A direct smear on an endocervical specimen revealed intracel…

A direct smear on an endocervical specimen revealed intracellular gram-negative, kidney-bean-shaped diplococci.  The specimen was inoculated onto a Modified Thayer-Martin (MTM) Agar plate, and after 24-hours incubation under CO2, grayish-white, translucent, glistening colonies resembling gonococci were observed.  The technologist subcultured the colony to chocolate agar.  Growth from the chocolate agar was used to perform Cysteine Tryptic digest Agar (CTA) carbohydrate utilization tests with glucose, maltose, sucrose, lactose and fructose.  After 24 hours incubation the technologist saw that both glucose and maltose had been degraded.  What is the best next step?

A 65-year-old male is admitted complaining of weakness, fati…

A 65-year-old male is admitted complaining of weakness, fatigue, and weight loss. Enlarged lymph nodes and bone tenderness are noted.  A CBC is ordered with the following results:            WBC = 100,000/cu mm            RBC = 5.2 x 106/cu mm            Hb = 15.1 g/dl            HCT = 47%            Differential = 15% segs            85% lymphocytes            Many smudge cells are present.  All lymphocytes are small, size variation minimal.  What hematological disorder could this involve?