A multilayer passive shield composed of low-activity lead (Pb), copper (Cu), tin (Sn) and iron (Fe) was designed and manufactured for a coaxial HPGe detector placed at a surface laboratory for reducing background radiation and radiation dose to the personnel. The performance of the shield was evaluated and efficiency curves of the detector were plotted by using of various standard sources in di...

The low-cost Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility (MODS) assay is a non-proprietary test that delivers rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug-resistant TB. Although methodologically straightforward, implementation is challenging in isolated settings where personnel trained in plate reading are lacking. One affordable strategy to address this shortfall is the use ...

BACKGROUND There is a worldwide shortage of qualified laboratory personnel to provide adequate testing for the detection and monitoring of diseases. In an effort to increase laboratory capacity in developing countries, new skills have been introduced into laboratory services. Curriculum revision with a focus on good laboratory practice is an important aspect of supplying entry-level graduates w...

In the early years of diagnostic cardiac catheterization, strict sterile precautions were required for cutdown procedures. Thirteen years ago, when the original guidelines were written, the brachial arteriotomy was still frequently utilized, femoral closure devices were uncommon, "implantables," such as intracoronary stents and PFO/ASD closure devices, were in their infancy, and percutaneous va...

OBJECTIVE To investigate bacterial culture practices in veterinary clinics, with an emphasis on laboratory biosafety and on quality of laboratory practices. DESIGN Survey-based prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION 166 veterinarians. PROCEDURES Veterinarians were recruited through the Veterinary Information Network (an Internet-based network restricted to veterinary personnel). All Network...

INTRODUCTION Health laboratory services are a critical component of national health systems but face major operational challenges in resource-limited (RL) settings. New funding for health systems strengthening in RL countries has increased the demand for diagnostics and provided opportunities to address these constraints. An approach to sustainably strengthen national laboratory systems in sub-...

In the course of conducting forensic analysis of human skeletal material, anthropologists are exposed to a number of biological and chemical hazards. This paper reviews the primary concerns in terms of infection or exposure. Handling of human tissue provides an avenue through which bloodborne pathogens may be transported. Scene recovery also includes a set of hazards through exposure to human, ...

Genetics can help prevent mastitis and reduce somatic cell count. The purpose of this article is to inform producers, veterinarians, extension personnel, artificial breeding personnel, and genetics specialists about the methods and usefulness of genetics to improve milk quality. The USDA Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory [AIPL] has published genetic evaluations for Somatic Cell Score (SCS)...