Vortexing specimens to disaggregate platelet clumps in EDTA specimens.

Objective: To compare platelet count results of specimens that yield platelet clump flags to platelet count results on these specimens after vortexing.

Method: Specimens that generated platelet count flags on Sysmex XN 3000 instruments were vortexed and rerun. Only data from specimens demonstrating elimination of platelet clump flags were used in this study.

Research in clinical laboratory science: professionals' educational preparation.

Objective: To describe the educational preparation of CLS professionals for conducting research.

Design: A link to 3-part online survey was sent by electronic mail to 7,572 members of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and 500 program directors research project. Barriers to participation in research by undergraduates include time limitations within the curriculum, insufficient faculty time, and lack of funds, space, and equipment.

Research in clinical laboratory science: professionals' involvement.

Objectives: To describe current qualitative and quantitative aspects of research engagement and other scholarly activities conducted by clinical laboratory science (CLS) professionals across a range of employment settings.

Design: A link to a 3-part online survey was sent by electronic mail to 7,572 members of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and 500 program directors.

Setting: email message, on-line survey

Participants: all ASCLS members and all directors of accredited clinical laboratory educational programs

Main Outcome Measures: Quantitative and qualitative measures of professionals' engagement in research and other scholarly activities

Results: 556 of 7572 (7.

Serum water analysis in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Hemodilution and hemoconcentration affect hematology measurements and serum analyte concentrations but whether a given blood sample is hemodiluted or hemoconcentrated is frequently not known. Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication and samples obtained from PE patients may be relatively hemoconcentrated when compared to those of normal pregnancy, where hemodilution is the norm. Laboratory test results may appear similar when values would differ if adjusted for hemodilution and hemoconcentration.

ASCLS members perceptions regarding research.

One of the benchmarks of a profession is performing, publishing, and presenting research. However, in the Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) profession, few manuscripts are submitted to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) journal, Clinical Laboratory Science, on a regular basis. The problem is that perceptions regarding research, and the role of laboratory professional as researchers, held by ASCLS members may be contributing to the low number of manuscript submissions.

Perceptions of scientific misconduct among graduate allied health students relative to ethics education and gender.

A study was conducted to determine the influence of ethics education and gender on students' perceptions of scientific misconduct. Subjects were graduate students from five allied health professions programs at a single university, who were asked to complete an online survey consisting of 48 questions (dichotomous and Likert-scale questions): 36 questions assessed the perceptions of students regarding the concerns of scientific misconduct (dependent variable), 10 were demographic questions, and 2 were free-text questions soliciting clarification of any responses. Out of 202 graduate students, 72 students (54 female, 17 male) completed the survey.

Clinical laboratory sciences curriculum redevelopment: an application of change theories.

The Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) experienced a steady decline in the number of applicants for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) Program, even though the department regularly received inquiries from qualified students. The faculty recognized the undergraduate-degreed prospects' desires for both an advanced degree and the procurement of entry-level clinical laboratory knowledge and skills. To address this perceived need, the CLS department developed and implemented a new degree option, the entry-level master's.