Within-subject interlaboratory variability of QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube tests.

Background: The QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) is a viable alternative to the tuberculin skin test (TST) for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. However, within-subject variability may limit test utility. To assess variability, we compared results from the same subjects when QFT-GIT enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were performed in different laboratories.

Improving detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria in a deployed setting.

Introduction: Organisms that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) are significant causes of infection among deployed service members. These specific organisms have increased resistance to several antibiotics, limiting the choice of therapy for the provider. Currently, the deployed microbiology lab uses, by default, the Siemens NBPC30 panel to identify and measure antibiotic susceptibility of gram-negative organisms.

PCR for rapid diagnosis of acute Q fever at a combat support hospital in Iraq.

Acute Q fever is occasionally seen in U.S. military service members deployed to Iraq.