Detection of Babesia RNA and DNA in whole blood samples from US blood donations.

Background: Human babesiosis is a zoonotic infection caused by an intraerythrocytic parasite. The highest incidence of babesiosis is in the United States, although cases have been reported in other parts of the world. Due to concerns of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended year-round regional testing for Babesia by nucleic acid testing or use of an FDA-approved device for pathogen reduction.

Qualification of the Geenius HIV 1/2 supplemental assay for use in the HIV blood donation screening algorithm.

Background: A single, simplified approach for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1/HIV-2 antibody confirmation/differentiation is needed for the HIV blood donation supplemental algorithm used in the United States. A clinical evaluation of the Geenius assay was performed-the same assay used for HIV diagnostic confirmation/differentiation in the United States since 2014.

Study Design And Methods: Well-characterized unlinked donation samples classified as HIV negative, false positive, or confirmed positive were included in the study: 200 antibody-nonreactive, 200 HIV-1 immunofluorescence assay (IFA) confirmed-positive, and 100 antibody-screen false-positive donations, equally divided between serum and plasma.

Clopidogrel and 1-year freedom from amputation after endovascular lower extremity revascularization in the Medicare population.

Objective: To evaluate freedom from amputation in patients identified utilizing clopidogrel following their lower extremity endovascular revascularization (LER).

Methods: Patients, 65 years of age and older, undergoing LER were identified from Medicare Provider Analysis and Review and Carrier files utilizing International Classification of Diseases diagnosis and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Postprocedural use of clopidogrel was identified using the National Drug Code directory.

Use of Angio-Seal after iatrogenic trauma.

The clinical and intraoperative findings of an iatrogenic injury to a congenitally present right sided ascending aorta treated by deployment of a percutaneous closure device is reported. This is a first literature report of a biodegradable closure system being utililized to treat a puncture to the ascending arch.

Simplified management of low-energy projectile extraperitoneal rectal injuries.

Introduction: Since minimally invasive approach for fecal diversion in low-velocity extraperitoneal rectal injuries (EPRI) has a lower morbidity than open, and since computed tomography (CT) scan is helpful in ruling out concomitant intraperitoneal injuries (IPI), we utilized both modalities to simplify management of such injuries.

Methods: Retrospective review of stable patients with EPRI, treated with laparoscopic assisted diversion, after a CT scan, compared with patients with similar injuries that had a negative laparotomy and a colostomy.

Results: The laparoscopy group had a shorter length of stay (3 +/- 2 days versus 7 +/- 2 days), earlier return of bowel function (3 +/- 2 days versus 5 +/- 2 days) and fewer infectious complications.

Screening laboratory and radiology panels for trauma patients have low utility and are not cost effective.

Background: Routine laboratory and radiology panels as part of the initial evaluation of the trauma patient are prevalent practices. This is a study of utility and cost effectiveness of this practice.

Methods: During a 3-month period, trauma panels were analyzed for cost and impact on patient care in our institution.