Cubital Vein Blood Research Articles

Effects of platelet-rich fibrin on human endometrial stromal cells behavior in comparison to platelet-rich plasma.

Intrauterine transfusion of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a new treatment for thin endometrium (TE) in recent years, but its low efficacy due to rapid release of growth factors limits its clinical use. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) starts the coagulation cascade reaction immediately after the blood comes into contact with the test tube. The natural coagulation process results in stable platelet activation and the slow release of growth factors. In our study, primary human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) were extracted from endometrial tissue. PRP and PRF were prepared from the patient cubital vein blood. Stromal cells were cultured in conditioned medium supplemented with PRP and PRF. Differences in cell behavior were observed by cell proliferation test and cell migration test. The relative expression levels of apoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 genes were measured by qRT-PCR. The release of growth factors from PRP and PRF was detected by ELISA. We found that both PRP and PRF inhibited apoptosis of hESCs, which favored cell proliferation and migration. In addition, PRF releases growth factors for a longer period of time compared to PRP. PRF offer a more sustained therapeutic effect compared to PRP, which provides a new idea for endometrial regeneration and repair.

Hasil Kadar HbA1C Penderita Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 Pada Kelompok Prolanis Di Puskesmas Juhar Tahun 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia that occurs due to abnormalities in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that the number of diabetes sufferers in Indonesia could reach 28.57 million in 2045. This number is 47% greater than the number of 19.47 million in 2021. This research was conducted on patients who had been diagnosed with type 2 DM who were members of the Prolanis group. Prolanis is a health service system that aims to improve the quality of life of participants with chronic diseases, one of which is Diabetes Mellitus type 2. HbA1c is a substance formed from the reaction between glucose and hemoglobin. HbA1c is one of the parameters for assessing glycemic control (patient compliance). The research entitled Analysis of HbA1c Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Sufferers in the Prolanis Group at the Juhar Community Health Center aims to analyze and measure HbA1c levels in Type 2 Diabetes Sufferers. The research method used was Descriptive Cross-sectional. The examination material used is median cubital vein blood with EDTA anticoagulant. From the results of the examination, 25 samples were obtained, of which 12 patients had HbA1c levels >8% with criteria for poor DM control, 6 patients had HbA1c levels of 6.5-8% with criteria for moderate DM control, and there were 7 patients with HbA1c levels <6.5%. with the criteria for good DM control. From the results of this study, it was found that controlling DM at the Juhar Community Health Center there were 14 patients who had HbA1c values above 6.5 and after follow-up for the next 6 months, some had HbA1c levels that decreased and others that increased. To obtain good DM control, it is best for people with diabetes to have an HbA1c check every 3 months as part of diabetes management and this management is very important to carry out in health services, including primary level health services.

Diagnostic test thyroid elastography examination and mRNA expression of the Cytokeratin-19 gene to determine the type of thyroid nodule

Background: Thyroid nodules are still a health problem today. The incidence of thyroid nodules is still high. Thyroid nodules are found in 60% of the human population. Most thyroid nodules are benign, whereas malignant ones account for only about 10% of cases. Efforts are needed to determine the diagnostic value of ultrasound elastography and cytokeratin -19 biomarkers in determining the type of thyroid nodule. Methods: This study is a diagnostic test on 42 thyroid nodule patients. Elastography examination using GE Logic 7 expert ultrasound and cytokeratin 19 biomarker examination using cubital vein blood. Result: The study participant was dominated by 38 women and 4 men. The age range of the study subjects was dominated by the age range less than and up to 40 years with 27 people (64.3%) and at least in the age range more than 60 years with 3 people (7.1%). Elastography's receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve in determining thyroid nodules found that Elastography's ability to diagnose benign and malignant thyroid nodules was good with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.8409 (84.09%). ROC curve of cytokeratin-19 gene m-RNA expression in determining thyroid nodules found that the ability of cytokeratin-19 gene m-RNA expression in diagnosing benign and malignant thyroid nodules is excellent with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.9795 (97.95%). Conclusion: Elastography has a good ability to determine the thyroid nodule while Cytokeratin-19 has an excellent ability to determine the type of thyroid nodule.

Can Yoga Pranayama Practices Improve Burnout in Elite Mountain Bikers: A Single-arm Pilot Study.

Mountain bike (MTB) racing is a highly intensive physical activity and requires a high degree of technical ability to perform at the elite athlete level, which might compromise mental well-being, increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression through overtraining, injury, and burnout. Yoga Pranayama is the key to bringing about psychosomatic integration and harmony. This study aimed to explore the effects of yoga pranayama practices (YPP) on elite mountain bikers' burnout. This is a single-arm pilot study. Twenty-seven subjects practiced 30 sessions of YPP seven times a week for 1 month. The outcomes measured were blood biochemical parameters accompanied by complete blood count and athlete burnout score. Cubital vein blood test and burnout questionnaire were conducted at baseline and after 1 month. Test results showed a significant decrease in cortisol (CO) (P = 0.001) and urea nitrogen (P < 0.001) and an increase in testosterone: CO ratio (P = 0.001). This study indicates that YPP might improve burnout in elite mountain bikers.

Combination of thyroid ultrasound examination (TIRADS) and survivin gene mRNA expression to determine the type of thyroid nodule

Background: Ultrasound plays a significant role in determining the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. The thyroid ultrasound examination is operator dependent, so the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) method were developed. However, until now TIRADS has not been able to replace the Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) examination in determining the type of benign or malignant thyroid nodule, so it is necessary to find alternative biomarkers that can be used to increase the sensitivity and specificity of TIRADS. In this study, the mRNA expression of the survivin gene in thyroid nodules was examined in combination with TIRADS so that it is expected to increase the diagnostic value. Method: This study is a diagnostic test with a cross sectional design on 51 patients with thyroid nodules in 5 hospitals on the island of Lombok. Subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were subjected to TIRADS examination using an ultrasound machine and mRNA expression of the survivin gene using cubital vein blood samples with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Result: The characteristics of the research subjects were dominated by female sex with age 40 years, TIRADS 3 and histology of benign thyroid nodules. Analysis using the ROC curve obtained TIRADS has a sensitivity of 94.4%, specificity 39.4%, accuracy 58.82%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) 45.9%, Negative Predictive Value (NPV) 92.9%. While Survivin has 100% sensitivity, 60.6% specificity, 58.1% accuracy, 58.1% PPV, 100% NPV. In the serial combination of TIRADS and survivin, there was an increase in the diagnostic value, namely sensitivity 94.4%, specificity 75.8%, accuracy 82.35%, PPV 68%, NPV 96.2%. Conclusion: The combination of TIRADS and survivin can increase the diagnostic value in determining the type of thyroid nodule

The possible role of corticosterone in regulating sodium and potassium concentrations in human milk.

The aim of the study was to find the presence of corticosterone as a regular human milk constituent. We have evaluated the correlation of concentrations between the analyzed hormone and sodium and potassium in breast milk and serum. Hand expressing breast milk samples and median cubital vein blood samples had been taken from 69 healthy, lactating women in early puerperium period (between the 3rd and 10th day) twice, before and after breastfeeding. Corticosterone concentrations in human plasma and breast milk were determined by radioimmunoassayed method. Direct assays were performed before and after breastfeeding, twice. The serum and milk sodium and potassium concentrations were estimated by Flame Emission analyzer CIBA-Corning 480, equipped with an automatic diluter. Corticosterone was found in all milk samples, which is an original observation, and its concentration in milk was a few times lower than in serum. Its concentration values in human serum when were not higher than 3 nmol/L (n = 108) positively correlated with its concentrations in milk, and those exceeding 3 nmol/L (n = 30) have demonstrated a negative correlation. An original finding has shown a positive correlation between concentrations of corticosterone in human serum and of potassium in human milk (r = 0.018, p < 0.03). An attempt was also made to determine the presence of aldosterone in breast milk, but the radioimmunoassay did not reveal its presence. The results confirm a relation between potassium concentration in milk and serum corticosterone concentration delivered to mammal gland with blood.

Plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in migraine and endometriosis during the menstrual cycle.

ObjectiveMigraine, endometriosis, and the comorbidity of both are frequent pain disorders of special relevance for women. The neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is critically involved in migraine, and circumstantial evidence suggests a role in endometriosis. We assessed CGRP levels at different times of menstrual cycle in four groups: healthy women, women with migraine or endometriosis and with the comorbidity of both.MethodsWomen with episodic migraine and women with a histologically confirmed endometriosis were recruited from specialized centers. For CGRP determination with a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit, cubital vein blood samples were collected on menstrual cycle day 2 ± 2 (during menstruation) and on day 15 ± 2 (periovulatory period). The primary endpoint of the study was the absolute difference of CGRP plasma levels between the menstrual and the periovulatory phase of all study groups. Groups were compared using nonparametric test procedures.ResultsA total of 124 women were included in the study. The change of CGRP plasma levels between menstruation and the periovulatory period was different between groups (p = 0.007). Women with comorbid migraine and endometriosis showed an increase of CGRP in the menstrual phase of +6.32 (interquartile range, IQR −3.64–13.60) compared to the periovulatory time, while healthy controls had a decrease of −10.14 (−22.54–0.91, p = 0.004). CGRP levels were different in the periovulatory phase among groups (p = 0.008), with highest values in healthy controls.InterpretationCGRP levels change significantly during the menstrual cycle. Different patterns in women with the comorbidity point to a deviant regulation of CGRP release.

IgM Anti PGL-1 Antibody Level in Patients with Leprosy: A Comparative Study between Ear Lobes Capillary and Median Cubital Vein Blood Samples.

BACKGROUND:To establish the diagnosis of leprosy accurately, additional examination such as serologic examination with ELISA is required. There are considerations about taking a blood sample from the earlobe region.AIM:To determine the differences in IgM anti-PGL-1 antibody levels from earlobe capillary and median cubital vein blood sample in leprosy patients.METHODS:An observational analytic study using a cross-sectional study involving 30 patients with leprosy. ELISA examination of earlobe blood samples with filter paper, and the median cubital vein blood samples with filter paper and conventional methods were performed to determine IgM anti-PGL-1 antibody levels.RESULTS:The mean value of IgM anti PGL-1 antibody levels from earlobe blood samples with filter paper (1476.62 μ/ml) was relatively similar with median cubital vein blood samples with conventional method (1476.77 μ/ml), but the mean value of IgM anti PGL-1 antibody levels from median cubital vein blood samples with filter paper (1210.37 μ/ml) was lower from other methods. However, there was no statistically significant difference between them.CONCLUSION:There are no significant differences between the mean levels of IgM anti-PGL-1 antibody from earlobe and the median cubital vein blood samples.

Functional electrospun nanofibers-based electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for detection of the TSP53 using RuAg/SiO2NPs as signal enhancers

A functional electrospun nanofibers-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for detection of the tumor suppressor protein p53 (TSP53) at trace level using core-shell nanocomposite as signal enhancers is fabricated. The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were decorated on the surface of the electrospun carbon-nanotubes (MWCNTs) doped chitosan (CTS) nanofibers (MWCNTs-CTS) by in-situ electrodeposition. The functional electrospun nanofibers (MWCNTs-CTS-AuNPs) was utilized as supporting scaffolds for TSP53 capture antibody (CAb) immobilization firstly. They can dramatically increase the amount and stability of CAb attachment, and efficiently enhance the sensitivity of detection. After a sandwich immunoreaction, TSP53 and Ru(bpy)32+/silver nanoparticles doped silica core-shell nanocomposite (RuAg/SiO2NPs)-labeled detection antibody (RuAg/SiO2NPs@DAb) captured onto the electrode surface. It was observed that the increase of response ECL signal was proportional to the TSP53 concentration in the range of 1 pg mL−1 to 1 ng mL−1. The detection limit was 0.5 pg mL−1, which is comparable or better than that in reported TSP53 assays. The immunosensor was successfully applied to determination of TSP53 in normal human cubital vein blood samples with good recovery, and the results are basically consistent with the TSP53 Kit (ELISA). Excellent sensitivity and selectivity make the developed ECL immunosensor a potential and simple tool for the detection of tumor biomarkers.

Serum FGF 21 in Individuals with and Without a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes

Determining predictive markers for the development of type 2 diabetes, particularly in young individuals, offers immense potential benefits in preventative medicine. Previous research examining serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF 21) in humans has revealed equivocal relationships with clinical markers of metabolic dysfunction. However, it is unknown to what extent, if any, first degree family history of type 2 diabetes (mother or father of the participant diagnosed with type 2 diabetes) or resting metabolic rate (RMR) have in the expression of serum FGF 21 in humans. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine if there was a relationship between serum FGF21 and RMR as well as clinical risk factors associated with metabolic disease in individuals with (FH+) and without (FH-) a family history of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Healthy male and female participants between the ages of 18-35 were recruited. Thirty five participants completed the cross-sectional study, FH+ n = 18, FH- n = 17. Female participants had to report to the lab within seven days of starting the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Body composition was measured via air displacement plethysmography RMR was determined via indirect calorimetry. Additional baseline characteristics including gender, age, BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure were collected. Serum FGF 21 was determined from 10 ml of cubital vein blood for each sample via a commercially available immunoassay kit. The assay microplate was read on a microplate absorbance reader and all samples were analyzed in duplicate. RESULTS: A one-way ANOVA revealed that differences between groups for FGF21 (FH+ = 266 pg/ml ± 51.4, FH-= 180 pg/ml ± 29) were not significant (F = 2.04, p = 0.16). RMR values between groups (FH+ = 1812 kcal/day ± 71, FH- = 1864 kcal/day ±95), were not significant (F = 0.19, p = 0.66). Nominal logistic regression revealed gender, age, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and body composition were not predictive of serum FGF 21 in FH+ or FH-. CONCLUSION: Serum FGF21 is not significantly different between FH+ and FH-, nor is it related to other clinical markers in young, healthy individuals. Thus FGF21 is unlikely to be an effective predictor for the development of type 2 diabetes for this population.

MicroRNA miR-371a-3p - A Novel Serum Biomarker of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Evidence for Specificity from Measurements in Testicular Vein Blood and in Neoplastic Hydrocele Fluid

Background: microRNAs (miRs)-371-3 are suggested to be novel biomarkers of germ cell tumors (GCTs), but their specificity is unresolved. We aimed at clarifying the origin of miR 371a-3p by measuring this miR in peripheral vein blood, and in fluids present in the vicinity of GCTs. Methods: miR-371a-3p levels were measured by quantitative PCR in 9 tumor surrounding hydroceles and in cubital vein blood (CVB) and testicular vein blood (TVB) of 64 GCT patients, 51 with clinical stage (CS) 1, 13 with CS2-3. Thirty three CS1 cases had also postoperative CVB measurement. TVB miR levels were compared with those of CVB. Associations with clinical factors were analyzed statistically. Results: TVB miR levels were 294-fold, 80-fold and 4.6-fold higher than those in CVB of CS1 patients, CS2-3 patients and controls, respectively. Neoplastic hydrocele fluid comprised of very high miR levels. In CS1, miR levels dropped to normal postoperatively. Statistically, CVB miR levels are significantly associated with tumor size (p = 0.0211) and testis length (p = 0.0493). TVB miR levels are associated with testis length (p = 0.0129). Conclusions: This study provides evidence for the origin of circulating miR 371a-3p molecules from GCT cells. miR-371a-3p represents a specific serum biomarker for germ cell cancer.

MicroRNAs miR-371-3 in serum as diagnostic tools in the management of testicular germ cell tumours

Background:miRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that can be released into body fluids. Germ cell tumours (GCTs) overexpress miRNAs of the miR-371-3 cluster. Thus, serum levels of these miRNAs may correlate with tumour load.Methods:miRNAs of the miR-371-3 cluster were quantified in cubital vein blood samples of 20 GCT patients with clinical stage 1, and of 4 patients with advanced stages before and after treatment. In six patients testicular vein blood (TVB) was examined additionally. Seventeen healthy males served as controls. Likewise, expression of miRNAs in 15 matching tumour specimens was measured.Results:In all patients, serum levels of miRNAs 371-3 were much higher than in controls. In stage 1, levels decreased postoperatively 336.7-fold, 7.4-fold, and 7.7-fold for miRNAs 371a-3p, 372, and 373-3p, respectively (P<0.01). Also, in those cases with advanced disease levels dropped to the normal range after completion of treatment. miR-371-3 levels in TVB exceeded those in peripheral blood in all cases. Expression of miR-371a-3p was also documented in tumour tissue. However, no correlation was found regarding the extent of miRNA expression in tissue and the values measured in matching serum.Conclusion:Thus, miR-371a-3p serum level appears to be a useful biomarker in GCTs.

Semi-quantitative scintigraphic follow-up studies of cerebral arteriovenous malformations after radiosurgical treatment.

An evaluation of semi-quantitative 99Tcm-red blood cell scintigraphy (RBCS) was undertaken in patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) during follow-up after radiosurgical treatment. Twenty-seven patients were studied with an initial dynamic imaging sequence of 32 frames each lasting 2 s, planar images in four projections beginning 15 min post-injection and single photon emission tomography immediately following the planar imaging. A 2 ml cubital vein blood sample was imaged to obtain an extracorporeal equivalent of the intravascular activity. The counts within the AVM on a planar image were divided by the counts obtained from the image of the blood sample (corrected for the same acquisition time and radioactive decay). This value yielded the 'volume index' (VI), which was proportional to the volume of the AVM. The VI obtained from the first RBCS served as the initial reference value and was set at 100%. The VIs obtained from the follow-up investigations of the same patient in the same projection were expressed as the percentage of the initial VI. We found RBCS identified the AVM in all patients. The VIs obtained from the follow-up studies demonstrated a decrease in blood volume at different time intervals after radiosurgical treatment. RBCS provides a sensitive, relatively non-invasive, semi-quantitative method for measuring the relative volume and follow-up of the degree of obliteration of AVMs after radiosurgical treatment.

Spermatic Cord β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Levels in Seminoma and their Clinical Implications

Current opinions differ as to the biological significance and treatment of pure seminoma associated with the serological establishment of β-human chorionic gonadotropin. Between December 1987 and April 1990, 147 patients with malignant testicular tumors were treated. Of these patients 47 (32%) had a pure seminoma. In 35 of the 47 patients we measured the tumor markers β-human chorionic gonadotropins and α-fetoprotein in the cubital vein blood and testicular vein blood. There were elevated β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels in the cubital veins of 26% of the patients, in agreement with the literature. However, elevated levels were found in the testicular veins of 80% of the patients, which reflects the high sensitivity of marker identification in testicular vein blood. Apparently, most seminomas produce β-human chorionic gonadotropin even if it is not detectable in the cubital vein. We believe that the presence of this marker in patients with pure seminoma is not an indication of greater tumor aggressiveness but of tumor mass.

Fibrinolysis and factor XIII in women with spontaneous abortion

In the present study, parameters of the fibrinolytic system and factor XIII were determined in 26 women with spontaneous abortion and in 21 women with intact pregnancies to gain insight into the role of fibrinolysis in spontaneous abortion. Both groups of women did not significantly differ from each other in age or weeks of pregnancy. There were no differences in euglobulin lysis time (ELT), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) antigen between the study group and the control group. Factor XIII activity was significantly decreased in patients during abortion. In the present study, changes of fibrinolytic parameters measured in the cubital vein blood of patients with abortion were not observed although local changes in fibrinolytic activity had been associated with spontaneous abortion. The pathophysiological role of the decrease in factor XIII activity observed in the present study remains to be elucidated.

Progesterone, oestradiol-17 beta and testosterone levels in the follicular fluid of tertiary follicles and Graafian follicles of human ovaries.

Radioimmunoassays of testosterone (T), oestradiol-17 beta (Oe2) and progesterone (P) in the fluid of a total of 47 follicles of different degrees of maturity gave the following mean values: T: 49 ng/ml, Oe2: 932 ng/ml, P: 999 ng/ml. In normal, atretic and cystic tertiary follicles not larger than 1 cm and without luteinized theca interna the following mean values were calculated: T: 54 ng/ml, Oe2: 502 ng/ml, P: 368 ng/ml. In six women mature and less mature follicles were compared, the former having significantly higher Oe2 and higher P values but significantly lower T values than the latter. Genuine Graafian follicles were observed four times, once after HMG stimulation; the values observed lay within the following ranges: T: 12-35 ng/ml, Oe2: 1900-4100 ng/ml, P: 156-6000 ng/ml. The difference in concentration compared with cubital-vein blood before ovulation was highest for Oe2, suggesting a particularly marked aromatinzing activity of the follicles of that phase of the cycle. The findings suggest that in the course of accelerated follicular ripening prior to ovulation both the aromatizing enzyme and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase are activated, resulting in a sharper rise in Oe2 and P. The profuse production of P causes a transistory lack of precursors for androgen and oestrogen production (T and Oe2 declines). In the course of an overall increase in steroid production during the luteal phase - which probably goes hand in hand with an increased supply of pregnenolone - there is not only a pronounced rise in progesterone but also a moderate increase in oestrogen production. The androgens are transformed more rapidly into oestrogens on account of the marked activity of the aromatizing enzyme in the corpus luteum and thus show a decline in the luteal phase.

Penicillin V concentration in dental alveolar blood after tooth extraction.

abstract – The penicillin V concentration in the blood flow from extraction wounds was assayed after oral administration of phenoxymethyl penicillin. The penicillin concentration in cubital vein blood was determined for comparison. In addition, the effect of various local anesthetics on the alveolar penicillin concentration was studied in connection with oral administration. The concentration of penicillin in the blood flow from the extraction wound was usually lower than the concentration in cubital vein blood. This tendency seemed to persist also when the interval between the intake of penicillin and the withdrawal of blood was prolonged. When a vasoconstrictor‐free agent (Carbocain Dental® 3 %) was used, attention was drawn to the strikingly high alveolar penicillin concentration. No differences between different groups of teeth in the mandible were observed. A peak in the penicillin concentrations was attained in the cubital vein blood and alveolar blood within 20–30 min from oral intake.

Estimation of the Level of Blood Alcohol from Analysis of Breath. II. Use of Rebreathed Air

Alcohol analyses were conducted with rebreathed air, finger-tip capillary blood, and cubital-vein blood from 31 human subjects, with the three samples taken almost simultaneously 1, 2, and 3 hours after ingestion of whisky. Details of the study are described and the results are discussed. It was found that during the first 70 minutes after drinking, the alcohol level of capillary blood averaged 7.5 % above that of venous blood, and was 15 to 22 % higher in 7 of the 34 pairs of samples. Later samples showed no significant difference between blood from these two sources. It is noted that for estimating blood alcohol level, the rebreathed air method is definitely an improvement over Drunkometer methods. With the rebreathed air procedure, a determination of breath carbon dioxide is unnecessary.

THE EFFECT OF STASIS OF BLOOD IN VARICOSE VEINS ON ERYTHROCYTE FRAGILITY, WITH ACCOMPANYING STUDIES COMPARING RED CELLS AND OTHER BLOOD ELEMENTS WITH CUBITAL VEIN BLOOD

Abstract 1. Blood from varicose veins was compared with cubital vein blood in 20 patients in order to determine whether or not the degree of stasis present in varicose veins would increase red cell fragility. Corollary studies consisted of comparative determinations of red cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cells, platelets and serum proteins. 2. There was no increase in red cell fragility in the varicose vein specimen, indicating that the theory that minor degrees of intravascular erythrostasis contribute substantially to some of the hemolytic anemias is untenable. 3. There was a small but statistically significant elevation in red cells per cu. mm. in varicose vein blood as compared with blood from cubital veins. There was a suggestive, but not significant, increase in packed cell volume and serum protein in the varicose vein samples. The evidence indicates a mild degree of hemoconcentration. 4. White cells, platelets and hemoglobin determinations were found to have the same values in varicose vein blood as in blood from the cubital vein.