Abstract
This paper describes the acquisition history and business approach of Quest Diagnostics, the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services. This paper is written from the perspective of an independent consultant hired to resolve conflicts and analyze team dynamics in the company. Some areas considered include work-group productivity, an expanded discussion of social influence within the organization, and the role of the individual and diversity. Additionally, Steven Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" are integrated into this paper. The author concludes that everything comes back to the strength of the organization, and the organization must be maintained and promoted as an overall priority for any firm.

Organizational Behavior-Quest Diagnostics
Overview of the Paper
Work-Group Productivity
Social Influence
Individual Differences and Personality
The Habits of Effective People
Perception, Attribution and Motivation
High Performance, Effective and Ineffective Teams
Quality Management and Teamwork
Conclusion
People
Process
Professionalism

From the Paper
"When discussing the dynamic of Work-Group Productivity, there are multiple facets of the dynamic itself to consider. Of course, the success of any group is only as good as its weakest member, but from another point of view, the old adage that two heads, or perhaps twenty heads, is better than one. American businesses, Quest among them, have long ago reached the conclusion that the ability to make important decisions is greatly enhanced by having a group of decision makers involved as opposed to one individual (Robbins, 2005). By having a group involved in decision making, the stress of the decisions is spread among many, removing from the equation the possibility of one figure head melting down in the face of the stress of making decisions all on their own. Beyond this, of course, the group is able to provide a great deal of different perspectives, attitudes, and experiences to the table, making it possible for the decisions to not only be made in a time effective way, but also in such a way that allows for high quality decisions that remove much of the possibility of error and poor judgment."

Tags:Quest, Diagnostics, Corning, management, organizational, behavior, diversity

Abstract
This paper examines Shelley Burtt's writing, "Dilemmas of Genetic Testing", as well as other sources on the subject of genetic testing. After having examined the resources available, an opinion is formed as to whether genetic testing is positive or negative for the patient and the expected child.

From the Paper
"Genetic testing is becoming an option more commonly used by women during pregnancies to assess particular information concerning the health of the fetus they carry. Shelley Burtt's writing questions the response to the new technology of genetic testing and the fact that the autonomy of individuals is being set aside as to their choices in continuing a pregnancy where the fetus is found to have genetic defects."

Tags:pharmaceutical, companies, at, home, diagnostics, therapeutic, abortion, procedure

Abstract
This paper examines diagnostic x-ray imaging quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). It defines QA and QC for diagnostic x-ray imaging and then discusses how this occurs within all areas of a radiology department. Lastly, the paper discusses the growth of quality assurance in pediatric radiology. The paper contains tables and images.

Table of Contents:
Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Quality Assurance (QA)
Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Quality Control (QC)
Radiographic Unit Monitoring
Sensitometery and Darkroom Monitoring
Use of Technique Charts
Analysis of Repeat Rates
Continuing Education
Repeat Analysis
Timer Quality Control in Radiographic Equipment
Collimator Quality Control
Vertical Beam Alignment Quality Control
Collimation
Focal-spot Size
Fluoroscopy Quality Control
Automatic Exposure Systems
Tomography Quality Control
Ensuring QC in Conventional Radiographic Systems
Radiation Safety/QA Program
Test Frequency
Different Types of Tests and Duration
Growth of Quality Assurance in Pediatric Radiology
Exhibits

From the Paper
"The various parameters to be checked under radiography are (i) assessment of the focal spot size which is the surface area of the anode which is bombarded by the electron beam. In case of radiography machine, it ranges from 0.1 to 1.2 mm or more than that. In case of mammo-machines the values are 0.3 to 0.6. The assessment of focal spot size is applied to get a X-ray image having the least blur. Small focal spot are likely to concentrate heat and emits load on focal spot areas. In case the quantity of heat emitted at the time of an individual exposure is more than the track capacity, the anode surface is liable to melt. Besides, the assessment of the focal spot size is necessary to compare it with the original focal spot size with that of the machine. Also spot size of any machine is stated on the top of the X-Ray tube. (Mukhtar, n. d.)"

Tags:radiology, radiation, pediatrics, exposure

Abstract
Amersham Health has developed a product for the next technological advance in cardiac diagnostic testing, MYOVIEW with Rapid Clearance, for myocardial perfusion imaging. This paper explains how the product works and examines how MYOVIEW will help the medical industry and cardiac patients.

From the Paper
"Myocardial perfusion imaging is the answer to the challenges felt by many physicians when patients may have a suspected myocardial infarction. Oftentimes a physician may feel that a patient is not having an MI, however, as a precautionary measure, will have the patient admitted for observation. If it turns out that they were not having an MI, the patient has now spent unneeded time at the hospital, taking up valuable bed space and staff time, at often over crowded hospitals, that could have been better used by patients who truly needed it. In fact, Udelson states that "missed MI is one of the most common causes of litigation against ED personnel, and this test may also facilitate an earlier diagnosis in such patients(Glow; Udelson, 2003).""

Tags:Radiopharmaceuticals, myocardium, TRC

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of the Bender Gestalt test, which is has been used since 1938 to check the developmental stages of children and the neurological functioning of adults. The paper explores the test's components and the uses for the test. It then goes on to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the test and how its accuracy can be improved.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Test
Strengths And Weaknesses
Conclusion

From the Paper
"There are several factors that can interfere with the client's ability to draw the shapes or designs accurately including arthritis, visual problems or other issues that can make the design copy inaccurate without it meaning emotional or developmental problems.
"There are several different versions of the test and each of them uses the same basics for examination but uses different evaluation methods. Therefore it is important that the clinical assessor be familiar with whatever version is being given to that particular client to be sure that the interpretation is accurate."

Tags:psychological, development, diagnostic

Abstract
This paper describes an assessment for ADHD that can be used by school nurses at all grade school levels. The paper claims that the assessment will be useful in the decision to approach parents to allow an ADHD diagnostic battery in a suspected child. The paper also shows how the test will be useful to assess the level of success that any one child's treatment is currently providing. This can lead to earlier, needed treatment adjustments and stop the cycle of problems that are often seen with ADHD that is uncontrolled.

Introduction
Statement of Problem
Literature Review
Methodology Discussion
Assessment Tool
Conclusion

From the Paper
"This statistic further complicates the ability for early assessment of an ADHD student as the ADHD parent may fail to recognize important signals of the disorder. In addition it can be difficult to determine whether the parent's ADHD impacted parenting style is at the root of the student's difficulty or if the student has the actual disorder.
In one study more than 80 children from preschool were evaluated for effectiveness of parental ability to recognize the symptoms in their own child."

Tags:learning, disorder, test, treatment

Abstract
The paper explains that multislice CT angiography is a potentially useful and cost-effective, non-invasive diagnostic modality. The paper discusses multislice angiography's diagnostic accuracy in different diseases, including cerebral vascular disease, aneurysms, pulmonary embolism, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. The paper also points out that multislice CT angiography's technology is quickly outpacing the conventional angiography. The paper notes, however, that some surgeons still prefer the time-tested angiography in spite of its invasive nature, discomfort to the patient and potential risk for hemorrhage.

Outline:
Introduction
Diagnostic Accuracy in Different Diseases
Future Developments of Multislice CT Angiography

From the Paper
"Conventional angiography is considered as the golden standard technique in vascular imaging. Its main attributes include real-time visualization of target vessels, which makes it ideal not only for direct visualization of the vasculature of any accessible organ, but also for conducting therapeutic procedures. This provides angiography procedures with the distinct advantage of being able to diagnose and treat vascular diseases with one procedure. This comes at a cost. Another main attribute of angiography is its invasive nature. Most procedures involve gaining vascular access through the femoral artery, which presents as a potential problem post-procedure. While local pressure and close post-procedure monitoring can prevent life-threatening hemorrhaging, subjecting patients to seemingly unnecessary invasive procedures has prompted the development of other imaging modalities to match the real-time precision of angiographic imaging as well as remain non-invasive."

Tags:cardiovascular, surgery, image, quality, scanner, aneurysms, heart, disease

Abstract
This paper is a bulleted diagnostic case study of Carrie H. , a seven year old girl who has been diagnosed with ADHD. According to the paper, she was first potentially diagnosed with ADHD by her pediatrician, who referred her for a battery of tests. The paper details the symptoms and manifestations of this disorder in Carrie.

From the Paper
"Carrie H. is in the second grade. She is a seven-year-old child diagnosed with AD/HD, predominantly inattentive type. Symptoms Exhibited * Little hyperactivity in normal daily activities. * Several reprimands for talking too loudly or out of turn while in class. * Often forgets to perform all or part of routine daily tasks * Has difficulty organizing activities * Frequently loses items..."

Tags:adhd, child, psychology

Abstract
This paper looks at legal recommendations for laws relating to care options for senior citizens with dementia and Alzheimer's disease from the perspective of a representative of a congressional district, which has a large senior population. The paper presents the background, statistics and costs relating to both of these conditions. The paper also reviews three care options and recommends a law that restricts the number of family members formally assigned to care for an elderly relative with Alzheimer's or dementia.

Table of Contents:
Problem Statement
Background
Dementia
Alzheimer's Disease
Landscape
Pertinent Statistical Data
Cost of Alzheimer's Disease
Options
Subsidize Specialized Diagnostic Testing for Alzheimer's Disease
Allow Limited Opportunities for Employment
Restrict the Number Of Family Members Formally Assigned to Care for an Elderly Relative with Alzheimer's or Dementia.
Recommendation

From the Paper
"Similar to the tenets of the Ryan White Act, the congressional district could allow certain individuals below the retirement age who are diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease closely-monitored employment opportunities. These should target specific areas of the Alzheimer's patient which have been least affected by the disease. This option will not only ease the financial burden associated with Alzheimer's but will also delay the individual's confinement to an elderly institution as he or she is still contributing significantly to society."

Tags:district, cognitive function, workforce, diagnostic testing, secondary financial cost

Abstract
This paper examines the difficulties of diagnosing adolescents for psychological problems, which includes the difficulties of sifting out the normal ups and downs of adolescence and the challenge of detecting co-morbid conditions accurately. It looks at how it is crucial for diagnosticians to be very familiar with the tools available in order to look at an adolescent's difficulties from several angles to make sure that diagnosis is both accurate and complete.

From the Paper
"DSM gives very specific guidelines for diagnosis. For instance, for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), DSM lists three general areas of behavior with specific behaviors listed (inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity); the minimum number of specific behaviors that must be present; The number of general areas which must meet the criteria; and the need to do a differential diagnosis, which will ensure that AD/HD is the best explanation for the person's difficulties (APA, 1994). What it does not tell the diagnostician is how he or she is to determine whether the patient or client meets the criteria. The DSM does not list any specific tests or measures to do."

Tags:adhd, clinician, testing, tools