Implementation and validation of an in-house combined fluorescein/media-fill test to qualify radiopharmacy operators.

Background: The purpose of this work was to design, validate and implement a media-fill test combined with fluorescein (MFT-F) for the specific qualification and training of radiopharmacy operators, in accordance with United States Pharmacopeia General Chapter 797 and European Good Manufacturing Practices. MFT-F was embedded in the quality management system of our radiopharmacy unit. Its validation involved fluorescein concentration choice, media growth promotion test and evaluation protocol controls (with or without intentional aseptic mistakes).

Association between reproductive factors and carotid atherosclerosis in post-menopausal women.

Objectives: Assessment of cardiovascular risk in women is specific and hormonal factors should be considered to avoid its underestimation. So far, studies on this issue are lacking and the impact of reproductive factors on cardiovascular risk has yet to be determined. We study the association between reproductive factors and carotid atherosclerosis, a non-invasive marker of cardiovascular diseases, in post-menopause.

[Evaluation of Hemofast MRSA for identification of Staphylococcus aureus and detection of methicillin-resistance staphylococci, directly in blood culture broths].

The newly developed Hemofast MRSA system for Staphylococcus aureus identification and methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) detection in blood culture broths was evaluated in 106 Bactec broths containing grapelike clusters of Gram-positive cocci. All 26 S. aureus positive broths were correctly identified by Hemofast MRSA within two hours, and 81% were identified within one hour.

[Identification of Staphylococcus aureus within 2 hours in blood culture broths].

Staphylococcus aureus identification is one of the priorities of the microbiological diagnosis of the staphylococcal infections. Current identification methods are carried out after a first step of colony isolation on agar media. We describe a fluorogenic method for S.

[A chromogenic method for rapid identification of Staphylococcus aureus].

Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for septicaemia and serious nosocomial infections. A rapid and specific identification of this species is of great importance in clinical microbiology. Current methods for S.