Clinical laboratory science : journal of the American Society for Medical Technology
-
To determine whether generic skills that dinical laboratory scientists (CLSs)/medical technologists (MTs) learned as students and/or practitioners are applied to jobs outside the field of CLS/MT; and to determine if there are any significant differences in learning and/or doing these skills by CLS/MT majors vs. non-CLS/MT majors. ⋯ The results indicate that, in general, for this sample group, generic skills learned as CLS/MT students and/or practitioners can be and are applied to a wide variety of LTF jobs. Furthermore, CLS/MT majors learned the generic skills at least as well, if not better, than other baccalaureate level laboratory practitioners who obtained degrees in other areas.
-
Cultural competency incorporates an awareness of different cultures, and sensitivity to the differences of cultures which results in appropriate behaviors with other cultures. White non-Hispanics currently comprise almost 73.6% of the total United States population, but this percentage will decrease to less than 53% by 2050. ⋯ Laboratory professionals must become skilled in communication with all patient populations served, be aware of personal biases, and be willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve cultural competency. Skills must be integrated into education and training processes to prepare the laboratory professional to work effectively in and with different cultures.
-
To assess the ability of the ratio of free prostate specific antigen to total prostate specific antigen (% fPSA) to aid in selection of subjects who would require follow-up studies. ⋯ Using these two routine criteria, 119 (119/157; 76%) subjects would be candidates for follow-up procedures, such as transurethral ultrasound (TRUS) and/or sextant prostate biopsy. By adding % fPSA results of < 10% fPSA to tPSA results > 4.0 mg/mL as criteria for follow-up studies, specificity can be improved threefold with sensitivity unchanged. If an abnormal DRE suggestive of malignancy was included as part of the criteria, sensitivity of the diagnostic scheme would reach 100%. Using the triple diagnostic parameters of tPSA > 4.0 ng/mL, the ratio of free prostate specific antigen to total prostate specific antigen <10%, and an abnormal prostate DRE, 16 participants would be recommended for follow-up studies (16/157; 10%). This would eliminate 103 subjects from unnecessary and expensive testing.
-
Retention of recent graduates and other laboratory practitioners in the workplace will play a key role in addressing current and projected shortages of clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) and technicians (CLT). In addition, with overrepresentation of the aging Baby Boomer generation in laboratory supervisory and management positions, it is crucial not only to retain younger practitioners, but to prepare them for assuming these important functions in the future. Mentoring, a practice commonly employed in other professions, is widely considered to be useful in employee retention and career advancement. ⋯ This article will attempt to provide a better understanding of generational differences and show how mentoring can be applied in the setting of the clinical laboratory in order to increase retention and promote career advancement of younger practitioners. A panel of five laboratory managers provided examples of mentoring strategies. Definitions, benefits, and examples of mentoring are addressed in the accompanying article, "Passing the Torch: Mentoring the Next Generation of Laboratory Professionals".
-
DIC is a life-threatening complication of several disease states. It is characterized by systemic activation of the hemostasis system. In many instances the release of tissue factor (TF) from endothelial cells or other circulating cells triggers the system. ⋯ The administration of concentrates of natural anticoagulants, i.e., antithrombin, protein C, or tissue factor pathway inhibitor are safer than heparins since they do not exacerbate the bleeding tendency. These concentrates were found to be very effective in animal models of DIC; human experience is still limited. Generally, the earlier treatment is initiated, the better the patient's prognosis.