Blog
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July 01, 2024Posted: July 01, 2024Read MoreWe’re all familiar with this ever-present dichotomy. Antibiotics are life-saving, until they’re not; until the delicate balance shifts, causing the oh-so-inevitable resistance. While antibiotic stewardship programs are becoming more and more prevalent, what does one do when working with a patient with a chronic condition in which daily, long-term antimicrobial treatment is the norm? How do we address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in patients with whom bacterial infections are typically never fully eradicated, despite the employment of a multitude of drug therapies?
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June 24, 2024Posted: June 24, 2024Read MoreIn a large genetic analysis study, individuals with genetic risk factors, such as family history of colorectal cancer (CRC), who have experienced early-life antibiotic use on a long term basis, demonstrated an increased risk of early-onset CRC. It was determined that individuals with a high polygenic risk score (genetic predisposition to a particular disease) were at higher risk of early-onset CRC, further supporting the association between antibiotic use and early-onset CRC with genetic risk factors.
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June 19, 2024Posted: June 19, 2024Read MoreThe Massachusetts man at the center of an infamously deadly 2012 national meningitis outbreak, Barry Cadden, pleaded no contest to 11 counts of involuntary manslaughter in Michigan and was sentenced last month to at least ten years in prison for his part in the deaths of 11 Michigan residents.
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June 11, 2024Posted: June 11, 2024Read MoreA highlight of the 2024 Food Safety Summit in Rosemont IL was a presentation given on the topic of how new pathogens emerge, how they adapt to their environment, and how food safety professionals can determine the most effective strategy to stay a step ahead of these microbial threats.
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June 03, 2024Posted: June 03, 2024Read MoreWright-Giemsa Stains, derived from the once groundbreaking Romanowsky stains, are stains used in hematology and cytology studies to differentiate cells in microscopic examinations of peripheral blood and bone marrow specimens. Review our latest tutorial to learn more!
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May 28, 2024Posted: May 28, 2024Read MorePerforming an acid-fast stain is a crucial technique in the field of microbiology, especially when it comes to identifying mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. This staining method distinguishes acid-fast bacteria from non-acid-fast bacteria based on the unique properties of their cell walls. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of performing an acid-fast stain, providing tips to ensure accurate results.
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May 21, 2024Posted: May 21, 2024Read MoreThe CDC attributes the rise in C. auris cases during the height of the pandemic as a result of inadequate staffing, supply shortages, the increased number of seriously ill patients, and changes in infection prevention and control practices. The CDC encourages all U.S. laboratories that identify C. auris to notify their state or local public health authorities.
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May 13, 2024Posted: May 13, 2024Read MoreIn this comprehensive tutorial, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing culture media Petri plates, covering everything from selecting the right media to sterilization techniques and plate pouring methods. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to create your own batches of culture media Petri plates with precision and efficiency.
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May 06, 2024Posted: May 06, 2024Read MoreEnvironmental monitoring (EM) in pharmaceuticals refers to the process of assessing and controlling the environment within manufacturing facilities, particularly cleanrooms, to ensure that they meet cleanliness and safety standards, as even minor environmental contaminants can compromise product quality and safety.
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April 29, 2024Posted: April 29, 2024Read MoreToday, we delve into a detailed workflow comparison of two ready-to-use dehydrated culture media systems: CompactDry™ and Petrifilm™. We'll explore their respective workflows, highlighting their efficiency, accuracy, and suitability for various applications. Join us as we uncover the differences and similarities between these two popular culture media solutions.
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April 22, 2024Posted: April 22, 2024Categories: Laboratory TutorialsRead MoreIn this tutorial, we will guide you through the catalase test procedure, explaining its principle, materials required, step-by-step execution, and interpretation of results. By the end of this guide, you'll have the skills to confidently perform and interpret catalase tests, empowering you to accurately identify Staphylococcus and Streptococcus strains in your microbiological investigations.
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April 11, 2024Read MoreWelcome to Lab Week 2024 at Hardy Diagnostics, where we're kicking off the festivities with an exciting raffle contest like no other!
Introducing "Guess That Bug," where participants get the chance to test their microbiology knowledge by identifying bacteria from macro images of colonies grown on petri dishes. Not only do correct guesses earn you entry into our daily raffle for a chance to win a Hardy swag bag, but one lucky winner at the end of the week will also snag a pizza party lunch for their laboratory! Get ready to showcase your microbiological expertise and join us in celebrating the incredible work of laboratory professionals everywhere.
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April 10, 2024Posted: April 10, 2024Read MoreThe CDC is alerting doctors to be on the lookout for certain types of rare, serious meningococcal infections that are on the rise in the United States.
This alarming increase is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which has caused 1 in 6 people to die, a higher fatality rate than they typically see with meningococcal infections.
These cases are also unusual because they are striking middle-aged adults. Typically, meningitis infections strike babies or adolescents and young adults.
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April 03, 2024Posted: April 03, 2024Read MoreThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released its 2022 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Surveillance Report providing U.S. data for nationally notifiable STI’s for federally funded control programs.
According to the report, syphilis cases (all stages and congenital syphilis) increased 80 percent from 2018-2022. More than 3,700 congenital syphilis cases were reported in 2022, reflecting an alarming 937 percent increase in the past decade, said Laura Bachmann, MD, MPH, Acting Director, CDC’s Division of STD Prevention in her announcement letter included in the report.
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March 25, 2024Posted: March 25, 2024Read MoreIt's important to be familiar with the guidelines outlined in USP <800> for employees who work or manage a healthcare facility where hazardous drugs are handled. USP <800> requires healthcare facilities to develop comprehensive policies and procedures for handling hazardous drugs, including exposure control, storage, and waste disposal.
Following these USP <800> guidelines in healthcare facilities can ensure that they provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees while protecting the public and environment.
