Thomas,, Jennifer;Feichter,, Martha;Morgan,, Alan
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.140pmid: N/A
Article PDF first page preview Close This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.143pmid: N/A
Abstract Pressure, as most readers know, is part of the laboratorian’s job—stat testing, deadlines, quotas. Sometimes, however, a disaster occurs that truly tests a laboratorian’s mettle. This article is based on the daily diary entries of Jan Susanin, supervisor, Newborn Screening Laboratory, during the floods that ravaged the Des Moines laboratory. It shows how laboratory staff maintained operations during a time of crisis.—Eds. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
Simsir,, Aylin;Desmond Burke,, M.
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.146pmid: N/A
Article PDF first page preview Close This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.148pmid: N/A
Abstract This article, the fourth in a continuing education update series on hematology, reviews paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a clonal marrow stem cell disorder that involves erythroid, myeloid, megakaryocytic, and some lymphoid lineage. The disorder is sometimes classified as a chronic myeloproliferative syndrome because of its potential to transform into acute leukemia or one of the myelodysplastic syndromes. Clinically, the disorder manifests and is sometimes classified as a chronic hemolytic anemia. The disorder expresses itself as chronic hemolytic anemia, variable cytopenias, and venous thrombosis. Paroxysms of nocturnal hemoglobinuria occur in a minority of patients. The disorder is strongly associated with aplastic anemia, which may precede, develop concurrently with, or appear after the diagnosis of PNH. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.152pmid: N/A
Abstract Powerful microcomputer hardware and software promise to increase the productivity of laboratories and improve the quality of laboratory services. To use the new and emerging technologies to their fullest extent, laboratorians need to understand basic concepts of personal computers and networked workstations. This article, the third in a continuing education update series on personal computers, reviews some developments in microcomputers and workstation technology that are important for laboratory medicine. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
Hubbard, Joel, D.;Calvo, Cara, L.
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.156pmid: N/A
Abstract A comprehensive on-site study of the level of performance and needs of seven mission hospitals of various denominations in Kenya, East Africa, was conducted. Information collected for each hospital included (1) hospital demographics; (2) laboratory personnel statistics; (3) types of tests performed and use of quality control; (4) the availability and types of equipment used; and (5) laboratory managerial problems and needs. Data collected indicate that the laboratories are able to provide basic tests in the standard areas of hematology, immunohematology, and urinalysis. Most offered limited testing in microbiology, serology, and chemistry. The majority of tests were performed by standard manual methods, with limited automation. Laboratory equipment sophistication varied greatly. Problem areas include limited financial resources, inconsistent acquisition of reagents and supplies, difficulty obtaining and maintaining useful equipment, and poor access to continuing education for staff. A US-based support organization for these laboratories is recommended. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.162pmid: N/A
Abstract This study correlated automated reagent strip results and urine microscopic findings, evaluated a screening protocol for use prior to microscopy, and determined whether urinalysis results could be used to reduce the frequency of negative urine cultures. Results from the reagent strip blood tests strongly correlated with the number of erythrocytes per high-power field. Reagent strip leukocyte esterase levels strongly correlated with the number of white blood cells per high-power field. A macroscopic screening protocol, using turbidity plus reagent strip protein, blood, and leukocyte esterase tests, detected more than 90% of urine specimens that contained abnormal formed elements. No combination of screening tests is effective in avoiding unnecessary urine culture when the cut point for a positive culture is 10,000 colony-forming units per milliliter of urine. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.168pmid: N/A
Abstract Diagnostic test manufacturers have introduced a variety of nonculture tests for chlamydia, including enzyme immunoassays to detect chlamydia antigens, fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies for the direct visualization of chlamydia elementary bodies on smears, nucleic acid hybridization tests, and rapid (stat) tests. Because nonculture tests do not require strict handling of specimens, they are easier to perform and less expensive than culture tests. Consequently, the number of laboratories and health care providers offering chlamydia testing has increased. The expanded use of nonculture tests is a cornerstone of chlamydia prevention strategies. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
Honda, Stacey, A.A.;Bhagavan, Nadhipuram, V.;Sugiyama, Cheryl, E.;Robbin Gallaty,, C.;Dublin,, Romeo;Flegal,, Ignacia;Rios, Carlos, N.;Scottolini, Alfred, G.
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.176pmid: N/A
Abstract We report a series of 13 patients with unlysed red blood cells (“RBC clouds”) on white blood cell scattergrams produced by the Sysmex NE8000 and 29 patients with abnormal hemoglobin peaks on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Of the 13 patients noted to have RBC clouds, 5 were previously undiagnosed, 4 were diagnosed, 1 was suspected of having a hemoglobinopathy, and 3 had liver disease with no hemoglobinopathy detected. Abnormal hemoglobin peaks were detected in 26 patients with previously undiagnosed abnormal hemoglobins by HPLC HbA1c analysis. Thus, careful analysis of commonly ordered screening and monitoring tests such as complete blood count and HbAlc measurements in diabetic patients can reveal other abnormalities, primarily the detection of hemoglobinopathies. This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
doi: 10.1093/labmed/25.3.183pmid: N/A
Article PDF first page preview Close This content is only available as a PDF. © American Society of Clinical Pathologists
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