Decreased variability in the site-specific results during participation in the External Quality Assurance Program Oversight Laboratory (EQAPOL) proficiency program for IFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot (IFN-γ ELISpot) assay.

The NIAID DAIDS-sponsored External Quality Assurance Program Oversight Laboratory (EQAPOL) manages an interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) external proficiency program. The ELISpot program evaluates the accuracy and variability of results across laboratories. The variability in the program is quantified via the dispersion, which is the ratio of the variance over the mean of the background-corrected spot-forming cells (SFC) replicates obtained under stimulation with different peptide pools (CMV, CEF).

Validation of the performance and suitability of a new class of FBS optimized for use in single-cell functional assays.

The use of conventional serum for supplementation of media in cell-based and single-cell functional assays has been a major challenge for assay performance, standardization, optimization, and reproducibility. It has been identified as the leading cause of variability and suboptimal performance in large, international Elispot proficiency panels (Janetzki et al., 2008; Rountree et al.

Venomic study on cone snails (Conus spp.) from South Africa.

From six Conus species (Conus coronatus, Conus lividus, Conus mozambicus f. lautus, Conus pictus, Conus sazanka, Conus tinianus) collected off the eastern coast of South Africa the venoms were analyzed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Between 56 and 151 molecular masses most in a range of 1000 to 2500 Da, were identified.

CCU patient survey tool: all-out recovery.

Studies show that patients' recall of their CCU stays is extremely limited due to various factors. To monitor patient satisfaction in this area, a team of CCU managers developed a survey and began an "All-Out Recovery Program."