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In recent years, a combination of widely publicized epidemiological studies. clinical trials, and impassioned written and verbal exchanges among researchers have contributed to the growing awareness of health professionals and [...]

Introduction: The forthcoming 'London Conference' (1) on Afghanistan (January 31-February 1, 2006), to be attended by President Hamid Karzai, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, [...]

CONTINUING EDUCATION To earn CEUs, see test on page 20. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this article, the reader will be able to: * Differentiate between primary and secondary iron [...]

Snapshots can reveal only a small, often indistinct, portion of a landscape. Any brief consideration of a topic as far-reaching and complex as diabetes is bound to suffer from the [...]

Knowledge often provides the power to positively influence outcomes. One of our nation's health goals for the new millennium as articulated in the document Healthy People 2010 is improved maternal, [...]

Neural tube defects (NTD) account for a sizeable percentage of infant deaths attributed to birth defects. To reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes as a result of NTDs, health experts recommend that folic acid consumption be increased among pregnant women. While increased consumption of folic acid can prevent the development of NTDs, it cannot guarantee that a pregnant woman will automatically be safe from NTD-linked conditions. In cases when NTD is suspected, prenatal testing can be used to help parents decide whether or not to proceed with the pregnancy., "Attention young women ... a modern miracle ... for only pennies a day, you can achieve better health throughout your lifetime and help protect the health of future generations!" Such [...]

The American Diabetes Assn recently issued new criteria for diabetes classification, diagnostic cutpoints and testing strategies. Diabetes mellitus afflicts an estimated 16 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of disease-related deaths in the US. For medical laboratories, the new diagnostic cutpoints and recommendations for screening and management of hyperglycemia are expected to increase requests for procedures evaluating glycemic control., For the first time in almost 20 years, new recommendations on diagnosis, classification, and testing strategies for diabetes have been issued. For clinical labs, combatting this old enemy under the [...]

An examination of data generated by previous researches prove that antioxidant vitamins can forestall the degenerative process related with aging. Antioxidant vitamins such as C, E and carotenoids effectively prevent free radicals from damaging cells, tissues and plasma constituents. The defensive actions of these antioxidant vitamins inhibit the constant production of free radicals during metabolism. Findings from previous studies also support the conclusion that vitamins C and E and betacarotene are good for the reduction of risk of death from heart disease and cancer., Much press and controversy surround claims of benefits derived from antioxidant vitamin therapy. More evidence is accumulating to suggest that increased consumption, especially of vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, can [...]

Chronobiology was introduced into clinical and laboratory medicine in the 1950s as an approach to disease prevention. It is founded on the study of the natural rhythms and trends of the human body, which is more commonly referred to as the human biological clock. These rhythms are responsive to environmental and social stimuli but gradually fall out of a pattern due to endogenous fluctuations that are controlled by the genes. The circadian rhythm is the most researched type of rhythm being applied to the study of choronobiology., Are you a morning rather than an evening person? Does a PM shift assignment stretch your coping abilities to the maximum but seem ideally suited to the energies of your [...]

Saliva is becoming a popular multipurpose diagnostic fluid among laboratory professionals for evaluating free and physiologically active substances found in the circulation. It is most frequently used as a tool for the detection of antibodies to the AIDS, hepatitis and Epstein-Barr virus and other infectious agents. It can be easily and inexpensively obtained, transported and stored and presents very minimal infection risks to laboratorians. Saliva consists of a mixture of secretions of the salivary glands, gingival fluid, debris from cells and microorganisms and contains amylases, cellulases and proteases., The technology exists to perform a wide range of tests, including HIV detection, using this safe, easily obtained diagnostic medium. SALIVA--long overlooked as a multipurpose diagnostic fluid--is gaining popularity and [...]

Part I. Focuses on the importance of laboratory support in nutritional management of geriatric patients in the United States. Factors affecting the nutritional status of elderly persons; Nutritional standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations; Testing for micronutrient deficiencies.