Catlab Reports Bulletin
The Catlab Reports Bulletin is published monthly. Until the publication of the Catlab website, it was mailed electronically to our clients. It consists of a monograph related with laboratory topics. Each month it addresses a different area of Catlab; the topics can be more specific (concrete diagnostic techniques) or deal with more generic aspects (Quality, Management, …).
Microbiological diagnostic of sepsia
Early detection of this organ dysfunction is key to reducing complications that can ultimately lead to patient death. In order to reduce response time, at Catlab, two algorithms are used from positive blood culture,thus allowing positive results and antibiogram to be informed as soon as possible.
Information for patients: Genetic testing
Catlab's Genetics department has produced an informative note aimed at patients, which briefly but clearly explains what a genetic study consists of, which sample is suitable and which methods currently exist.
Likewise, patients will also find information related to result interpretation and the advantages of carrying out these studies.
Methodology to avoid Daratumumab interference on Proteinogram interpretation.
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common blood malignancy and accounts for 1% of all types of cancer. Among the new drugs used in the treatment of this pathology are monoclonal antibodies. Since the appearance of therapies with these biological drugs, such as Daratumumab as the first line of action. It has been found interference caused by the use of these monoclonal antibodies making laboratory tests a bit more challenging.
Below we explain how we solve this interference in Catlab to achieve a correct interpretation and evaluation of the results.
Hexanucleotide expansion in C9orf72 gene, associated with frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is considered one of the most common forms of dementia in the population under the age of 65, with a prevalence of 10 cases per 100,000. Patients with DFT suffer a degeneration of the neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes that leads to changes in behavior and personality, deficits in executive functions and language deficiencies. The expansion of the C9orf72 gene is considered the most common hereditary genetic cause for both diseases. This article describes the study for this expansion at Catlab.
Etiological diagnosis of onychomycosis using molecular biology techniques
Onychomycosis is the infection of the nail caused by fungus. It is the most common nail infection worldwide. Most are caused by dermatophyte fungi. The diagnosis is based on microscopic observation and culture, techniques with many limitations such as low sensitivity or slowness of cultures. For these reasons at Catlab, the appropriateness to introduce molecular techniques that significantly increase sensitivity and shorten response time was assessed.
Results obtained in Catlab using the new "Prenatal screening protocol for congenital anomalies in Catalonia"
In year 2018 and later in 2021, the screening protocol for congenital anomalies was updated. The latest updates to the protocol include the determination of Cell-free fetal DNA in patients at intermediate and high risk. These new protocols have made it possible to extend the non-invasive study to intermediate-risk patients and to avoid invasive tests in high-risk patients in which Cell-free fetal DNA tested negative.
In Catlab between March and December 2021, 3038 first trimester screenings were performed. Applying the aforementioned protocols, the improvement in the detection of anomalies was shown as 2 alterations were detected in patients with intermediate risk using fetal DNA, as well as the decrease in the need for invasive tests by avoiding this intervention in 66 high-risk patients.
New Laboratory Information System(LIS) at Catlab.
The laboratory information system (LIS) has become a key element in all stages of an increasingly automated analytical process.
Thus, from the computer input of the request, application of algorithms, generation of reflex tests based on various variables to the final request sending to petitionary untis.
Due to requirement increase, Catlab has recently migrated to Modulab, a more powerful, robust and constantly developing LIS that provides Catlab with the necessary tools to meet the current analitycal demand.
Infection control measures at hospital setting have varied over time and pathogenic bacteria. However, recommendations of the European Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) suggest the implementation of contact precautions in patients colonized or infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Thus, at the University Hospital Mutua de Terrassa, based on clinical experience and several bibliographic reviews,changes have been made in the policy of contact precautions in endemic situations according to involved bacteria.
URGENT CARE- Use of NTproBNP on heart failure assessment
Natriuretic peptides are one of the most useful biomarkers on addressing heart failure. It is useful both for ruling out pathology due to its high negative predictive value and as a supportive diagnostic marker already included in clinical practice guidelines since 2016.
At Catlab NT-proBNP is determined, using electroquimioluminescence. Since 2008 it has been available in emergency laboratories and by the end of 2020 it is also performed at Viladecavalls central laboratory, in order to adress primary care samples,thus reaching over 17,000 total determinations in 2021.
Flow cytometry monitoring of anti-CD20 antibody treatment of autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune pathologies treatment has advanced in recent years with the use of anti-CD20 drugs. The efficacy of these treatments lies in achieving a profound depletion of memory B lymphocytes and plasmablasts.
Catlab has begun to use a new technique (Bulk Lysis) that allows high sensitivty and precision in the quantification of B lymphocytes. It will also allow to assign monitoring protocols according to the autoimmune pathology, and a more personalized medicine ensuring patient safety.