Catlab Reports Bulletin

GENETICS - Study of rearrangements in microsatellite instability of tumor DNA

The mismatch repair system (MMR) repairs small sequence errors, produced in DNA replication. Certain tumor subtypes present as a trigger mechanism a defect in the MMR genes, which gives them a biological behavior and a different prognosis to other tumors of the same tissues. This defect manifests itself at the molecular level as an instability in the size of gene regions called microsatellites. In Catlab, the analysis of five microsatellite regions is performed, using PCR and capillary electrophoresis on paraffin samples of tumor tissue, as a marker of MMR system deficiency.

BIOCHEMISTRY - Fecal occult blood updates

Colorectal cancer ranks second in cancer incidence and mortality in developed countries. Recently in Catlab a series of changes have been made to update the technique and improve clinical interpretation. The analyzer and the collection container have been changed. The unit of the expressed results, and the cut-off point has been changed too.

MICROBIOLOGY - Poseidon Project; development of a biosensor for Legionella detection

The Poseidon Project has been funded by the Horizon 2020 Program. Six institutions from 4 European countries participated, including Catlab. The objective was to develop a biosensor to monitor the concentration of Legionella in situ in water systems in high-risk facilities. Catlab's task was to validate the prototype detection and quantification of Legionella in water samples.

CYTOMETRY - Evolution in the diagnosis by immunophenotype of CLPD

Chronic B cell lymphoproliferative syndromes (BCLPD) comprise a heterogeneous group of hematologic tumors that affect mature B lymphocytes. Recently, they have begun to be used routinely in clinical laboratories, immunophenotypic techniques that allow the labeling of antibodies with different fluorochromes and provide a specific, sensitive and reproducible count for the different cellular subpopulations.

EXTRA-ANALYTIC - Screening of aneuploidies in maternal blood

This November, the new Pregnancy Protocol was launched, which includes the screening of aneuploidy in maternal blood. It allows DNA detection of the fetus in the mother's blood from week 12, for women, in which biochemical screening is high risk and intermediate risk. Screening consists in the detection of numerical anomalies of chromosomes 13,18 and 21. That is, detection of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13).

GENETICS - Molecular markers in glioma

Glioma is the most common primary tumor among intracranial malignancies. There is a growing number of biomarkers in glioma in the field of research, but currently in routine three are used: Codeletion 1p / 19q; IDH 1/2 mutation; and Methylation of MGMT.

QUALITY - Surveys for emergency physicians

Within the 2016-2018 Customer Satisfaction Measurement Plan, Catlab carried out surveys of the emergency physicians of HUMT, FHSJDM and CST. The results of the 9 consensual questions of the survey are exposed, on the perception and the evaluation that the laboratory professionals have, and the conclusions and improvement actions that have been started from the Laboratory.

MICROBIOLOGY - Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this bulletin, we will see how it is acquired, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated. The current frequency of the disease, and the tests available to the Laboratory to diagnose it.

MANAGEMENT - Catlab tenth anniversary

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Catlab, on June 7 a successful scientific conference was held in Catlab with the title "Genetics: from the laboratory to clinical practice". In this "Catlab Informa" we review the trajectory of our Laboratory in these 10 years, its current organization, and how it has been consolidated as one of the largest laboratories.

URGENT CARE - Preeclampsia Markers

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, which causes an important maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality, which affects 2-8% of pregnancies. In recent years, numerous studies have attempted to determine markers of Predicting the risk of preeclampsia, identifying the women with greater risk, and creating strategies to reduce its prevalence. In Catlab we have started using the sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio as a marker of preeclampsia.