Inside this issue of CLP magazine, you’ll find our third annual respiratory virus supplement, which I hope you find useful as you prepare for the upcoming flu season. We are all breathing a bit easier now than we were at this time last year, when the H1N1 virus was new and the extent of its threat was largely unknown. The first feature in this year’s supplement takes a look back at what was learned during last fall and winter’s pandemic, as well as a look ahead at how labs can prepare for H1N1 this coming season.

A remarkable more than 99% of the influenza circulating in the United States in 2009 was determined to be H1N1. Although the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 pandemic officially over in August of this year, health experts expect it will still be dominant among circulating viruses in the United States for some time to come. Although H1N1 continues to grab the spotlight, it is important for laboratorians to remain up to speed on testing for the “other” respiratory viruses—influenza B, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. You’ll find a review of rapid and molecular testing methods for these pathogens in the supplement as well.

Infectious agents, including MRSA, Candida, and C. difficile, also continue to make headlines. Each month, the CLP team compiles a list of the Top 10 stories visited on our website, and in August two of the top-viewed concerned hospital-acquired infections. This month’s issue contains a feature that looks at the testing options for these agents as well.

I said it last month, but I would like to reiterate what a pleasure it was to meet with so many of you during the AACC meeting and Clinical Lab Expo in Anaheim, Calif. During that meeting, CLP also enjoyed the opportunity for an exclusive interview with former US Senate majority leader Bill Frist, MD, following his address to attendees. In this month’s Inside Track you’ll find a summary of his talk and also some thoughts Dr Frist shared with us about the state and future of toxicology testing.

As always, I’m happy to hear from readers and advertisers on issues facing the clinical lab industry. Feel free to e-mail me at or call me at (858) 793-9533.

Best regards,

Suzanne Clancy, PhD
editor, CLP
; (858) 793-9533