Latest Articles
MinireviewStandardization of Nucleic Acid Tests: the Approach of the World Health OrganizationThe first World Health Organization (WHO) international standards (ISs) for nucleic acid amplification techniques were established two decades ago, with the initial focus on blood screening for three major viral targets, i.e., hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus 1. These reference materials have subsequently found utility in the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of infectious diseases in...
EpidemiologyEstimated Clinical and Economic Impact through Use of a Novel Blood Collection Device To Reduce Blood Culture Contamination in the Emergency Department: a Cost-Benefit AnalysisBlood culture contamination results in increased hospital costs and exposure to antimicrobials. We evaluated the potential clinical and economic benefits of an initial specimen diversion device (ISDD) when routinely utilized for blood culture collection in the emergency department (ED) of a quaternary care medical center.
VirologyA Comprehensive Statistical Framework for Determination of Commutability, Accuracy, and Agreement in Clinical DNAemia AssaysDespite advances in the standardization of quantitative DNAemia tests and efforts to better understand and characterize the performance of reference materials in different assays, it remains unclear how the commutability performance of reference materials is related to intra- and interassay agreement. Building upon previous work, we describe a comprehensive framework to determine the relationship of commutability with assay accuracy and...
ImmunoassaysSimultaneous Quantification of Plasmodium Antigens and Host Factor C-Reactive Protein in Asymptomatic Individuals with Confirmed Malaria by Use of a Novel Multiplex ImmunoassayMalaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) primarily detect Plasmodium falciparum antigen histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) and the malaria-conserved antigen lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for P. vivax and other malaria species. The performance of RDTs and their utility is dependent on circulating antigen...
EpidemiologyPCR Detection of Respiratory Pathogens in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic AdultsThe frequency of viral respiratory pathogens in asymptomatic subjects is poorly defined. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of respiratory pathogens in the upper airways of asymptomatic adults, compared with a reference population of symptomatic patients sampled in the same centers during the same period.
- Mycobacteriology and Aerobic ActinomycetesImpact of external quality assurance on the quality of Xpert MTB/RIF testing in Viet Nam
