CLSI Blog Articles

Read the latest articles about CLSI and laboratory standards in the official CLSI Blog. Browse our most recent blog articles below.

Spotlight on CLSI’s Partnerships Activities in Central Asia

CLSI’s Global Health Partnerships (GHP) presented a PEPFAR-funded workshop series entitled Molecular Practical Trainings in PCR Methodology for HIV Testing in the Central Asia Region between March to September 2018. A workshop was held in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Each workshop was co-led by CLSI’s Melissa Meeks, GHP’s Director of Education and Development and subject matter expert Catherine Gebhart, PhD, MB(ASCP)CM, D(ABHI), Technical Director of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, with the assistance of local Russian-English interpreters. Each training included theoretical and hands-on components.

Accurate Diagnosis of HIV Infection

Accurate diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is essential for limiting the spread of infection and for appropriate treatment. A variety of HIV lab tests have been developed and are used by laboratorians and clinicians to aid with diagnosis.

The Importance of Newborn Screening Standards

Newborn blood spot screening is the practice of testing newborns for certain harmful or potentially fatal diseases that aren't apparent at birth. A simple blood test can diagnose these rare conditions. Although most newborns test negative, early diagnosis in the form of newborn blood spot screening and timely treatment can sometimes mean the difference between lifelong impairment or even death and healthy development. Two of many diseases that newborns are screened for are Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) and Pompe Disease.

Managing Electronic Data Reporting in the Medical Laboratory

Patient care is complex and depends on accurate and timely information, including patient examination information provided by the laboratory. The results provided by the laboratory are a valuable resource used to guide clinical decision making for improving patient outcomes. An efficient laboratory data management system is crucial for the smooth operation of the lab.

Improving Accuracy of Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis newborn screening accuracy is essential for early diagnosis and treatment, which has been shown to improve outcomes. In a seven year study of 16 sibling pairs with cystic fibrosis, it was found thatearly initiation of therapy (before age 1) was beneficial. Although cystic fibrosis neonatal screening will identify the vast majority of infants with cystic fibrosis, there are many factors in the newborn screening system that can lead to misdiagnosis.

CLSI/ASM Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Webinar Series

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious public health concerns in the world. Although AMR occurs naturally over time, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials is speeding this process. An example of antimicrobial misuse is when a patient with a viral infection is given an antibiotic used to treat a bacterial infection. Another example is a patient with a bacterial infection taking the wrong antibiotic for that infection.

Efficient Medical Laboratory Planning and Design

Efficient medical laboratory planning and design can increase productivity, leading to faster turnaround times and better patient outcomes.

Is Your Lab Emergency Ready?

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September. This year’s NPM will focus on planning, with an overarching theme: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.

MALDI-TOF for the Microbiology Laboratory

Mass spectrometry is a technique used to analyze the mass-to-charge ratio of various compounds. Learn more about MALDI-TOF for the Microbiology Laboratory from CLSI, including information about CLSI Document M58.

CLSI at AACC: 2018 Highlights

Last month CLSI attended the 70th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo, which is the largest global scientific conference and tradeshow in the field of laboratory medicine and is sponsored by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC).