Investigation into the cause of death of Michael Jackson has put a spotlight on toxicology testing. The Los Angeles County coroner determined the cause of his death as acute propofol intoxication, with the drug lorazepam listed as an additional primary cause. Toxicology tests are often used to investigate cases of suspected drug overdose or in situations in which a dangerous combination of drugs may have contributed to a person's death. To help further the public's understanding of toxicology testing and its complexities, the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) jointly released a fact sheet. To read more and see their answers to frequently asked questions on the topic, click here.

With the spread of the pandemic HIN1 2009 influenza virus, commonly known as "swine flu," many doctors and hospitals have increased their use of rapid influenza diagnostic tests that can determine within minutes whether someone has the flu. However, these rapid tests can not distinguish seasonal influenza from the pandemic H1N1 virus and overall these rapid flu tests often don't detect pandemic H1N1influenza very well, according to the CDC.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association now advocates that colleges test their athletes to learn their sickle cell trait status if it isn't already known. Athletes with sickle cell trait are at risk for "exertional sickling," in which intense exercise can cause blood cells to become deformed enough to block blood flow to muscles and cause their rapid deterioration, which can be life-threatening.

Hemoglobin A1c, a test that is now used in patients with known diabetes to evaluate glucose control over the preceding two to three months, could also be used to diagnose the condition, states an expert committee from the American Diabetes Association, the International Diabetes Federation, and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. The committee intends its report to serve as a stimulus to the international community and professional organizations to consider the use of the A1c assay to diagnose diabetes, where appropriate.