LBC Samples Research Articles

The effect of high-energy ball milling on enhancing the mechanical properties, light transmittance, and thermal shock resistance of bone china porcelain

A bone china grouting slurry was prepared using two different milling methods: low-energy ball milling (Named LBC) for 24 h and high-energy ball milling (Named HBC) for 1 h. Bone china green bodies were formed by grouting, and the dried green bodies were calcined at different temperatures points in the temperature range from 1235 °C to 1255 °C. The slurry characteristics, as well as the structure and properties of the calcined samples, were analyzed and evaluated. The particle sizes of LBC and HBC slurry D50 are 5.819 μm and 3.571 μm, respectively, accounting for 80.4% and 98.7% of their respective proportions. The particle size distribution range of HBC samples was relatively concentrated, and the viscosity of the two slurries was 1040 mPa·s and 2800 mPa·s, respectively. The ball milling method significantly influenced the formation of product phases. The content of calcium feldspar and β-TCP phases in HBC samples calcined at 1245 °C was higher than that in their LBC counterparts, while the quartz content in LBC was higher than that in HBC samples. The water absorption and porosity of the HBC samples were lower than those of the LBC samples, with a flexural strength of 205 MPa, heat shock temperature difference of 190 °C, and light transmittance of 5.18%/3.73 mm, which were 22.4%, 26.7%, and 4.2% higher than those of the LBC samples, respectively. These results indicate that bone china prepared using the high-energy ball milling method exhibits excellent performance.

Formulation and Characterization of Lentil Milk–Based Soft Cheese Analogs: Insights on Physicochemical and Textural Properties

ABSTRACTLentil milk–based soft cheese (LBC) is one of the emerging partial substitutes for animal milk‐based cheese. With time, more people want to reduce their meat and dairy intake for ethical, environmental, and chronic health–related concerns. This study focused on the formulation of LBC using milk extracted from green gram (S1 (6.5 g) of proteins), red gram (S2 (5 g) proteins), and black gram (S3 (3.5 g) proteins). All formulated LBC samples were investigated by determining proximate analysis, syneresis, viscosity, texture, color change, storage time, microbial count, and sensory attributes to evaluate the quality during 15 days of storage. The results reported that pH levels decreased for both S1 and S3, while S2 showed an increasing trend from Day 1 to Day 15. Viscosity and syneresis increased from Days 1 to 15 in S1, S2, and S3. Moreover, assessment of storage stability showed significant changes (p < 0.05) in the microbial count for S1 (7.89–4.98 CFU/mL), S2 (2.88–9.68 CFU/mL), and S3 (1.39–7.09 CFU/mL) from Day 1 to Day 15. The puncture force test reported that S1 showed a decreasing trend while S2 and S3 showed an increasing trend. The color attributes also showed a rising trend across all LBC samples. For sensory evaluation, LBC prepared using green gram showed the highest scores, particularly in appearance, texture, and color. Overall findings concluded the potential of lentil milk as a suitable ingredient for plant‐based soft cheese production, offering a new nutritious option for consumers with dietary preferences or restrictions.

Integrity of RNA in long-term-stored cervical liquid-based cytology samples: implications for biomarker research.

Biobanks of cervical screening (LBC) samples annotated with disease status are an invaluable resource to support the development of tools for the risk stratification of disease. Although there is growing interest in the assessment of RNA-based biomarkers, little is known on the suitability and durability of stored clinical samples (commonly used in cervical screening) to support RNA-based research. RNA was extracted from 260 stored LBC samples. Storage at -80°C or -25°C allowed isolation of sufficient RNA for further analysis. RNA was found to be substantially degraded according to Agilent Bioanalyser data. Despite this, RT-qPCR was successful in 95% samples tested. These data suggest that biobanked LBC samples are suitable for RNA-based assessment even if stored for up to 14years.

External quality assessment program for human papillomaviruses DNA testing in Thailand

BackgroundSince 2020, the National Health Security Office includes the human papillomavirus DNA testing for cervical cancer screening in the government's healthcare schemes. HPV DNA testing has become primary screening in many laboratories in Thailand. External quality assurance scheme is crucial for assessment of laboratory performance. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to develop a pilot program using LBC samples for the EQA of molecular methods and to review the methods used by participants to detect the presence of high risk HPV genotypes. Study designFour pilot distributions were shipped between December 2021 and May 2023, six months apart of two panels, each consisting of five different specimens. ResultsAll participants achieved 100 % accuracy in correctly identifying the presence or absence of high-risk genotypes in all 5 EQA samples. The most used HPV DNA test for detecting the presence of high-risk HPV DNA was the two specific high-risk genotypes and 12 other high-risk HPV genotypes. There was an observed increase in the use of assays that could detect 14 HPV HR genotypes. It suggests expanding testing methods to include a broader range of high-risk HPV genotypes, which could improve the comprehensiveness of the testing. ConclusionsThe HPV DNA testing scheme provides a standardised, homogeneous and characterised clinical specimen. These results indicate that the LBC samples are suitable for utilisation in an EQA scheme. EQA of HPV molecular screening programme is essential for monitoring the performance of laboratory networks.

D-OPTIMAL MIXTURE DESIGN APPROACH IN THE PRODUCTION OF COOKIES ENRICHED WITH DIETARY FIBER SOURCES SUCH AS LENTIL FLOUR, BANANA FRUIT AND BANANA PEEL POWDER

This study aimed to develop fiber-enriched cookies by partially replacing wheat flour (WF) with alternative fiber sources including yellow lentil flour (YLF), green lentil flour (GLF), banana powder (BP), and banana peel powder (BPP). The ratios of YLF, GLF, and WF were identified as 24.5, 10.7, and 64.8 % (flour basis), respectively, considering the mixture experimental design for an optimal breaking strength of cookies. Four types of cookies were studied: (i) wheat-based cookies (WC), (ii) lentil flour, BP and BPP-incorporated cookies (LBC), (iii) BP and BPP-incorporated cookies (BC), (iv) lentil flour-incorporated cookie (LC). LC showed a higher spread ratio and lightness than LBC and BC. Although alternative ingredients enhanced dietary fiber content compared to wheat-only cookies, the liking degree of sensory attributes was lower in LBC and BC. Overall, LC was superior to LBC and BC samples, indicating possible use of lentil flours for partial replacement of wheat flour for desired physical, chemical, and sensory attributes.

Evaluation and diagnostic value of next-generation sequencing analysis of residual liquid-based cytology specimens of pancreatic masses.

BackgroundLiquid‐based cytology (LBC) is a widely used method for processing specimens obtained by endoscopic biopsy. This study evaluated next‐generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of LBC specimens to improve the diagnostic accuracy of pancreatic lesions.MethodsUpon the diagnosis of a suspected pancreatic mass, LBC residues were used retrospectively. The quantity and quality of DNA extracted from residual LBC samples were evaluated, and an NGS analysis targeting 6 genes (KRAS, GNAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4, and PIK3CA) was performed.ResultsThe library was prepared from LBC specimens taken from 52 cases: 44 were successful, and 8 preparations failed. An analysis of DNA quantity and quality suggested that the success or failure of NGS implementation depended on both properties. The final diagnosis was achieved by a combination of the pathological analysis of the surgical excision or biopsy material with clinical information. Among the 33 cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4 mutations were identified in 31 (94%), 16 (48%), 3 (9%), and 2 (6%), respectively. Among the 11 benign cases, only a KRAS mutation was identified in 1 case. On the basis of NGS results, 18 of 33 PDACs (55%) were classified as highly dysplastic or more, and 10 of 11 benign lesions were evaluated as nonmalignant, which was consistent with the final diagnosis.ConclusionsNGS analysis using LBC specimens from which DNA of appropriate quantity and quality has been extracted could contribute to improving the assessment of pancreatic tumor malignancies and the application of molecular‐targeted drugs.

The utility of p16Ink4a/Ki-67 dual immunostain to triage women with Hr-HPV positive and negative Pap smear results (NILM) in Harare, Zimbabwe

Background: Women who test Hr-HPV+/NILM have a 3-7% risk harboring of undetected underlying precancerous cervical lesions. The biomarkers: p16 ink4a and Ki67 are surrogate markers of cell-cycle dysregulation mediated by transforming HPV infections. Therefore, the p16 ink4a /Ki67 dual immunostain can be used to identify women with transforming HPV infections; these women have a higher risk of harboring undetected cervical precancerous lesions. Objectives: (1) To determine the proportion of women with prior Hr-HPV+/NILM screening results who are positive for p16 ink4a/Ki67 dual immunostain. (2) To compare Hr-HPV persistence rates between women with positive and negative immunostain results after 12 months. Design: Cross sectional descriptive study. Setting: Cimas Medical Laboratories and Parirenyatwa Central Hospital Laboratory. Subjects: Residual LBC samples from women with prior HR-HPV+/NILM results. Materials and Methods: Cell blocks were prepared from the residual LBC samples using the plasma-thrombin method. A paraffin serial section was cut from the cell blocks and stained manually with a mix of two monoclonal antibodies against p16Ink4a and Ki-67 proteins using the CINtec PLUS kit. The slides were evaluated using the binary rating score system: positive or negative. Follow-up Hr-HPV persistence rates were compared using an independent t-test. Results: Of the 82 residual LBC samples evaluated: 17.1% [14/82] were positive and 82.9% [68/82] were negative for the p16 ink4a/Ki67 dual immunostain. The 12 month follow up attrition rate was 75.6% [62/82]. The follow up Hr-HPV persistence rates in p16 ink4a/Ki67 dual positive and negative women were 72.0% [8/11] and 47.1% [24/51] respectively. These two Hr-HPV persistence rates were distinct (p=0.01). Conclusions: Approximately 20% of patients with Hr-HPV+/ NILM screening results are positive for the p16Ink4a/Ki67 dual immunostain. Hr-HPV infections in p16Ink4a/Ki67 dual immunostain positive women are more likely to persist compared to women with negative dual immunostain results. Recommendation: p16Ink4a/Ki67 dual immunostain should be done on all patients with Hr-HPV+/ NILM results to stratify them according to the risk of harboring cervical precancerous lesions.

Evaluation of the constructed device along with the software for digital archiving, sending the data, and supporting the diagnosis of cervical cancer.

e18017 Background: The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer are high in Poland. There are effective methods of the prevention and the early diagnosis, however they require well-trained medical professionals including cytologists. Within this project we built a prototype of a new device together with implemented software to convert the currently used optical microscopes to fully independent scanning systems for cytological samples. The use of the device is intended to improve the effectiveness of cytological screening, and registration of cytological tests’ results. The features of the software include digital backup as well as transmission and telemedicine evaluation. Methods: The software uses the artificial neural network (U-NET architecture) designed to be able to recognize suspicious regions and enhanced CNN neural network (VGG) allowing to determine the type of disorder such as: ASCUS, ASC-H, HIS, AGC, cancer. 7128 liquid based (LBC) and 1700 conventional cytology samples were evaluated by trained cyto-sreeners. Cytological abnormalities like: ASCUS, ASC-H, HIS, AGC, cancer were found in 254 (3.6%) LBC cases and 51 (3.0%) conventional cytology cases. All samples were scanned and archived. Selected samples with diagnosed abnormality were a model to teach the artificial neural networks. Results: Preliminary results obtained with use of U-NET and VGG (CNN networks) so far indicate 90-96% (LBC samples) and 85-95% (conventional cytology) compliance with results obtained using standard methods. Conclusions: Further refinement of neural networks is necessary to reduce the number of false positives and false negatives. A study with a larger sample size is required to evaluate the software. This project is co-financed with European Regional Development Fund within the Priority Axis I, Support for R&D activities for companies, Measure 1.2, Sectoral R&D Programmes, Sectoral Programme: “INNOMED – scientific research and development programme for innovative medicine economy sector”.

Alterations of HPV-Related Biomarkers after Prophylactic HPV Vaccination. A Prospective Pilot Observational Study in Greek Women

The objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that HPV vaccination administered in patients with low-grade (LG) cytology shortly after an initial colposcopic assessment could prospectively alter HPV-related biomarkers. This was a prospective pilot observational study involving women attending a colposcopy clinic for evaluation of abnormal LG cytology that were advised to undergo HPV vaccination and proceeded accordingly. These women were compared with a matched unvaccinated group. Women requiring cervical biopsies or CIN treatment were excluded. Intervention: A full three-dose HPV vaccination was undertaken with either the 2-valent or the 4-valent anti-HPV VLP vaccine. LBC samples were obtained prior and after the completion of the vaccination regimen and tested for HPV DNA genotyping (CLART-2 HPV test) and E6 and E7 mRNA (NASBA technique). Results: Alterations of HPV-related biomarkers at a colposcopy reassessment appointment 12 months later. Analysis: The p-values, relative risk (RR), absolute relative risk (ARR), number needed to treat (NNT) and 95% confidence intervals for each biomarker in each group were assessed. Results: A total of 309 women were included in the analysis. One hundred fifty-two women received the vaccine. HPV vaccination reduced in a statistically significant manner (p < 0.05) HPV DNA positivity rates for genotypes 16, 18, and 31, RR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.3), RR = 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.8), and RR = 1.8 (95% CI: 1.0 to 2.9), in women who only tested DNA-positive for HPV16, 18, and 31 genotypes, respectively, prior to vaccination. A less pronounced, statistically insignificant reduction was shown for women who tested positive for both HPV DNA and mRNA E6 and E7 expression for HPV16, 18, and 33 subtypes. Statistically significant reduction in HPV mRNA positivity was solely documented for genotype 31 (p = 0.0411). Conclusions: HPV vaccination appears to significantly affect the rates of HPV16, 18, and 31 DNA-positive infections in the population testing HPV DNA-positive for the aforementioned genotypes. The above findings deserve verification in larger cohorts.

THE ACCURACY OF LIQUID BASE PAP SMEAR VS CONVENTIONAL PAP SMEAR CYTOLOGY

The main aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Liquid base versus Conventional smears (CS). The specific objective was to evaluate and compare efficacy liquid base cytology with conventional cytology (CS) as a screening tool and to assess the quality of immunohistochemical stain in conventional smears. A prospective study including 100 cervical samples over a period of six month. Split sample was obtained using cervex-brush. CS was prepared from the brush and the brush head was suspended in the LBC vial and processed by thin prep 5000 machine. The smears were stained with Pap stain and extra five conventional and thin prep slides prepared and stained with immunomarker. Results showed that there were 4.0% unsatisfactory (U/S) cases in CS and 1.0% in LBC; the main cause was ranging between obscuring blood and inflammation in CS and low squamous cellularity in LBC. About 5% split samples had epithelial abnormalities both in CS and LBC (3% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), devided between LBS 2% while CS1%.Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) 2%, devided between LBC 1% and CS 1%. Infections as Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and spores of candida species, 1% and 2% respectively detected only in LBC smear and missed in CS preparations of the same samples, considering 2-3 minutes for LBC screening and 5-6 minutes for CS screening following the international standards. Conventional smears did not appear to confer a cytomorphological advantage and has a lower diagnostic accuracy using IHC. The sensitivity of Thin Prep was significantly higher than that of CS due to cellular clumps and presence of marked inflammatory cells and blood which compete other epithelial cellular elements in staining affinity in addition to the length of the smear which need large volume of stains to cover the whole area. While the confined area of thin prep smear and homogenous cellular distribution support the advantages of thin prep over the conventional smear when using IHC stain. The study concluded that LBC technique leads to significant reduction of U/S rate. LBC samples offered better clarity, uniform spread of smears, less time for screening and better handling of hemorrhagic and inflammatory samples. In addition to feasibility to do further special stains and HPV tests. LBC had equivalent sensitivity and specificity to CS.

The Valgent4 protocol: Robust analytical and clinical validation of 11 HPV assays with genotyping on cervical samples collected in SurePath medium

BackgroundThe VALidation of HPV GENoyping Tests (VALGENT) is an international initiative designed to validate HPV assays with genotyping capability. The VALGENT4 protocol differs from previous VALGENT installments as the sample collection medium is SurePath, and exclusively includes samples from women ≥30 years of age which is concordant with the majority of HPV primary screening guidelines. Here we present the protocol for the fourth installment of the VALGENT framework. ObjectivesIn VALGENT4 11 HPV assays will be evaluated using two comparator assays based on PCR with the GP5+/6+ primers. Study designOverall, the VALGENT4 panel consists of 1,297 routine samples comprised of 998 unselected, consecutive samples, of which 51 samples had abnormal cytology with 13 women diagnosed with ≥CIN2, and 299 consecutive samples enriched for ≥ASCUS cytology (100 ASCUS, 100 LSIL, 99 HSIL) with 106 ≥CIN2 upon follow up. Manipulated and DNA extracted panel samples were characterized with respect to human beta globin (HBB) and overall DNA content and composition to quality assess the panel prior to distribution to the collaborating sites. ResultThe relative cellularity (mean CT value of HBB from the Onclarity assay) on the 1,297 LBC samples (CT=24.8) was compared with 293 un-manipulated routine cytology screening samples (CT=23.8). Furthermore, the DNA extracted panel samples was characterized using the Exome iPLEX pro assay, which reports amplifiable copies on individual samples as well as copies of five different base pair lengths. Here the data showed a slightly lower number of amplifiable DNA copies (ratio: 0.7, p=<0.01)) in the VALGENT4 panel samples compared to routine extracted cervical DNA samples ConclusionThe present manuscript details the manipulation, processing and quality assessment of samples used in VALGENT-4. This methodological document may be of value for future international projects of HPV test validation.

Dual-Stained Cervical Cytology and Histology with Claudin-1 and Ki67.

Several biomarkers are in use to improve the sensitivity and specificity of cervical cancer screening. Previously, increased expression of tight junction protein claudin-1 (CLDN1) was detected in premalignant and malignant cervical lesions and applied for cytology screening. To improve the specificity, a double immunoreaction with CLDN1/Ki67 was developed in the recent study. Parallel p16/Ki67 (CINtec® PLUS) and CLDN1/Ki67 dual-stained cytology and histology were performed and compared. p16/Ki67 immunoreaction showed positivity in 317 out of 1596 smears with negativity in 1072 and unacceptable reactions in 207 samples. CLDN1/Ki67 dual staining was positive in 200 of 1358 samples, negative in 962, whereas 196 smears could not be evaluated due to technical reasons. Considering the high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology as gold standard, sensitivity of CLDN1/Ki67 reaction was 76%, specificity was 85.67%, while for p16/Ki67 sensitivity was 74% and specificity was 81.38%. Comparison of CLDN1/Ki67 and p16/Ki67 dual stainings showed the results of the two tests not to be significantly different. Analysing histological slides from 63 cases, the results of the two tests agreed perfectly. As conclusion the sensitivity and specificity proved to be similar using p16/Ki67 and CLDN1/Ki67 double immunoreactions both on LBC samples and on histological slides.

Tuberculosis in Pap samples with emphasis on LBC: Caught only when thought.

Despite being a commonly encountered infection, the clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis of the uterine cervix is elusive. Though a straightforward diagnosis on tissue sections, identification of typical features of tubercular infection on cervical Pap samples is challenging. In our experience, the infrequent pale staining collections of epithelioid cells are difficult to pick up on Pap stained smears, particularly LBC samples. In this series, 2 of the three samples were reported as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance while 1 was reported as inflammatory at the initial diagnosis. Scattered Langhans' type giant cells may be seen as a subtle clue which should prompt the search for epithelioid cell granulomas. These cases may have a mass lesion clinically while no obvious signs of malignancy on the cervical samples.

Human papillomavirus in anal biopsy tissues and liquid-based cytology samples of HIV-positive and HIV-negative Thai men who have sex with men

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal cancer. We compared HPV genotypes in anal tissues (Bx) and anal liquid-based cytology fluid (LBC) from HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. MethodsBx (32 normal, 41 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 22 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)), along with LBC from the same visit, were selected from 61 HIV-positive and 34 HIV-negative MSM who enrolled into a prospective cohort in Bangkok, Thailand. HPV genotyping was performed on Bx and LBC. ResultsAny HPV and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) prevalence were 63.2% and 60.0% in Bx and 71.6% and 62.1% in LBC, respectively. HIV-positive MSM had higher rates of HR-HPV genotypes detection (70.5% vs. 47.1%, p=0.03) in LBC than HIV-negative MSM. HPV16 (27%) was the most common HR-HPV found in HSIL tissue. In HIV-positive MSM, the frequency of HR-HPV detection increased with histopathologic grading in both Bx and LBC samples. HSIL was associated with the presence of any HR-HPV(OR 7.6 (95%CI 1.8–31.9); P=0.006) in LBC and in Bx((OR 5.6 (95%CI 1.4–22.7); P=0.02). ConclusionsOur data strongly support the integration of HR-HPV screening on LBC samples, along with HPV vaccination, into an anal cancer prevention program.

Cobas 4800 HPV detection in the cervical, vaginal and urine samples of women with high-grade CIN before and after treatment

AimsTo assess the performance of a clinically validated human papillomavirus (HPV) test (the Cobas 4800 HPV test) in urine and self-taken vaginal specimens within a colposcopy population and to assess...

Punción-aspiración con aguja fina en patología mamaria: evaluación de la utilización de citología líquida

ObjectiveLiquid-based cytology (LBC) improves specimen preservation and produces fewer artefacts than conventional cytology (CC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of LBC in our laboratory after one year of its use. Patients and methodsThe results of a series of 1,573 biopsy specimens prepared with LBC in a one-year period were compared with a series of 3,033 specimens prepared with CC in a 2-year period and with histological features, when available. ResultsThe diagnoses obtained with LBC were insufficient in 208 (13.2%) cases, benign in 1,160 (73.7%), hyperplasia in 70 (4.5%), suspicious in 45 (2.9%) and malignancy in 90 (5.7%). A histological correlation with the diagnosis was obtained in 264 LBC samples (17%). The concordance was 74% in the diagnosis of benign lesions, 75% in hyperplasia, and 92% in malignant lesions. In the CC series, there was correlation in 350 samples (11%). The concordance was 80% in the diagnosis of benign disease, 81% in hyperplasia, and 91% in malignant disease. The diagnostic sensitivity of CC in malignant disease was 78%, specificity was 95%, positive predictive value was 94%, and negative predictive value was 79%. The sensitivity of LBC in malignant disease was 85%, specificity was 91%, positive predictive value was 87%, and negative predictive value was 89%. ConclusionLBC decreases the number of insufficient samples but increases diagnosis of hyperplasia and suspicious lesions. Efficacy in the diagnosis of malignancy is similar between the 2 techniques.

Diagnostic validity of human papillomavirus E6/E7 mRNA test in cervical cytological samples

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA tests tend to show high sensitivity, but poor specificity in detecting high-grade cervical lesions. This study aimed to explore the clinical performance of QuantiVirus® HPV E6/E7 mRNA in identifying ≥Grade 2 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Thin-prep® liquid based cytology test (LBC) samples were collected from October 2009 to October 2011 from women who underwent outpatient hospital-based gynecological screening. LBC samples were processed for E6/E7 mRNA detection and HPV DNA detection. Of 335 patients, 135 (40.3%) were HPV E6/E7 mRNA positive for high-risk HPV subtypes. The positivity rate of HPV E6/E7 mRNA increased with the severity of cytological and histological evaluation. An optimal cut-off value of ≥567copies/ml was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and positive predictive value and negative predictive value of cut-off value (≥567copies/ml) were higher than those of E6/E7 mRNA positivity only, but not significant. QuantiVirus® HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing may be a valuable tool in triage for identifying ≥Grade 2 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. A high specificity and a low positivity rate of E6/E7mRNA testing as a triage test in HPV DNA-positive women can be translated into a low referral for colposcopy. Studies composed of large population-based samples of women and with rigorous disease ascertainment, are needed to establish the optimal cut-off point based on ROC curve analysis.

The Swedish cervical cytology biobank: sample handling and storage process.

The Swedish Cervical Cytology Biobank (SCCB) is the first national initiative of a prospective repository for liquid-based gynecological cell samples (LBC) from women participating in organized cervical cancer screening programs. Development and implementation of a nationally standardized method for the handling and long-term storage of cervical cell samples has been a primary goal for the Swedish hub of The Biobanking and Molecular Resource Infrastructure (BBMRI.se, www.bbmri.se). The sample handling protocol was developed through i) review of the literature on biobanking processes, ii) wide consultation within the academic community, and iii) various verification assays in collaboration with the clinical cytology laboratories. A general quality management system, covering all aspects of sample handling and storage, has been established. BBMRI.se financed the development and implementation of SCCB. The protocol established in the pilot project in Stockholm is now being implemented in other counties in Sweden, and during this year, more than 120,000 LBC samples will be processed for biobanking nationwide. SCCB is embedded in a comprehensive cytology diagnostic registry and will be linked with the national cancer registry to constitute a nearly inexhaustible resource for performance of fundamental and applied biologic research.

P3-S1.34 Evaluation of the Roche cobas 4800 for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using endocervical specimens

BackgroundThe Roche cobas 4800 (cobas) is a new diagnostic assay that utilises an automated workstation to isolate nucleic acids from clinical specimens and a real time instrument for the detection...