Read our intelligence briefing on the chaos unfolding in Mexico. Its inhabitants are reacting to the news that patients usually considered less vulnerable to influenza-young andmid-adult aged individuals-have died. What was originally classed as "atypical pneumonia" now has been identified as influenza virus A/H1N1. This is a new combination of genetic material from human, pig, and bird flu strains. It was just last Friday that the CDC issued its first public alert about the threat posed by this new form of influenza. By Saturday, the World Health Organization (WHO) was cautiously characterizing the known outbreaks in Mexico and in two U.S. border states as a "public health emergency of international concern." (See pages 7-8.)

However, health officials are privately discussing the possibility that, because containment is unlikely at this stage, there continues to be the potential for A/H1N1 influenza to evolve into a pandemic.As a challenge to clinical labs in the United States and across the globe, the emergence of A/H1N1 is another reminder—like SARS in 2003—that virulent diseases remain an ever-present threat to public health. Physicians who must diagnose and treat patients with these new diseases rely on accurate reliable laboratory testing. In turn, that is a reminder that laboratories should never betray the public trust.

Puzzling New Flu Strain Causes Concern in Mexico

WHO, CDC, other health agencies take action to understand the never-before-seen A/H1N1 virus

CEO SUMMARY: In recent weeks, health authorities in Mexico became aware of a new strain of influenza, A/H1N1, because of unexpected deaths from "atypical pneumonia." As early as April 19, the CDC had identified similar cases in Texas and California. By last Friday,WHO, Canada's PHAC, and the CDC had posted public alerts about this new form of influenza. All clinical lab directors and pathologists should stay current with announcements from the CDC and local public health labs.

Competitive Bidding Update: San Diego Labs Pursue Return of Bids from Medicare Officials

Kaiser in Colorado Uses Lab Test Data to Improve Cardiac Care

Achiieves 73% Fewerr Deatths ffrrom CAD!!

CEO SUMMARY: Proud of a 73% reduction in mortality among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at Kaiser Permanente Colorado, clinical care teams there demonstrate how integrated care and more effective use of laboratory test data can lead to remarkable improvements in patient outcomes. Key themes in this achievement are the combined use of an extensive electronic health record (EHR) system and disease registries to give providers instant access to patient information, including real time access to patients'laboratory test results.

Why Wall Street Likes Histology Lab Business

Professional investors recognize opportunity for sustained growth in specimens, plus ample profits

CEO SUMMARY: Over the past two decades, investor-owned anatomic pathology companies captured significant market share from community hospital-based pathology groups while delivering profits to their owners. Despite the recent downturn in the economy, Wall Street believes histology laboratories remain an attractive investment for investors. Financial analyst Kemp Dolliver explains the reasons why professional investors remain ready to invest in anatomic pathology firms.

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