Lab Link

Vol. 10, No. 3

March 2018

Archive

April 2019

UI names Pentella director of Hygienic Laboratory

The University of Iowa Office of the Vice President for Economic Development announced on March 22 that Michael Pentella, interim director of the State Hygienic Laboratory and a clinical professor of epidemiology in the College of Public Health, has been named as the laboratory’s permanent director.

Newborn Screening Program seeks public input

In collaboration with the State Hygienic Laboratory and the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) will host a Deliberative Community Engagement Event on April 7-8 in Johnston, Iowa to gather input about newborn screening in the state. Recommendations from a sampling of about 30 Iowans will provide their perspective when the state considers whether to make additions to the Iowa Newborn Screening Panel.

Clinical labs learn bioterrorism rule-out protocols

Laboratory staff from 13 Iowa hospitals participated in the “Sentinel Lab Rule Out of Potential Agents of Bioterrorism: Wet Workshop” presented by the State Hygienic Laboratory on March 7 and 8 in Coralville.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is public health crisis

The State Hygienic Laboratory confirmed more than 30 isolates of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in samples submitted from healthcare facilities throughout Iowa in 2017. CRE are considered by the CDC an immediate public health threat requiring urgent and aggressive action.

Project AWARE river cleanup returns to its roots

During a drizzly first week of June, 15 years ago, three dozen volunteers embarked on a first-of-its-kind river cleanup and outdoor education adventure. These brave volunteers set out to pick up trash from the Maquoketa River, and, in doing so, they sparked a river cleanup movement that transformed a humble idea into a nationally recognized leader in environmental education and stewardship efforts. It is known today as Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition).

Photo Feature: Legislators visit state lab

Iowa legislators had an up-close view of public health laboratory science during the March 26 tour of the Ankeny laboratory. The tour was organized by Pam Mollenhauer, director of the Office of Public Policy, with the support of the SHL director, associate directors and many other staff members.