Originally published in LabTalk (Volume 3, Issue 4, 2008), the quarterly newsletter of Aculabs. September was “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.” The goal of this annual event is to generate widespread awareness regarding prostate cancer and to give the public an opportunity to learn more about it and how to reduce their risk. Prostate cancer

Originally published in LabTalk (Volume 3, Issue 3, 2008), the quarterly newsletter of Aculabs. Prothrombin time (PT) tests measure clotting time in a blood sample from the activation of factor VII through the formation of fibrin clot. PT evaluates the integrity of the extrinsic and common pathways of coagulation. It is measured in seconds and

Originally published in LabTalk (Volume 3, Issue 2, 2008), the quarterly newsletter of Aculabs. Background Since UTI is very common among the geriatric population and can cause serious complications, urinalysis and urine cultures contribute vital information regarding a patient’s state of health and acts as a guide in the physician’s clinical decision regarding treatment. Evaluation

Originally published in LabTalk (Volume 3, Issue 1, 2008), the quarterly newsletter of Aculabs. Diabetes is a chronic illness in which the body does not properly use or produce insulin; more than 7% or an estimated 20.8 million in the Unites States have diabetes, and almost one third are unaware that they have the disease.