Changing Clinical Laboratories: Better or Worse?

Article Abstract:

Members of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) are concerned about the influence of managed care and other health care system changes on clinical laboratories. An ASM study found that managed care has resulted in reductions in staff, lower qualifications for laboratory technicians, and less antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Managed care's emphasis on cost-cutting has resulted in less research on new technologies. There are also fewer schools with Master's degree programs in microbiology. This could compromise clinical microbiology testing, at a time when infectious diseases are re-appearing as a major cause of sickness and death.

Analysis, Medical laboratories, Biomedical laboratories, Managed care plans (Medical care)

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British, American reports on xenotransplantation

Article Abstract:

Two reports have been published on the status of xenotransplantation, which involves transplanting animal organs into humans. This procedure is experimental but there are good reasons to consider animal organs. There are an estimated 40,000 people in the US alone who are waiting for a transplant. Advances in immunosuppression and genetic engineering may make animal organs suitable for humans. However, there is a real risk that infectious organisms could be transmitted to humans. The US is developing national guidelines which should be followed by institutional review boards.

Research, Reports, Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc., Organ transplantation, Tissue transplantation, Transplantation, Xenotransplantation

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