Technological advances have changed the practice of clinical microbiology. We implemented Bruker matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and BD Kiestra total laboratory automation (TLA) 4 and 3 years ago, respectively. To assess the impact of these new technologies, we compared turnaround times (TATs) for positive and negative urine cultures b...

PURPOSE For men receiving androgen-suppression therapy (AST) for a rising postoperative or postradiation prostate-specific antigen (PSA), we evaluated whether a PSA nadir of more than 0.2 ng/mL was significantly associated with prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM). PATIENTS AND METHODS The study cohort comprised 747 men with rising PSA and negative bone scan after surgery (n = 486) or ra...

Objective: Identification of risk factors associated with anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (anti-TB-DIH) is important, especially in an endemic area for TB and liver disease. This study assessed the incidence and risk factors of anti-TB-DIH. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate the abnormal liver function test (LFT) in antitubercular therapy. Methods: A total of 100 co...

OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to identify the prevalence of pre-hypertension in the Army officers in a combat unit and to characterize the factors that are associated with increased prevalence of pre-hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHOD This was a cross sectional study performed in all officers of the 1st Infantry Regiment, the King's own bodyguard, in June 2007. Baseline demo...

BACKGROUND Integration of rapid diagnostic testing via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) with antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) intervention has the potential for early organism identification, customization of antibiotic therapy, and improvement in patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of this combined approach on clinica...