Author Interviews, Laboratories, Pets / 07.05.2025

Author: Iuliia Dakhno, PhD in Veterinary Medicine Affiliation: Independent Researcher, USA Correspondence: [email protected] | +1 (347) 778-1295 Abstract: This article presents a methodologically validated ELISA approach for detecting Dirofilaria repens infection in dogs. Given the emerging risk of parasite introduction to the United States, especially through imported animals and climate-related changes in vector distribution, the proposed diagnostic tool has important applications in both veterinary and public health contexts. Introduction Dirofilaria repens is a filarial nematode responsible for subcutaneous dirofilariasis in domestic and wild canids, felids, and humans. Unlike Dirofilaria immitis, which causes cardiopulmonary disease and is endemic to North America, D. repens tends to reside in subcutaneous tissues, where it forms nodules or migratory swellings. D. immitis is widely studied and routinely screened, while D. repens remains underdiagnosed due to its subtle presentation and emerging zoonotic recognition (Genchi & Kramer, 2017; Capelli et al., 2018). (more…)
Laboratories, Technology / 19.04.2025

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, the sophistication of scientific instruments steadily increases, transforming the landscape of research and diagnostics. Among these invaluable tools, luminometers have long been recognized as critical assets across diverse fields—including biotechnology, pharmacology, and environmental science—for their role in accurately measuring luminescent signals. Looking ahead to 2025, we are on the brink of a new era in luminometer technology, with groundbreaking enhancements expected in sensitivity, integration, portability, and sustainability. 

Increased Sensitivity and Accuracy

Research with a microplate luminometer will take sensitivity and precision to an all-time high in 2025. That improved power means researchers can detect incredibly weak luminescent signals with incredible accuracy. Enhanced sensitivity is instrumental in applications with previously undetectable low luminescence levels. With the advancement of sensor technology, luminometers will provide reliable data, allowing more incisive conclusions and discoveries. (more…)
Global Health, Laboratories / 10.04.2025

Setting Up a Remote Research Facility   Setting up a research lab in the middle of nowhere might sound impossible—but it’s being done every day. From medical teams running mobile clinics in rural Africa to scientists tracking wildlife in the Amazon, remote labs are making a big impact in places that need it most. These setups aren’t built in shiny high-rises—they’re packed into vans, shipping containers, tents, and mobile offices. If you're running a charity project or chasing important data, the right setup can change lives. This guide shares real-world tips for launching your own remote lab, even on a tight budget. If you're dreaming of doing good in hard-to-reach places, this is where your journey begins—simple steps, big mission, and a whole lot of heart.
  1. Define Your Mission and Scope
Before anything else, get clear on why you're building a remote lab. Is it to study the environment? Bring medical care to rural villages? Track diseases in the field? Your mission will shape everything—from the tools you pack to the people you hire. A team working on a mobile malaria clinic in Uganda, for example, needs very different resources than a group collecting soil samples in the Amazon. Start with the end goal. What problem are you solving, and who benefits from your work? When your purpose is solid, decisions get easier. Your scope keeps the project focused, especially when you're working far from home, with limited resources and a lot of heart. (more…)
Infections, Laboratories / 27.03.2025

Editor's note: Please remember there are other causes of a sore throat besides Strep bacteria, some of which may be serious including Mono (mononucleosis), Haemophilus, Whooping cough and others. Please consult your health care provider for specific medical advice. Information in this post is for background education only and not to be construed as specific medical advice. A sore throat can be annoying. But if it comes with fever and swollen glands, it might be strep throat. Rapid strep throat tests give you quick results. But those color changes on the test strip can be confusing. Many people don’t know what they mean. Understanding these results is essential to knowing whether you are suffering from a viral infection or a strep throat. This guide explains strep test colors, what they mean, and what to do next.

How a Strep Throat Test Works

There are two main types of tests: the rapid antigen test and the throat culture.
  • Rapid antigen tests work by detecting proteins (antigens) from the strep bacteria using a chemical reaction .
  • In the throat culture method, the sample is placed in a lab to grow bacteria if present.
Both tests are reliable, but the rapid antigen test is widely used because of its speed, especially in clinics and urgent care settings. (more…)
Laboratories, Medical Research Centers, Pharmaceutical Companies / 12.02.2025

Clinical trials are a fundamental part of medical research, ensuring the safety and efficacy of new drugs, medical devices, and treatments. A Clinical Research Organization (CRO) plays a pivotal role in managing and conducting these trials efficiently. From regulatory compliance to data management, CROs provide expertise that helps sponsors navigate the complexities of clinical research.

What is a Clinical Trials CRO?

A Clinical Research Organization (CRO) is a specialized service provider that assists pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and medical device manufacturers in conducting clinical trials. These organizations offer comprehensive services, including study design, patient recruitment, monitoring, regulatory compliance, data collection, and statistical analysis. CROs streamline the clinical trial process, reducing time and costs while ensuring compliance with regulatory authorities such as the FDA and EMA.

Key Services Offered by Clinical Trials CROs

  1. Protocol Development – Designing a scientifically sound and regulatory-compliant study protocol.
  2. Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring adherence to FDA, EMA, and other global regulatory requirements.
  3. Patient Recruitment and Management – Identifying and enrolling eligible patients for clinical trials.
  4. Site Selection and Monitoring – Identifying qualified research sites and ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
  5. Data Management and Biostatistics – Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting trial data.
  6. Safety Monitoring – Assessing adverse events and ensuring patient safety throughout the trial.
  7. Quality Assurance – Conducting audits and inspections to maintain data integrity and protocol adherence.
  8. Medical Writing and Reporting – Preparing regulatory submissions, study reports, and scientific publications.
(more…)
Laboratories / 27.11.2024

Pathology labs are the unsung heroes of healthcare. Behind every cancer diagnosis, infection confirmation, or chronic disease management plan, there’s a team of pathologists working meticulously to analyze tissues, cells, and bodily fluids. They provide critical insights that guide doctors in diagnosing and treating patients. Without pathology labs, modern medicine simply wouldn’t function. Running a pathology lab isn’t easy. These labs handle an overwhelming amount of data daily. From tracking patient samples to processing results, the margin for error is razor-thin. Mistakes can lead to delays or even inaccurate results, putting patients at risk. That’s where a Laboratory Information System (LIS) steps in. It’s a game-changer, helping labs streamline operations, boost accuracy, and improve communication across the board.

What Exactly Does a Laboratory Information System Do?

Think of a Laboratory Information System as the digital backbone of a lab. It’s software designed to handle everything from the moment a sample arrives to when the final report is sent out. It tracks samples, organizes workflows, ensures quality control, and even helps with compliance. For pathology labs, where precision is paramount, an LIS is like having an extra layer of security and efficiency. Let’s break it down. Imagine a busy pathology lab receiving dozens (or even hundreds) of patient samples in a single day. Each sample needs to be labeled, processed, and analyzed. Without a system in place, it’s easy for things to get chaotic. An LIS makes sure every sample is accounted for, every result is documented, and everything runs like a well-oiled machine. (more…)
Kidney Disease, Laboratories / 04.11.2024

Urine output measurement stands among the core vital signs monitored in clinical settings, providing critical data about patient hemodynamic status, renal function, and overall fluid balance. This guide examines precise measurement techniques, interpretation standards, and clinical applications for healthcare professionals. The data gathered through systematic urine output measurement serves multiple clinical purposes, from basic patient assessment to complex critical care decisions. Medical professionals across specialities rely on these measurements to guide treatment plans, adjust interventions, and monitor patient progress. (more…)
Laboratories / 02.10.2024

Managing a laboratory isn’t an easy task. Whether it’s a clinical lab handling patient samples or a research lab working on cutting-edge science, efficiency and compliance are top priorities. Every day, lab managers are faced with challenges like maintaining accurate records, keeping staff trained, and ensuring regulatory standards are met. Without the right management practices, things can quickly go off track. But with some straightforward strategies, running a lab smoothly is entirely possible.

The Importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

At the heart of every well-managed lab are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These aren't just bureaucratic paperwork—they’re the blueprint for everything the lab does. SOPs provide clear instructions for routine tasks, ensuring everyone on the team knows exactly what to do, step by step. This consistency helps minimize errors, reduces confusion, and speeds up processes. For example, when handling hazardous materials, SOPs make sure the staff follows the same safety protocol every time, lowering the chance of accidents. Well-written SOPs also make training new employees faster and smoother. A new technician, for example, can easily follow the steps laid out for preparing samples or calibrating equipment. This way, they can get up to speed without constantly asking for help or causing disruptions. Plus, when regulators come knocking, having clear, updated SOPs can make inspections a breeze. It shows that the lab is organized, compliant, and serious about quality. But here’s the thing—SOPs aren’t a one-and-done deal. They need regular review and updates. As technology and techniques evolve, so should the procedures. Sticking to outdated SOPs can slow a lab down or lead to mistakes. Regular audits and staff feedback sessions can help identify where updates are needed. In short, SOPs keep the lab running like a well-oiled machine. (more…)
Laboratories / 27.09.2024

The Erlenmeyer flask, named after its inventor, Emil Erlenmeyer, is a staple in laboratories around the world. Its unique design—featuring a wide base that tapers into a narrow neck—distinguishes it from other glassware. This shape makes the Erlenmeyer flask exceptionally versatile, serving a variety of purposes across different scientific disciplines. Its functionality extends beyond its basic form, adapting to a multitude of laboratory procedures that require precision, control, and safety.

The Origins of the Erlenmeyer Flask

Emil Erlenmeyer, a German chemist, introduced the Erlenmeyer flask in 1861. His invention was driven by the need for a piece of glassware that could mix and heat chemical solutions without spilling. The flask's conical shape, combined with a flat bottom, provided stability during experiments and minimized the risk of accidents. Erlenmeyer’s contribution to laboratory science was not limited to this flask; he was also known for his work in organic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of organic compounds. The Erlenmeyer flask, however, remains one of his most enduring legacies, continuing to be a vital tool in modern laboratories. (more…)
Laboratories, Technology / 12.09.2024

Downstream bioprocessing plays a crucial role in biotechnology, transforming raw biological materials into valuable products. It encompasses a series of steps that isolate, purify, and concentrate biosynthetic substances after their initial production. Downstream processing aims to refine and prepare biopharmaceuticals and other biotechnology products for safe, effective use. This critical phase of manufacturing involves various techniques such as filtration, chromatography, and centrifugation. Each step in the downstream process is carefully designed to remove impurities, concentrate the desired product, and ensure its stability. The efficiency of these operations directly impacts the quality and cost-effectiveness of the final biotechnology product. Advances in downstream bioprocessing have significantly improved the production of pharmaceuticals, enzymes, and other biological compounds. As the biotechnology industry continues to evolve, optimizing downstream processes remains a key focus for enhancing overall bioprocess efficiency and product yield. This guide will explore the essential components of downstream bioprocessing and their importance in modern biotechnology applications. (more…)