C. difficile causes 5-15% of hospital-acquired diarrheas and a growing number of community acquired diarrheas. The infection can also be asymptomatic with carriage occurring frequently. Each testing method has its strengths and weaknesses, but a multistep algorithm combines the sensitivity of a screen with the specificity of a toxin test to optimize patient care, minimize overdiagnosis,Continue reading
A recently published paper, Managing the four-prong threat of CDI, antibiotics, the flu seasons, and COVID -19, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on C. difficile infection rates. Due to the pandemic, health care facilities have adopted numerous mitigation procedures against COVID – 19 which have also reduced influenza rates and helped to lower the rate of hospital-acquired infections such as … Continue reading
In a recently published article written by Dr. David Lyerly and Jodie Lee, the role of intestinal inflammation is explored as it relates to C. difficile infection. The authors also note that inflammation correlates with disease severity. The complete article can be found here: https://www.mlo-online.com/diagnostics/article/21215179/the-role-of-intestinal-inflammation-in-clostridioides-difficile-diseas… Continue reading
On Tuesday, February 2, Dr. Robert Carman will join host Nancy Caralla on the C. diff Spores and More podcast. Dr. Carman will discuss the microbiome and how it is affected by diet, lifestyle changes, and antibiotics. The discussion will also include the role the microbiome plays in C. difficile disease. Please tune in at … Continue reading
The 8th Annual International C. diff. Virtual Conference and Health EXPO took place on November 14, 2020. World renowned guest speakers discussed a variety of topics surrounding C. difficile Infection. Learn more about the C Diff Foundation… Continue reading
BLACKSBURG, Va., November 2, 2020 – TECHLAB® Inc., a leader in infectious disease diagnostics, today announced it has partnered with the New River Valley COVID-19 Task Force to cost-effectively expand future COVID-19 testing capacity. Under this agreement, the New River Health District secures access to TECHLAB’s analyte-specific reagents (ASRs) for SARS-CoV-2 for as little as … Continue reading
TECHLAB began in the Virginia Tech Anaerobe Lab more than 30 years ago. Today, we provide critical diagnostics tools for infectious diseases globally and we are proud to be part of the VT Corporate Research Park community. Learn more about the VTCRC here: https://www.vtcrc.com… Continue reading
TECHLAB is pleased to attend the 8th annual C. diff Virtual Conference and Health EXPO on November 14, 2020. A list of guest speakers, including Dr. David Lyerly of TECHLAB, can be found here… Continue reading
This recently published article describes the risk of COVID-19 transmission through GI shedding, and the potential role of endoscopies as a vector for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Screening methods, such as the use of lactoferrin testing, can help identify which patients urgently need endoscopic examination and those who may be able to wait, to improve patient and … Continue reading
Dr. David Lyerly, Chief Scientific Officer at TECHLAB, led a 30 minute discussion during which he reviewed the relationship between C. difficile, acute respiratory disease, and hospital acquired infections. We also discussed the latest IDSA guidelines, as well as practical C. difficile testing solutions to help laboratories adapt to changing demands due to COVID-19. A … Continue reading