CDC Issues Alert for Increase in Human Parvovirus B19 Activity in the United States

CDC LOCS

On August 13, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about current increases in human parvovirus B19 activity, a seasonal respiratory virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets by individuals with symptomatic or asymptomatic infection. In early 2024, public health authorities in 14 European countries observed unusually high numbers of…

BD Life Sciences Issues Notice to Immediately Discard Affected BD BACTEC MGIT 960 PZA Kits

CDC LOCS

On August 1, 2024, BD sent an urgent Medical Device Correction update regarding the removal of affected BD BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 PZA Kits. Through internal BD complaint trending and review of internal raw material testing, lots of BD BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 PZA Kits were identified that may intermittently produce falsely resistant results for pyrazinamide (PZA) during susceptibility…

Conjunctival Swab Specimen Collection for Detection of Avian Influenza A(H5) Viruses

CDC LOCS

On July 17, 2024, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a Desk Reference Graphic describing the procedure for collecting, storing and transporting conjunctival specimens for influenza A(H5) testing of patients with conjunctivitis and suspected infection. For patients who are only presenting with conjunctivitis, CDC recommends collection of both conjunctival swab and nasopharyngeal…

Updated Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Guidance

CDC LOCS

On July 12, 2024, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published updated webpages and guidance about working with specimens from patients suspected of having a viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF). This guidance applies to VHFs caused by infections with filoviruses (orthoebolavirus and orthomarburgviruses), arenaviruses (Lassa, Lujo, Guanarito virus, Sabia virus, Junin virus, Chapare virus…

CDC Issues Alert for Increased Risk of Dengue Virus Infections in the United States

CDC LOCS

On June 25, 2024, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) message about an increased risk of dengue virus (DENV) infections in the United States in 2024. The CDC is actively implementing several strategies to address the increase in cases of dengue including expanding laboratory capacity to improve laboratory testing approaches. Information about clinical testing guidance for dengue and instructions…

Rapid Growth Predicted for the D-Dimer Testing Market: Insights for Laboratory Professionals

Laboratory Watch

As the healthcare landscape evolves, the need for rapid and accurate diagnostic tests has never been greater. Among these, the D-Dimer test is indispensable for diagnosing and excluding venous thromboembolism (VTE) such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). With growing awareness and technological advancements, the D-Dimer testing market is poised for substantial…