CLSI Blog Articles

Read the latest articles about CLSI and laboratory standards in the official CLSI Blog. Browse our most recent blog articles below.

Automation Advances Within the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Microbiology specimen processing and culture workup remain mostly manual tasks with few recent changes to methods used. However, automation in the microbiology laboratory through the use of antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems is becoming more prevalent in the lab. Automated microbial identification is performed with MALDI-TOF MS, which stands for matrix-assisted laser de-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PK/PD Workshop Presented at CLSI Committees Week

Last week at CLSI’s first 2019 Committees Week in St. Augustine, Florida, we presented an education session on Recent Advances in Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and Its Use in Setting Breakpoints. Participants in the education session earned continuing education credits.

Digging Deeper into Understanding Cefazolin Reporting for Enterobacteriaceae

In the Spring 2018 CLSI AST News Update, we provided a case study illustrating various ways by which to report cefazolin as a surrogate for oral cephalosporins for applicable Gram-negative organisms isolated from the urine. The cases concentrated solely on testing and reporting of cefazolin as a surrogate. However, cefazolin, which is administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV) may also be used itself for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections. Additionally, cefazolin may be used in treatment of systemic infections due to susceptible isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis.

CLSI’s M100 Annual Updates Webinar

On February 20 and 21, CLSI will host its annual M100 updates webinar. This webinar will be moderated by Janet Hindler, MCLS, MT(ASCP), F(AAM) and presented by Romney M. Humphries, PhD, D(ABMM) and Audrey Schuetz, MD, MPH, FCAP. The material presented will be the same on both days and will help your lab staff identify the major changes found in the updated edition of CLSI document M100.

Applying Fluoroquinolone Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Updated Clinical Breakpoints for Gram-Negative Pathogens to Determine Optimal Dosing

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are responsible for significant morbidity, mortality, and excess healthcare costs, and their prevalence is increasing at a rate faster than the antimicrobial development pipeline. FDA-approved antimicrobial doses represent estimates across a patient population in order to maximize generalizability and probability of clinical effect as it would apply to “most” patients. Unfortunately, the increase in bacterial resistance and medical complexity of our patients means that these population estimates no longer apply to “most” patients, or at least not to the patients in whom optimizing antimicrobial doses matters the most. Fortunately, the principles of antimicrobial pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) can help optimize dosing regimens and tailor therapy for each patient individually.

The Importance of Prenatal and Newborn Screening

Prenatal screening tests are performed during pregnancy to determine the likelihood of a baby having specific birth defects. Most tests are performed during the first or second trimester and are noninvasive. A screening can only provide information about the possibility that the condition is present. When screening is positive, further confirmatory diagnostic testing is performed.

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. The theme for 2019 is “Best for You. Best for Baby.” The National Birth Defects Prevention Network Education and Outreach Committee has developed materials and resources to assist organizations interested in raising awareness during National Birth Defects Prevention Month.

January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month

The United States Congress has designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. Nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Cervical cancer is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.

Celebrate National Hand Washing Week

National Hand Washing week is celebrated the week of December 2nd through December 8th 2018 and is a great way to promote better hygiene and reduce illness.

World AIDS Day

December 1 is the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day. This year’s theme is “Know your status”. World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention. Since then, every year United Nations agencies, governments, and communities join forces to campaign around specific themes related to AIDS.