Clinical laboratory science : journal of the American Society for Medical Technology
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Therapy of coagulation disorders has evolved from early use of fresh whole blood and plasma, to sophisticated recombinant factor concentrates. Although current testing protocols and viral inactivation methods ensure that transfusion of components is safer than ever, the potential for new threats continually exists, e.g., West Nile virus. Effective therapy depends on treating the specific deficiency with the safest and most appropriate replacement product, in the proper dose.
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The purpose of this study was to compare results obtained for the prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using specimens drawn with and without a discard tube in healthy adults. ⋯ Relative to sampling from a population of healthy adults, drawing a discard tube before a sodium citrate tube for coagulation testing appears to make an insignificant difference. Replication of these results with patients receiving anticoagulant therapy and/or patients with abnormal coagulation results, would offer cost savings by justifying elimination of discard tubes for blood draws for coagulation testing only. Such a change in protocol would also reduce the likelihood of nosocomial blood loss in vulnerable patient populations.
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The study was undertaken to assess educators', practitioners', and managers' perceptions of the future job expectations of clinical laboratory scientists (CLSs) and their opinions on the skills that are expected of CLSs at entry-level and with experience. ⋯ This study suggests that extensive laboratory operations and communication skills are expected of CLS graduates without any additional education beyond their CLS programs. CLS educators should adequately address those areas in the curriculum. Competence in other non-technical skills may not be expected without the benefit of post-baccalaureate education and in these areas, CLS programs can provide a foundation for future learning.
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The study was undertaken to address the following questions: 1) Does the scope of practice of the clinical laboratory scientist require an entry-level master's (MS) degree? 2) How would a change to an entry-level MS degree in clinical laboratory science (CLS) affect educational programs, the practice field, and students? and 3) Based on this study, what recommendations can be made to CLS educators? ⋯ There is currently no support for an overall change from the BS degree to the MS degree as the entry-level requirement for CLS practitioners. Entry-level MS programs in CLS may be attractive to students who already have BS degrees.