Medical Laboratory Research Articles

Clinical, endoscopic, pathological characteristics and management of cap polyposis: experience from a Tertiary Hospital in China

Background and aimsCap polyposis (CP) is a rare kind of benign disease, and the majority of previously published relevant articles involve a small number of patients. Hence, we summarized our experience to contribute additional data, hoping to raise awareness of this disease.MethodsFrom 1 January 2017 to 1 November 2021, consecutive patients diagnosed with CP were retrospectively reviewed. Their medical histories, and laboratory, imaging, endoscopic, and pathology results were analyzed. We made telephone calls to the patients and searched for the information in our electronic medical records to obtain the follow-up results.ResultsForty-one patients were chosen for analysis. The median age of the patients was 20 years old, and 90.24% (37 patients) of the patients were male. The majority of the patients presented with hematochezia. The rectum was the most commonly affected site, and the Helicobacter pylori infection rate was high. There were multiple and combined treatments for these patients. These treatments can be divided into 3 main categories: medical therapy, endotherapy and surgery. Medical therapy helped to diminish the size of but the polyps were difficult to resolve; however, the patients’ symptoms could be diminished. Twenty-three patients underwent surgical resection, and 12 patients received endotherapy. We further compared the two methods of polyp resection. Both endotherapy and surgery were safe, and the recurrence risk was not significantly different between the two kinds of therapy (p = 0.321).ConclusionThe clinical improvement of medical treatments was not satisfactory, and endotherapy or surgical resection could remove the polyposis and provide temporary relief, but the recurrence rates were high.

The Paradigms and Paradoxes of Sigma Metrics in the Analytical Phase of the Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

The Paradigms and Paradoxes of Sigma Metrics in the Analytical Phase of the Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Impact of Smokeless Tobacco on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a Nigerian Metropolitan City.

The use of smokeless tobacco products (STP) as a substitute for tobacco smoking is driving increasing consumption of these products especially in developing countries. The study sought to make comparison of cardiovascular risk profile between chronic STP users and suitably matched tobacco-naïve controls. This is a preliminary report from the cross sectional part of a two-arm prospective study of Smokeless Tobacco Products Composition and Exposure Outcome in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. Consecutively recruited current Smokeless tobacco users, who had no history of cigarette smoking, aged 18years and above, residing in selected communities in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria were recruited for the study from October 2022 to July 2023. Age and sex matched non-tobacco users from same localities as the study subjects served as controls. Written informed consent to participate in the study was obtained from all study participants. All participants were screened by the investigators, using the study case report forms, to obtain data on medical history, demographic, clinical, laboratory, and electrocardiographic evaluation. Data from 54 STP-users and 54 non-STP-users (mean age 56.58 ± 8.15years) were analyzed. Anthropometric parameters were similar in both groups. Smokeless tobacco users had higher erect and supine blood pressure indices as well asgreater postural drop in systolic blood pressure. The occurrence of diabetes mellitus (20.37% versus 5.56%) and hypertension (25.93%; 11.11%) was significantly higher in the STP-users than in the non-user population, (p = 0.02192 and 0.04751 respectively). Electrocardiographic evaluation showed significantly increased QTc and dispersions of P-wave, QRS and QT intervals as well as reduced PR interval in STP users. Electrocardiographic abnormalities observed in STP users include left ventricular hypertrophy, left atrial enlargement, ST-segment elevation, short PR interval and long QTc. Use of smokeless tobacco products is associated with increased risk burden of diabetes mellitus and hypertensive heart disease. Electrocardiographic findings linked to STP-use in this study are features consistent with arrhythmia, ventricular repolarization abnormality, myocardial hypertrophy and ischaemia, suggesting that smokeless tobacco products are not safe substitutes for tobacco smoking.

International cooperation in the field of forensic medical examination

Forensic medicine plays a key role in the international legal system, providing scientifically based evidence for the resolution of court cases. The importance of this discipline extends beyond national borders, requiring specialists to continually exchange experience, knowledge, and innovative technologies [1]. Intermediate medical staff, including nurses, laboratory technicians, and technologists, play a vital role in maintaining the high quality of research and expertise. In light of globalization and international crimes, forensic medicine faces the need for unified standardization of methods and procedures, which is possible only on the basis of enhanced international cooperation.

Rapid detection of the source of a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in Switzerland through routine interviewing of patients and whole-genome sequencing.

Listeriosis is a notifiable disease in Switzerland. In summer 2022, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health noticed an increase in reports of listeriosis cases, indicating a possible ongoing outbreak. Here we present the approaches applied for rapidly confirming the outbreak, detecting the underlying source of infection and the measures put in place to eliminate it and contain the outbreak. For close surveillance and early detection of outbreak situations with their possible sources, listeriosis patients in Switzerland are systematically interviewed about risk behaviours and foods consumed prior to the infection.Listeria monocytogenesisolates derived from patients in medical laboratories are sent to the National Reference Laboratory for Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Listeria, where they routinely undergo whole-genome sequencing. Interview and whole-genome sequencing data are continuously linked for comparison and analysis. In summer 2022, 20 patient-derivedL. monocytogenesserotype 4b sequence type 388 strains were found to belong to an outbreak cluster (≤10 different alleles between neighbouring isolates) based on core genome multilocus sequence typing analysis. Geographically, 18 of 20 outbreak cases occurred in northeastern Switzerland. The median age of patients was 77.4 years (range: 58.1-89.7), with both sexes equally affected. Rolling analysis of the interview data revealed smoked trout from a local producer as a suspected infection source, triggering an on-site investigation of the production facility and sampling of the suspected products by the responsible cantonal food inspection team on 15 July 2022. Seven of ten samples tested positive forL. monocytogenesand the respective cantonal authority ordered a ban on production and distribution as well as a product recall. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office released a nationwide public alert covering the smoked fish products concerned. Whole-genome sequencing analysis confirmed the interrelatedness of theL. monocytogenessmoked trout product isolates and the patient-derived isolates. Following the ban on production and distribution and the product recall, reporting of new outbreak-related cases rapidly dropped to zero. This listeriosis outbreak could be contained within a relatively short time thanks to identification of the source of contamination through the established combined approach of timely interviewing of every listeriosis patient or a representative and continuous molecular analysis of the patient- and food-derivedL. monocytogenesisolates. These findings highlight the effectiveness of this well-established, joint approach involving the federal and cantonal authorities and the research institutions mandated to contain listeriosis outbreaks in Switzerland.

Respiratory virus panel testing in pediatric emergency medicine: An institutional experience from 2019 to 2022

BackgroundAcute respiratory illness remains a worldwide leading cause of morbidity and mortality. ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to identify trends in Respiratory Virus Panel (RVP) use and diagnostic results from 2019 to 2022. MethodsThe institutional Medical Laboratory created a database that included all RVP test results. The database included month and year of test, RVP test results, subject age, and sex. ResultsUtilization of RVP testing markedly expanded from 2019, with a mean utilization of 2 tests per quarter, to 2022, with a mean utilization of 1071 tests per quarter. Diagnostic results varied over time. The incidence of multiple pathogens per test increased from 2019 to 2022, although the percentage of tests with multiple pathogens did not differ significantly. The incidence of specific virus results varied by time. Adenovirus, COVID-19, Influenza A, Metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and RSV were found more commonly in 2021 and 2022 compared to 2019 and 2020. ConclusionsUtilization of RVP testing markedly expanded from 2019. Adenovirus, COVID-19, Influenza A, Metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and RSV were found more commonly in 2021 and 2022 compared to 2019 and 2020.

Emergence and evolution of standardization systems in medical biology laboratories

Abstract Introduction The history of standardization relating to the activities of medical laboratories traces the development of quality system standards in the world, and their evolution. Content In this study, we have included the key benchmarks that represent the stages of the quality system’s evolution in recent decades. Accreditation of medical laboratories has become compulsory in most countries, regarding national or international standards. International acknowledgment of the effectiveness of the results delivered to the many stakeholders, particularly patients and prescribers, is conferred through the use of standards. Summary The ISO 15189 standard represents the latest and most specific international standards for medical laboratories of all types. Outlook More research is necessary to study if laboratory practices reflect the evolution of standards within the medical laboratory field.

A green laboratory approach to medical sample transportation between two medical laboratories: Assessing the environmental impact of drone, combustion car, and electric car transportation of medical samples

A green laboratory approach to medical sample transportation between two medical laboratories: Assessing the environmental impact of drone, combustion car, and electric car transportation of medical samples

The role of nurses and midwives in medical laboratory investigations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Across the globe, nurses and midwives play a crucial role in providing care to patients in healthcare facilities. They often contact the patient, providing direct care as directed by medical doctors or clinical officers. Traditionally, the role of nurses and midwives in the clinical diagnosis process is to coordinate the clinical diagnosis process-which includes laboratory diagnosis requests-from diagnosticians to the clinical laboratory. In these settings, these diagnosticians are general or specialist medical doctors. However, in some regions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), nurses and midwives are primary diagnosticians in healthcare facilities. We present a perspective on the role of nurses and midwives in medical laboratory investigations in SSA. We highlight how, on top of nursing and midwifery roles, nurses take up the role of diagnosticians in facilities where doctors are few or are absent and what key issues are worth consideration. Furthermore, we present how efficient collaboration between nursing midwifery and medical laboratory diagnostic systems facilitates effective patient management. Emphasizing training on laboratory test utilization for nurses and midwives in SSA is vital for enhancing healthcare outcomes.

Problems of the functioning and participation of the country’s medical laboratories in EQA programs during the war

Problems of the functioning and participation of the country’s medical laboratories in EQA programs during the war

Medical laboratories between shrinking workforce and artificial intelligence

Medical laboratories between shrinking workforce and artificial intelligence

Green labs: Implementing sustainable practices in medical laboratories

Green labs: Implementing sustainable practices in medical laboratories

Point of care testing accreditation journey: A milestone achievement for point-of-care testing (POCT) in madinah as the first medical laboratory in KSA achieved the accreditation of SAAC ISO 15189:2012 and ISO 22870:2016

Point of care testing accreditation journey: A milestone achievement for point-of-care testing (POCT) in madinah as the first medical laboratory in KSA achieved the accreditation of SAAC ISO 15189:2012 and ISO 22870:2016

Exploring Inflammatory Markers of COVID-19 Severity in Moroccans.

IntroductionThe global impact of the SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 pandemic has reached Morocco. Early identification of factors contributing to severity is imperative for effective management. There is, however, a notable research gap, as only a limited number of studies have systematically investigated the importance of inflammatory biomarkers in assessing COVID-19 severity in the Moroccan context. No study has included the dosage of IL-6 which represents one of the main inflammatory agents responsible for the inflammatory storm. This study attempts to fill this gap by exploring the role of inflammatory biomarkers in the severity of COVID-19 in Moroccan patients. Material and methodsThis prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Medical Immunology Laboratory of Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca, between November 2, 2020, and December 1, 2021. Data on demographic characteristics, underlying comorbidities, and laboratory tests were collected from medical records. The patients were divided into non-severe and severe groups. we performed an assay of il-6 using an automated chemiluminescence. technique. ResultsThe study analyzed 371 confirmed COVID-19 patients and found that lymphopenia, hyperneutrophilia, increased NLR, CRP, and IL-6 were associated with the severity of COVID-19. Significant positive correlations were found between IL-6 and other immune-inflammatory parameters, including neutrophil count, CRP, and NLR. Conclusionour study provides evidence that NLR, CRP are potential biomarkers for predicting COVID-19 severity in Moroccans. This finding could help with the early identification of severe cases, which can lead to better management and outcomes.

Clinical significance of medical leadership and laboratory management: Challenges and perspectives

Clinical significance of medical leadership and laboratory management: Challenges and perspectives

Attitudes and barriers toward video visits in surgical care: Insights from a nationwide survey among surgeons

BackgroundSurgeons rapidly adopted video visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, video visit use among surgeons has significantly declined, pointing to the need to better understand current attitudes and barriers to their use in surgical care. MethodsFrom August 2022 to March 2023, a nationwide survey was conducted among practicing surgeons in 6 specialties. The survey included multiple-choice and free-response questions based on an implementation determinants framework, covering demographics, provider, patient, and organizational factors. ResultsA total of 170 surgeons responded (24% response rate). Overall, 67% of surgeons said their practice lacked motivation for video visit implementation. Additionally, 69% disagreed with using video visits as the sole means for preoperative surgical consultation, even with relevant medical history, labs, and imaging. Nearly 43% cited the need for a physical examination, whereas 58% of surgeons said video visits carried a greater malpractice risk than in-person visits. Other barriers included technological limitations, billing, and care quality concerns. Nevertheless, 41% agreed that video visits could improve outcomes for some patients, and 60% expressed openness to using video visits exclusively for postoperative consultations in uncomplicated surgeries. ConclusionSurgeons recognize the potential benefits of video visits for certain patients. However, perceived barriers include the need for a physical examination, technological limitations, care quality concerns, and malpractice risks.

Results of 2023 national external quality assessment of blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites testing in medical laboratories of the Republic of Belarus

Results of 2023 national external quality assessment of blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites testing in medical laboratories of the Republic of Belarus

Common mistakes made by ISO 15189 accredited medical laboratories during verification of new test/Equipment

Common mistakes made by ISO 15189 accredited medical laboratories during verification of new test/Equipment

Perception of artificial intelligence in medical laboratory professionals – A cross-sectional multi centre survey across Pakistan

Perception of artificial intelligence in medical laboratory professionals – A cross-sectional multi centre survey across Pakistan

Evaluating training needs of medical laboratory technologists in Pakistan: A focus group study

Evaluating training needs of medical laboratory technologists in Pakistan: A focus group study