Capillary Blood Samples Research Articles

Differences In HbA1c Levels In Diabetes Mellitus Patients Using Capillary And Venous blood Samples

Introduction: HbA1c is a non-enzymatic binding of glucose molecules to hemoglobin through a post- translational glycation process, measuring the level or percentage of glucose bound to hemoglobin, this parameter is used as the main benchmark for controlling Diabetes Mellitus because HbA1c can describe blood sugar levels within a period of 1- 3 months due to red blood cells bound by glucose molecules. HbA1c examination is an examination of glycemic levels which is useful to determine long-term glycemic control in patients with Diabetes Mellitus. From this study to determine differences in HbA1c levels in diabetes mellitus patients using capillary and venous blood samples. Method: Cross-sectional, this research was conducted at the Hematology Laboratory of the Palembang Muhammadiyah Institute of Health and Technology. The population taken was Diabetes Mellitus Patients in the Muhammadiyah Palembang Hospital laboratory. The sample used in this study was 29 samples using purposive sampling. Results: The average HbA1c level was found in 7.91% capillary blood and 7.91% venous blood. Discussion: The conclusion in this study is that capillary and venous blood sampling can be used to check HbA1c levels.

A Genetic Lab-on-Phone Test for Point-of-Care Diagnostic of Lactose Intolerance near Patient and in less than 90 Minutes.

The -13910 C/T single nucleotide polymorphism located within the MCM6 gene, an enhancer region located upstream of the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase gene, is associated with lactase persistence/non-persistence traits among the Caucasian population. The performance of a new point-of-care CE-IVD (In Vitro Diagnostic) marked isothermal lab-on-phone lactose intolerance assay, using crude samples, was assessed in comparison with Sanger sequencing using purified DNA, as reference method. The study was conducted following a non-probability sampling using direct buccal swab (n = 63) and capillary blood (n = 43) clinical samples from a total of 63 volunteers. A 3 × 3 confusion matrix/contingency table was used to evaluate the performance of the isothermal lab-on-phone lactose intolerance assay. The isothermal lab-on-phone lactose intolerance assay successfully detected the -13910 C/T variant with a limit of detection of 5 cells/assay and demonstrated an overall accuracy of 98.41% (95% CI, 91.47%-99.96%) for buccal swab samples and 100% (95% CI, 91.19%-100%) for capillary blood, taking just 90 min from sample to result, with only 2 min hands-on. The lab-on-phone pocket-sized assay displayed good performance when using direct buccal swab and capillary blood samples, enabling a low-cost, real-time, and accurate genotyping of the -13910 C/T region for the rapid diagnosis of primary lactose intolerance at point-of-care, which enables a prompt implementation of appropriate diet habits and/or intolerance therapies. To our knowledge, this is the first point-of-care genetic test for lactose intolerance to be made available on the market.

Serum osmolality measured in fingertip capillary blood is comparable to serum osmolality measured in venous blood.

Blood osmolality is considered the gold standard hydration assessment, but has limited application for technical and invasive reasons. Paired antecubital-venous blood and fingertip-capillary blood were collected pre- and 30min post-drinking 600mL water in 55 male/female participants. No bias (0.2 mOsmo/kg, limits of agreement = -2.5 to 2.8 mOsmo/kg) was found between sampling methods, with high linear correlation (Spearman's r=0.95, P<0.001). Capillary blood sampling offers an accurate less-invasive method for determining serum osmolality than venous blood sampling.

Capillary blood sampling for the determination of clozapine concentrations: analytical validation and patient experience.

Patients may be reluctant to start clozapine (CLZ) because of the frequent blood sampling needed for white blood cell monitoring, but also therapeutic drug monitoring of CLZ. Finger prick, instead of venepuncture, might lower the threshold to CLZ use. The aim of this study was to determine whether CLZ concentrations are the same in capillary and venous blood samples. Capillary blood was drawn by finger prick and collected in the Hem-Col tube. Paired capillary and venous blood samples were collected from inpatients and outpatients of a mental health institute. Patients were asked to rate pain, experience, and preference for blood sampling method. Passing-Bablok analysis of 40 paired samples showed that CLZ concentrations were statistically equal in capillary and venous samples {slope 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88-1.04], intercept -6.86 (95% CI: -30.75 to 24.13)}. Venepuncture was the preferred method based on the experience ( P = 0.009) and preference ( P = 0.043) items. In conclusion, CLZ concentrations were similar in venous and capillary blood samples. Venepuncture appeared to be preferred to finger prick for blood sampling. Our results emphasize the importance of consulting patients' individual preference for blood sampling method.

Glycemic index of a nutritional supplement designed for people with chronic kidney disease.

The study was carried out to measure the glycemic index (GI) of an oral food supplement for people with CKD as well as on patients on maintenance dialysis. The study was conducted as per international protocols for testing GI, was approved by the local institutional ethics committee, and was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI). This was a crossover randomized controlled study which enrolled 15 participants between the ages of 18 and 45 years. The participants were randomly allotted to one group that consumed either the reference food (27.5 g of glucose monohydrate) or 118 g of the nutritional supplement which contained 25 g of available carbohydrates. Fasting capillary blood samples as well as blood samples at different time intervals as per the GI protocol, after consumption of either the supplement or the reference food were taken from the participants. Each testing day was separated by a 3-day washout period. GI was calculated from the incremental area under the blood glucose response elicited by the nutritional supplement as a percentage of the response after the consumption of 25 g of glucose (27.5 g of glucose monohydrate) by the same participant using a standard formula. The GI of the nutritional supplement was calculated to be 10.3 ± 2.0 which is considered to be low as per international GI testing standards. The product was created to supplement the diet of people with CKD at different stages and to help prevent the progression from CKD to ESRD as well as the risk for CVD. This product was found to have a low GI which is desirable for people with CKD as well as diabetics in general who are at risk for developing CKD.

Sodium Bicarbonate and Time-to-Exhaustion Cycling Performance: A Retrospective Analysis Exploring the Mediating Role of Expectation

BackgroundResearch has shown that ingesting 0.3 g·kg−1 body mass sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) can improve time-to-exhaustion (TTE) cycling performance, but the influence of psychophysiological mechanisms on ergogenic effects is not yet understood.ObjectiveThis study retrospectively examined whether changes in TTE cycling performance are mediated by positive expectations of receiving NaHCO3 and/or the decline in blood bicarbonate during exercise.MethodsIn a randomised, crossover, counterbalanced, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 12 recreationally trained cyclists (maximal oxygen consumption, 54.4 ± 5.7 mL·kg·min−1) performed four TTE cycling tests 90 min after consuming: (1) 0.3 g·kg−1 body mass NaHCO3 in 5 mL·kg−1 body mass solution, (2) 0.03 g·kg−1 body mass sodium chloride in solution (placebo), (3) 0.3 g·kg−1 body mass NaHCO3 in capsules and (4) cornflour in capsules (placebo). Prior to exercise, participants rated on 1–5 Likert type scales how much they expected the treatment they believe had been given would improve performance. Capillary blood samples were measured for acid-base balance at baseline, pre-exercise and post-exercise.ResultsAdministering NaHCO3 in solution and capsules improved TTE compared with their respective placebos (solution: 27.0 ± 21.9 s, p = 0.001; capsules: 23.0 ± 28.1 s, p = 0.016). Compared to capsules, NaHCO3 administered via solution resulted in a higher expectancy about the benefits on TTE cycling performance (Median: 3.5 vs. 2.5, Z = 2.135, p = 0.033). Decline in blood bicarbonate during exercise was higher for NaHCO3 given in solution compared to capsules (2.7 ± 2.1 mmol·L−1, p = 0.001). Mediation analyses showed that improvements in TTE cycling were indirectly related to expectancy and decline in blood bicarbonate when NaHCO3 was administered in solution but not capsules.ConclusionsParticipants’ higher expectations when NaHCO3 is administered in solution could result in them exerting themselves harder during TTE cycling, which subsequently leads to a greater decline in blood bicarbonate and larger improvements in performance.Key PointsIngesting 0.3 g·kg−1 body mass sodium bicarbonate in solution and capsules improved time-to-exhaustion cycling performancePositive expectancy about the benefits of sodium bicarbonate and decline in blood bicarbonate were higher when sodium bicarbonate was administered in solution compared with capsulesImprovements in time-to-exhaustion cycling performance for sodium bicarbonate administered in solution were related to expectancy and the enhanced extracellular buffering response

Epidemiology of malaria, schistosomiasis, and geohelminthiasis amongst children 3-15 years of age during the dry season in Northern Cameroon.

The double burden of malaria and helminthiasis in children poses an obvious public health challenge, particularly in terms of anemia morbidity. While both diseases frequently geographically overlap, most studies focus on mono-infection and general prevalence surveys without molecular analysis. The current study investigated the epidemiological determinants of malaria, schistosomiasis, and geohelminthiasis transmission among children in the North Region of Cameroon. School and pre-school children aged 3-15 year-of-age were enrolled from three communities in March 2021 using a community cross-sectional design. Capillary-blood samples were obtained, and each was examined for malaria parasites using rapid-diagnostic-test (RDT), microscopy, and PCR while hemoglobin level was measured using a hemoglobinometer. Stool samples were analyzed for Schistosoma mansoni, S. guineensis, and soil-transmitted-helminthiasis (STH) infections using the Kato Katz method, and urine samples were assessed for the presence of S. haematobium eggs (including hybrids) using the standard urine filtration technique. A malaria prevalence of 56% (277/495) was recorded by PCR as opposed to 31.5% (156/495) by microscopy and 37.8% (186/495) by RDT. Similarly, schistosomiasis was observed at prevalence levels of up to 13.3% (66/495) overall [S. haematobium (8.7%); S. mansoni (3.8%); mixed Sh/Sm (0.6%); mixed Sh/Sm/Sg (0.2%). Both infections were higher in males and the 3-9 year-of-age groups. A high frequency of PCR reported P. falciparum mono-infection of 81.9% (227/277) and mixed P. falciparum/P. malariae infection of 17.3% (48/277) was observed. Malaria-helminths co-infections were observed at 13.1% (65/495) with marked variation between P. falciparum/S. haematobium (50.8%, 33/65); P. falciparum/S. mansoni (16.9%, 11/65) and P. falciparum/Ascaris (9.2%, 6/65) (χ2 = 17.5, p = 0.00003). Anemia prevalence was 32.9% (163/495), categorically associated with P. falciparum (45.8%, 104/227), Pf/Sh (11.5%, 26/227), and Pf/Sm (3.9%, 9/227) polyparasitism. Polyparasitism with malaria and helminth infections is common in school-aged children despite periodic long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) distribution and regular school-based praziquantel (for schistosomiasis) and albendazole (for STH) campaigns. Co-existence of Plasmodium parasites and helminths infections notably Schistosoma species among children may concurrently lead to an increase in Plasmodium infection with an enhanced risk of anemia, highlighting the necessity of an integrated approach for disease control interventions.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Sports-A Comparison between a CGM Device and Lab-Based Glucose Analyser under Resting and Exercising Conditions in Athletes.

The objective of this pilot study was to compare glucose concentrations in capillary blood (CB) samples analysed in a laboratory by a validated method and glucose concentrations measured in the interstitial fluid (ISF) by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) under different physical activity levels in a postprandial state in healthy athletes without diabetes. As a physiological shift occurs between glucose concentration from the CB into the ISF, the applicability of CGM in sports, especially during exercise, as well as the comparability of CB and ISF data necessitate an in-depth assessment. Ten subjects (26 ± 4 years, 67 ± 11 kg bodyweight (BW), 11 ± 3 h) were included in the study. Within 14 days, they underwent six tests consisting of (a) two tests resting fasted (HC_Rest/Fast and LC_Rest/Fast), (b) two tests resting with intake of 1 g glucose/kg BW (HC_Rest/Glc and LC_Rest/Glc), (c) running for 60 min at moderate (ModExerc/Glc), and (d) high intensity after intake of 1 g glucose/kg BW (IntExerc/Glc). Data were collected in the morning, following a standardised dinner before test day. Sensor-based glucose concentrations were compared to those determined from capillary blood samples collected at the time of sensor-based analyses and subjected to laboratory glucose measurements. Pearson's r correlation coefficient was highest for Rest/Glc (0.92, p < 0.001) compared to Rest/Fast (0.45, p < 0.001), ModExerc/Glc (0.60, p < 0.001) and IntExerc/Glc (0.70, p < 0.001). Mean absolute relative deviation (MARD) and standard deviation (SD) was smallest for resting fasted and similar between all other conditions (Rest/Fast: 8 ± 6%, Rest/Glc: 17 ± 12%, ModExerc/Glc: 22 ± 24%, IntExerc/Glc: 18 ± 17%). However, Bland-Altman plot analysis showed a higher range between lower and upper limits of agreement (95% confidence interval) of paired data under exercising compared to resting conditions. Under resting fasted conditions, both methods produce similar outcomes. Under resting postprandial and exercising conditions, respectively, there are differences between both methods. Based on the results of this study, the application of CGM in healthy athletes is not recommended without concomitant nutritional or medical advice.

Comparison of capillary blood self-collection using the Tasso-SST device with venous phlebotomy for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody measurement

Measuring seroprevalence over time is a valuable epidemiological tool for improving our understanding of COVID-19 immunity. Due to the large number of collections required for population surveillance as well as concerns about potential infection risk to the collectors, self-collection approaches are being increasingly pursued. To advance this methodology, we collected paired venous and capillary blood samples by routine phlebotomy and Tasso-SST device respectively from 26 participants and measured total immunoglobulin (Ig) and IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on both specimens. Qualitatively, no discrepancies were noted in binary results between Tasso and venipuncture-derived plasma. Furthermore, in vaccinated participants, correlation between Tasso and venous total Ig and IgG specific antibody quantitative levels was high (Total Ig: Spearman ρ = 0.72, 95% CI (0.39,0.90); IgG: Spearman ρ = 0.85, 95% CI (0.54, 0.96)). Our results support the use of Tasso at-home collection devices for antibody testing.

Capillary blood stability and analytical accuracy of 12 analytes stored in Microtainers®

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine feasibility of collecting capillary blood by traditional fingerstick and next day analysis after transport in Microtainers® at ambient temperature with no plasma separation. This study is pursuing an acceptable alternative to venipuncture for measuring 12 analytes important for health risk assessment. Designand Methods: Performance standards of a 12-assay chemistry panel were assessed using a set of paralleled serum and capillary microsamples. The panel included Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL-C, Creatinine, Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Uric Acid, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ALT (GPT), AST (GOT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and total protein. Correlation studies were performed using 31 simultaneous venous and capillary blood collections. Analytical bias, correlation, and medical decision points were calculated to determine equivalency of sample type and the impact of transport conditions. Clinical sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were evaluated at calculated medical decision points for their usability in health screening initiatives. ResultsLaboratory test results using capillary blood samples stored in Microtainers® under conditions of delayed centrifugation, and mail transport at ambient temperature, showed an acceptable agreement with results obtained using their paired serum samples analyzed using standard methods, except AST. ConclusionsCapillary blood samples can be self-collected at remote locations using Microtainers® and transported at ambient temperature for 24 h for successful performance of several medical tests important in large-scale health screenings programs.

Vaccine-induced correlate of protection against fatal COVID-19 in older and frail adults during waves of neutralization-resistant variants of concern: an observational study.

To inform future preventive measures including repeated vaccinations, we have searched for a clinically useful immune correlate of protection against fatal COVID-19 among nursing homes residents. We performed repeated capillary blood sampling with analysis of S-binding IgG in an open cohort of nursing home residents in Sweden. We analyzed immunological and registry data from 16 September 2021 to 31 August 2022 with follow-up of deaths to 30 September 2022. The study period included implementation of the 3rd and 4th mRNA monovalent vaccine doses and Omicron virus waves. A total of 3012 nursing home residents with median age 86 were enrolled. The 3rd mRNA dose elicited a 99-fold relative increase of S-binding IgG in blood and corresponding increase of neutralizing antibodies. The 4th mRNA vaccine dose boosted levels 3.8-fold. Half-life of S-binding IgG was 72 days. A total 528 residents acquired their first SARS-CoV-2 infection after the 3rd or the 4th vaccine dose and the associated 30-day mortality was 9.1%. We found no indication that levels of vaccine-induced antibodies protected against infection with Omicron VOCs. In contrast, the risk of death was inversely correlated to levels of S-directed IgG below the 20th percentile. The death risk plateaued at population average above the lower 35th percentile of S-binding IgG. In the absence of neutralizing antibodies that protect from infection, quantification of S-binding IgG post vaccination may be useful to identify the most vulnerable for fatal COVID-19 among the oldest and frailest. This information is of importance for future strategies to protect vulnerable populations against neutralization resistant variants of concern. Swedish Research Council, SciLifeLab via Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, VINNOVA. Swedish Healthcare Regions, and Erling Persson Foundation.

P19-024-23 A Capillary Blood Sample Overestimated Anemia Prevalence Among Women of Reproductive Age in the Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

P19-024-23 A Capillary Blood Sample Overestimated Anemia Prevalence Among Women of Reproductive Age in the Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

PREVENTIVE EFFECTS OF FIGS POWDER &amp; GARLIC POWDER IN MALE ALBINO RATS WITH INDUCED DYSLIPIDEMIA

Dyslipidemia is one of the predisposing factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases due to the formation of atherosclerosis. Statin drugs are commonly used for the management of dyslipidemia but due to different side effects, drug resistance and affordability issues now, researchers working on the different preventive and curative effects of different natural herbs, fruits, etc. this study aimed to evaluate &amp; compare the preventive effects of Ficus Carica &amp; Allium Sativum on serum lipid profile levels in albino rats on induction of dyslipidemia. This experimental study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry Liaquat University of Medical &amp; Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro, Pakistan. Total of 24 male albino rats weighing of 170-190 grams were purchased from the Ojha campus of DUMHS Karachi Pakistan and caged at the Animal House of Agriculture University Tando Jam Pakistan. Twenty-four male albino rats were divided into four groups; each group contained 6 rats, group A as control group received a normal diet; group B rats received high fatty diet; group C rats received high fatty diet along with figs powder; group D rats received a high fatty diet with garlic powder with the calculated and proper dose for six weeks. After six weeks, orbital capillary blood samples were drawn to estimate lipid profile parameters. Lipid profile performed on Cobas chemical analyzer of Roche Hitachi at Diagnostic &amp; Research Laboratory LUMHS. The Statistical data was analyzed by SPSS version 21 by applying ANOVA test for significance. The serum cholesterol level was highly observed in group B rats, and serum cholesterol level was significantly (P &lt; .001) low in the group C &amp; D rats in comparison to group B male albino rats. The serum T.G. level is highly observed in group B rats, T.G.’s level is significantly (P &lt; .001) low in the group C &amp; D rats compared to group B male albino rats. The serum LDL level is highly observed in group B rats, with a significant serum LDL level (P = 0.05) low in the group C &amp; D rats compared to group B male albino rats. The serum HDL level more decline in group B rats serum HDL level was significantly (P = 0.05) high in the group C &amp; D rats with the comparison to group B male albino rats. Figs and garlic powder had a significant role in normal levels of different lipid profile parameters. This study concluded that figs powder and garlic powder could perform a preventive role in the development of dyslipidemia.

Stability of blood lead levels in children with low-level lead absorption.

Current child blood lead (Pb) screening guidelines assume that blood lead levels (BLLs) are relatively stable over time, and that only youngest children are vulnerable to the damaging effects of lower-range BLLs. This study aimed to test the stability of lower-range (≤ 10 μg/dL) child BLLs over time, and whether lower-range BLLs diminished with age among children aged 6 months to 16 years living in a lower-income neighborhood with a density of pre-1986 housing and legacy contamination. Age, sex, family income, age of residence, and/or residence proximity to point sources of Pb, were tested as potential additional factors. Capillary blood samples from 193 children were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Multiple imputation was used to simulate missing data for 3 blood tests for each child. Integrated Growth Curve models with Test Wave as a random effect were used to test BLL variability over time. Among N = 193 children tested, at Time 1 testing, 8.7% had the BLLs ≥ 5 μg/dL (CDC "elevated" BLL reference value at the time of data collection) and 16.8% had BLLs ≥ 3.5 μg/dL (2021 CDC "elevated" BLL reference value). Modeling with time as a random effect showed that the variability of BLLs were attributable to changes within children. Moreover, time was not a significant predictor of child BLLs over 18 months. A sex by age interaction suggested that BLLs diminished with age only among males. Of the additional environmental factors tested, only proximity to a major source of industrial or vehicle exhaust pollution predicted child BLL variability, and was associated with a small, but significant BLL increase (0.22 μg/dL). These findings suggest that one or two BLL tests for only infants or toddlers are insufficient for identifying children with Pb poisoning.

197-LB: Capillary Islet Autoantibody Testing at the Preschool Vaccination Is a Feasible and Acceptable Method to Screen Children for Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Islet autoantibody screening for type 1 diabetes (T1D) reduces life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis, hospitalization and identifies individuals eligible for future preventative treatments. 3.5-4 years has been indicated as an optimal time to screen younger children for T1D at a single-time point. We therefore assessed the feasibility and acceptability of screening at this age, to align with the pre-school vaccination visit, in a first of its kind, proof-of-concept study in the UK. Methods: Children attending routine pre-school vaccinations (n= 63; median age 3.5y (IQR 3.4-3.6, range 3.1-5.1y), 26 (41.3%) male) provided capillary blood samples which were posted for IAA, GADA, IA-2A and ZnT8A analysis. Serum volumes &amp;gt;60µL were tested using Radiobinding assay (RBA), and &amp;lt;60µL by Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems (LIPS) assay. Acceptability was assessed using open question postcards, and semi structured interviews. Results: There was 97% (61/63 samples) success in sample analysis, with median serum collected 100µL (IQR 80-155) and 83% (52/63)&amp;gt;60µL. One participant screened and confirmed positive by RBA for IAA. Participants (n=15 interviews, n=31 postcards) were uniformly positive about screening aligning to the vaccination programme, citing that they may have been less likely to take part had screening been a separate visit. Themes identified included being prepared in the event of a T1D diagnosis, feeling reassured by a negative test result, and the long-term benefit of screening outweighing short-term upset. Parents reported that the volume of blood was higher, and collection time longer than expected. Conclusions: Capillary islet autoantibody testing is a feasible and acceptable method to screen children for T1D. Aligning sample collection to the pre-school vaccination was not a deterrent to vaccination. The approach of combining screening with a routine health visit may enable uptake and could be cost saving. Disclosure C. Scudder: None. J. Townson: None. R. Besser: Consultant; Provention Bio, Inc. J. Bowen-morris: None. P. H. Evans: None. S. C. Jones: None. N. P. B. Thomas: None. R. Fox: None. J. Todd: Advisory Panel; GlaxoSmithKline plc., Precion, Qlife, Vesalius Therapeutics. S. Greenfield: None. C. Dayan: Advisory Panel; AstraZeneca, Consultant; Provention Bio, Sanofi, Avotres Inc., Other Relationship; Dompé, Merck &amp; Co., Inc. Funding National Institute for Health Research (203948)

Introduction of an electrochemical point-of-care assay for quantitative determination of paracetamol in finger-prick capillary whole blood samples.

Measuring venous plasma paracetamol concentrations is time- and resource-consuming. We aimed to validate a novel electrochemical point-of-care (POC) assay for rapid paracetamol concentration determinations. Twelve healthy volunteers received 1 g oral paracetamol, and its concentrations were analysed 10 times over 12 h for capillary whole blood (POC), venous plasma (high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS)), and dried capillary blood (HPLC-MS/MS). At concentrations >30 μM, POC showed upward biases of 20% (95% limits of agreement [LOA] -22 to 62) and 7% (95% LOA -23 to 38) compared with venous plasma and capillary blood HPLC-MS/MS, respectively. There were no significant differences between mean concentrations for the paracetamol elimination phase. Upward biases in POC compared with venous plasma HPLC-MS/MS were likely due to higher paracetamol concentrations in capillary blood than in venous plasma and to faulty individual sensors. The novel POC method is a promising tool for paracetamol concentration analysis.

Clinical Validation of a Capillary Blood Home-Based Self-Sampling Technique for Monitoring of Infliximab, Vedolizumab, and C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Therapeutic drug monitoring provides important guidance for treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and could help to early identify treatment failure. This study aimed to validate a finger prick-based capillary blood sampling technique to measure biological trough levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) and evaluate patient performance and -support. In this prospective cohort study, patients with IBD receiving infliximab (IFX) or vedolizumab (VEDO) therapy performed finger prick-based capillary blood sampling at home. Additionally, blood was collected through routinely performed in-hospital venepuncture prior to biological infusion. IFX, VEDO, and CRP concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The concordance between methods was statistically evaluated and a survey was conducted to assess practicality and patient support. In total, 81 patients (46 IFX, 35 VEDO) were enrolled. Mean differences between both methods were 0.42 (95% confidence interval, -1.74 to 2.58) μg/mL for IFX and 0.72 (95% confidence interval, -5.50 to 6.94) μg/mL for VEDO. Passing-Bablok regressions demonstrated no evidence for systematic or proportional biases. Venous and capillary IFX (ρ = 0.96, P < .001) and VEDO (ρ = 0.97, P < .001) levels strongly correlated and showed high intermethod agreement (Cohen's kappa: IFX = 0.82; VEDO = 0.94). Similarly, venous and capillary CRP levels were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.99, P < .001). Most patients (>95%) were able to successfully perform the self-sampling at home without prior instructions. This study clinically validated a finger prick-based capillary blood self-sampling technique allowing concomitant home monitoring of biological levels and CRP for patients with IBD, who reported substantial support, tolerability, and practicality.

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load of Two Dishes Cooked with Alache (Anoda cristata) and Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) Plants from the Traditional Mexican Diet.

Correct nutrition is important for keeping good health; to attain that, the diet has to include vegetables such as quelites. The objective of this study was to determine the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of rice and a tamal prepared with and without two species of quelites: "alache" (Anoda cristata) and "chaya" (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius). The GI was measured in 10 healthy subjects, 7 women and 3 men, with the following mean metrics: age, 23 years old; body weight, 61.3 kg; height, 1.65 m; body mass index, 22.7 kg/m2; and basal glycemia, 77.4 mg/dL. Capillary blood samples were collected within 2 h after the meal. White rice (rice with no quelites) had a GI of 75.35 ± 15.6 and a GL of 36.17 ± 7.8; rice with alache had a GI of 33.74 ± 5.85 and a GL 33.74 ± 1.85. White tamal had a GI of 57.33 ± 10.23 and a GC of 26.65 ± 5.12; tamal with chaya had a GI of 46.73 ± 22.1 and a GL of 23.36 ± 11. The GI and GL values recorded for the combination of quelites with rice and tamal confirmed that quelites could be a good alternative for healthy diets.

Association between hemoglobin level and food consumption among female nursing students at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Anemia exerts significant adverse impacts on health and the economy, both in developing and developed nations across the globe. The physiological and physical changes that transpire during adolescence and early adulthood necessitate heightened nutritional requirements. Among teenagers and young adults, anemia manifests as a frequent condition. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its contributing factors among female nursing students enrolled at King Faisal University in Al Hasa, located in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Employing a cross-sectional design, we conducted an investigation involving a cohort of 83 nursing students who were in good health. To ensure adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols, we employed a practical sampling method to collect the samples. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were assessed using a finger-stick capillary blood sample. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for diagnosing anemia, hemoglobin levels exceeding 12.0 g/dL indicate the absence of anemia. The study findings revealed that 59% of the participants were diagnosed with anemia due to their low hemoglobin levels. Substantial associations were observed between hemoglobin levels, anemia, and clinical factors such as chronic illnesses, heavy menstrual cycles, and dietary supplements. Based on these outcomes, anemia is highly prevalent among female university students. Furthermore, the research population may be susceptible to anemia if they engage in practices such as tea or coffee consumption, irregular meal patterns, or the intake of foods that impede iron absorption.

Point of care assay for blood aripiprazole concentrations: development, validation and utility.

The antipsychotic aripiprazole is often used in the treatment of first-episode psychosis. Measuring aripiprazole blood levels provides an objective measure of treatment adherence, but this currently involves taking a venous blood sample and sending to a laboratory for analysis. To detail the development, validation and utility of a new point of care (POC) test for finger-stick capillary blood concentrations of aripiprazole. Analytical performance (sensitivity, precision, recovery and linearity) of the assay were established using spiked whole blood and control samples of varying aripiprazole concentration. Assay validation was performed over a 14-month period starting in July 2021. Eligible patients were asked to provide a finger-stick capillary sample in addition to their usual venous blood sample. Capillary blood samples were tested by the MyCare™ Insite POC analyser, which provided measurement of aripiprazole concentration in 6 min, and the venous blood sample was tested by the standard laboratory method. A total of 101 patients agreed to measurements by the two methods. Venous blood aripiprazole concentrations as assessed by the laboratory method ranged from 17 to 909 ng/mL, and from 1 to 791 ng/mL using POC testing. The correlation coefficient between the two methods (r) was 0.96 and there was minimal bias (slope 0.91, intercept 4 ng/ml). The MyCare Insite POC analyser is sufficiently accurate and reliable for clinical use. The availability of this technology will improve the assessment of adherence to aripiprazole and the optimising of aripiprazole dosing.