April 2012 - Posts

What's in a Name?
April 30, 2012 2:16 PM by Kelly Bocich

Last week, a conversation on the MedLab Listserv caught my eye. A listserv member noted that his laboratory is considering changing their name from "Automated Lab" to something a little more descriptive, in part to allow for a little more pride from lab Read More...

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Slogan Winner Chosen
April 26, 2012 2:03 PM by Kerri Penno

Congratulations to Larry Roth, who submitted the following winning laboratory slogan: You might be a laboratorian if ... you end up explaining your test results to your doctor. Larry wins a $25 gift certificate to the ADVANCE Healthcare Shop and a T-shirt Read More...

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FDA in the Hot Seat
April 25, 2012 10:41 AM by Lynn

Although the FDA has good intentions, it is often scrutinized for the amount of time it takes to review submissions, approve clinical trials and the like. And today is no exception. Expertbriefings.com released an article, “How the FDA Stifles New Cures, Read More...

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It's Time to Inspire a New Generation of Lab Professionals
April 24, 2012 8:32 AM by Valerie Newitt

While you're celebrating the accomplishments of lab professionals across the country, take a few moments to consider the future of the profession. The shortage of lab professionals is well known, and it will only get more critical. What can you do about Read More...

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New Blood Test Could Diagnose Depression in Teens
April 20, 2012 12:10 PM by Kelly Bocich

As scientists, laboratorians appreciate the ability to look at a specimen and extract diagnostic information that, if not definitive in and of itself, can combine with other clinical information to diagnose a patient. A specific diagnosis leads to proper Read More...

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Celebrating Success
April 19, 2012 4:45 PM by Kerri Penno

One of my favorite parts of each year is reading about the accomplishments of those nominated for our Lab and Laboratory Professional of the Year contests. It is amazing what some of these leaders can balance and excel in, given their busy schedules. Read More...

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Politics as Usual?
April 18, 2012 9:20 AM by Lynn

With Rick Santorum’s departure in the political race, Mitt Romney and President Obama are in a tight sprint, according to this morning’s New York Times . Says the article, “Mitt Romney has solidified support within his party for the presidential nomination Read More...

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No Drinking: Urine Is NOT a Beverage
April 17, 2012 9:04 AM by Valerie Newitt

Science has finally figured out what I already knew: It is not a good idea to drink urine. Really? Duh. I didn't need a research paper to tell me that! Yet others may be enlightened to hear that researchers have determined that bacteria are present in Read More...

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Happy National Volunteer Week
April 16, 2012 9:27 AM by Kelly Bocich

Volunteering for a cause you care about is a great way to stay involved in the community, bring attention to deserving groups or causes, and often, renewing appreciation for what you have. April 15-21 is National Volunteer Week, and we'd love to hear Read More...

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Question Everything: Identifying Unnecessary Tests, Treatments
April 13, 2012 2:49 PM by Kelly Bocich

Have you seen these lists of common tests and treatments that are often unnecessary --or even harmful? In an effort to reduce the costs of unnecessary healthcare measures, nine specialty groups developed their own lists of Five Things Physicians and Patients Read More...

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From ‘Big Brother' to a Hospital Debacle: A HIPAA Nightmare
April 12, 2012 8:05 AM by Valerie Newitt

Few Americans are aware that the TV hit "Big Brother" first debuted on Dutch television. The diminutive Netherlands has made some bold moves in television-land. For example, there was "De Grote Donorshow" ( The Big Donor Show ) broadcast in 2007. The Read More...

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Mixed Messages?
April 11, 2012 11:14 AM by Lynn

Recently, the stock market has taken a hit from the less-than-stellar unemployment rate. While there’s been some jobs added in March, the numbers weren’t what analysts expected. However, it wasn’t so long ago that stocks responded to positive news (January Read More...

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Gene Patenting
April 10, 2012 5:05 PM by Kerri Penno

Last month, the Supreme Court remanded the BRCA case (The Association for Molecular Pathology, et al., v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., et al --Docket No. 11-725) to the Federal Court of Appeals. After a number of previous decisions based on whether a company Read More...

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Recent Job Postings
April 6, 2012 12:13 PM by Kelly Bocich

Hopefully, for those of you actively job searching, you're aware of our resources for laboratory jobs--the job search function at ADVANCE for Healthcare Careers , our exclusive @ ADVLabJobs Twitter feed , and the jobs section of the ADVANCE for Medical Read More...

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Small Facility Needs
April 5, 2012 2:28 PM by Kerri Penno

One thing we continually learn from our readers is how much the staff, supervisor and management needs change from facility to facility, day to day. From critical access hospitals, to physician office labs or small regional facilities, the daily focus Read More...

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A Story to Tell?
April 4, 2012 2:10 PM by Lynn

It’s true that as one ages, one also gets wiser. I value the knowledge shared by peers and truly appreciate them sharing experiences—good and bad—when, for example, we’re initiating an enterprise-wide or department-specific project. If you have a story Read More...

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Has ‘Lean' Affected You?
April 3, 2012 7:51 AM by Valerie Newitt

How has "lean" impacted you personally? I'm not talking about frozen Lean Cuisine dinners, or lean months during a national recession. I'm talking about lean concepts ... a lean mindset. I've done quite a few interviews across the years with facilities Read More...

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April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
April 2, 2012 10:56 AM by Kelly Bocich

This blog comes to us from Acupath Laboratories Inc . April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 8,600 cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2012. Testicular cancer is not common; it accounts Read More...

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