Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in genital lesions by using a modified commercially available in situ hybridization assay.

A modified, commercially available DNA-DNA in situ hybridization test that uses biotinylated probes for the identification of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA types 6/11, 16/18, and 31/33/35 was evaluated. HPV DNA was detected in 314 of 787 (40%) histologically abnormal genital biopsy specimens by using the ViraType in situ assay (Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.), in which the hybridization time was increased from 2 to 16 h.

Selective pigment medium for Streptococcus agalactiae.

Increased awareness of the importance of Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus) in neonatal morbidity and mortality has demonstrated the need for a selective and differential primary plating medium. In this report we describe a selective pigment medium containing colistin and nalidixic acid that allows presumptive identification of S. agalactiae from the primary plate, even when specimens are polymicrobic.

Criteria, purposes, and methods for evaluating the clinical competence of students in the allied health professions.

A review is presented of the methods related to the development of criteria and methods for evaluating the clinical competence of students in the allied health professions. The evaluation instrument should reflect the competencies expected of the student at the entry level of the profession and should be objective, valid, reliable, and practical. Since strengths and limitations are inherent in all types of evaluative techniques, a combination of techniques is desirable.

Bromcresol green dextrose broth for the presumptive identification of group B streptococci.

A 1 percent dextrose broth using bromcresol green as a pH indicator is described for the presumptive identification of group B streptococci. The results in the medium are read after 24 hr incubation at 36C as a color change. This medium was tested using 550 strains of streptococci belonging to groups A, B, C, D, and G.

Slide method for detection of antibody-coated bacteria in urine sediments.

An immunofluorescent slide method incorporating 0.1% (wt/vol) Evans blue as a counterstain was developed and compared with a recently described tube method. Seventy-one urine specimens were tested concurrently by both methods.