly improves the efficiency of laboratory equipment management but also plays a transformative role in modernizing laboratory management practices. By streamlining the management process and ensuring the optimal utilization of resources, this system provides a solid foundation for the sustainable advancement of laboratory operations.