Catlab Reports Bulletin

MICROBIOLOGY- Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a public health problem that affects a significant number of the population. It is essential to do a reliable and early diagnosis to avoid infection, its spread and possible complications.

MICROBIOLOGY - Pick-up samples for the study of skin infections and soft tissue

This group of infections is broad and complex. Ranging from skin infections, skin appendages, subcutaneous tissue, fascia and skeletal muscle. They are very common infections of varying severity and can evolve acutely or chronically.

The collection of good quality samples for microbiological analysis, is critical in this process which will determine the microbiological diagnosis.

CYTOGENETICS - Genetic markers in the myeloproliferative syndromes classification

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (NMP) are clonal disorders of hematopoietic precursor cells, characterized by the proliferation of myeloid or more lines. Classically, the NMP were subdivided according to whether the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR / ABL1), confirming a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), or if the patient was BCR / ABL1 negative, was detected using clinical criteria. Currently, the study of mutational status of JAK2, MPL and CALR genes, plays an important role in the classification of different subtypes of NMP.

HORMONES - Cortisol in serum. New reference ranges.

The determination of cortisol in blood is used for diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders of the adrenal gland, like Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease. In order to improve the quality of the results obtained in our laboratory, we will proceed to replace the current reagent by a new reagent in which have been changed polyclonal antibodies by monoclonal antibodies. The new reference ranges and the date from which they are applicable shall be indicated in the reports.

IMMUNOLOGY - Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). A step towards standardization

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are present in the serum of patients with autoimmune diseases. In Catlab the ANA is performed with the technique of indirect immunofluorescence (IFI). The main disadvantage of the IFI, is the difficult to standardize methodology and the high degree of subjectivity. Catlab has incorporated the GSIGHT®, an analyzer that enables automated reading of the ANA. It increases sensitivity and objectivity of the technique.

URGENT CARE - Management of critical values in the Emergency Laboratories

Standard UNE-EN ISO 15189:2007 indicates clearly that the laboratory must have procedures to notify a doctor or responsible for the medical care of the patient immediately when the results of the corresponding analysis are at critical intervals.

HORMONES - Human Chorionic gonadotropin realities(hCG)

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein with an alpha subunit and a beta subunit. Structural different varieties are found in blood, amniotic fluid and urine in different proportions. The large number of forms hampers its analysis by immunoassay.

CITOMETRY - Prognostic markers and Minimum Residual Disease

Monoclonal gammopathies (MG) are a group of disorders or entities characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells (PC). The immunophenotypic study of PC by multiparametric flow cytometry contributes decisively in the differential diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of MG.

HORMONES - Serum Estradiol; New reference intervals

The estradiol (17β-estradiol) is a female sex hormone from estrogen group but is also present in men. In order to improve the quality of the results obtained in our laboratory, soon we will proceed to replace the current reagent (Elecsys Estradiol II) with a new reagent (Elecsys Estradiol III) that were changed polyclonal antibodies by monoclonal antibodies. It has been restandardize against CRM 6400th by DI-GC / MS and have calculated new reference values. The new method is more specific and has less interference.

EXTRA-ANALYTIC - Application of pre-analytical program PAQC

The PAQC BD Diagnostics (Becton Dickinson) is an application program to evaluate the extraction processes and preanalytical part within the laboratory. With the results, you can make a "benchmarking" between the different centers.