On the Trail of Telomeres Telomeres are becoming a larger focus in patient testing as new studies reveal that extreme short or long telomere lengths are associated with specific heritable diseases and cancers. Learn More
PAMA Data Reporting Looms as Congress Considers Delay Congress is considering a bill that would delay data collection for the Protecting Access to Medicare Act for 1 year to improve accuracy and allow time for a study of the law’s implementation. Learn More
Noninvasive Prenatal Screening: Going Beyond High-Risk Pregnancies Director of medical screening and special testing at Women and Infants Hospital, Geralyn Lambert-Messerlian, PhD, discusses cell free DNA screening in average-risk pregnancies. Learn More
Competency Check Point Laboratorians discuss the process and result of implementing electronic competency software versus using a standard paper-based system. Learn More
New Rule Requires Antibiotic Stewardship Programs at All Hospitals A new rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires documentation that all hospitals have an antibiotic stewardship program that follows national guidelines. Learn More
Children’s Hospitals to Grow Genomic Data Sharing Network With NIH Grant With an $8.5 million federal grant, children’s hospitals in Boston, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati are hoping to expand the Genomics Research and Innovation Network to include more medical centers that focus on pediatric genomic studies. Learn More
OraSure Rapid Ebola Test Becomes First to Earn FDA Marketing Authorization FDA has authorized the OraQuick Ebola rapid antigen test, which is primarily intended for early detection of Ebola virus antigens in patient blood. Learn More
Sex-specific Cardiac Troponin Cutoffs Boost Diagnoses in Women, But Hardly Change Treatments, Outcomes A study on high sensitivity cardiac troponin, in both men and women, shows significant gender disparities in practices and outcomes. Learn More