Estimating the within‐subject (CV I ) and between‐subject (CV G ) biological variation of serum tryptase

AbstractObjectivesNumerous biological variation (BV) studies have been performed over the years, but the quality of these studies vary. The objectives of this study were to perform a systematic review and critical appraisal of BV studies on glycosylated albumin and to deliver updated BV estimates for glucose and HbA1c, including recently published high-quality studies such as the European Biological Variation study (EuBIVAS).MethodsSystematic literature searches were performed to identify BV studies. Nine publications not included in a previous review were identified; four for glycosylated albumin, three for glucose, and three for HbA1c. Relevant studies were appraised by the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC). Global BV estimates were derived by meta-analysis of BIVAC-compliant studies in healthy subjects with similar study design.ResultsOne study received BIVAC grade A, 2B, and 6C. In most cases, the C-grade was associated with deficiencies in statistical analysis. BV estimates for glycosylated albumin were: CVI=1.4% (1.2–2.1) and CVG=5.7% (4.7–10.6), whereas estimates for HbA1c, CVI=1.2% (0.3–2.5), CVG=5.4% (3.3–7.3), and glucose, CVI=5.0% (4.1–12.0), CVG=8.1% (2.7–10.8) did not differ from previously published global estimates.ConclusionsThe critical appraisal and rating of BV studies according to their methodological quality, followed by a meta-analysis, generate robust, and reliable BV estimates. This study delivers updated and evidence-based BV estimates for glycosylated albumin, glucose and HbA1c.

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European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS): within- and between-subject biological variation estimates for serum thyroid biomarkers based on weekly samplings from 91 healthy participants

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) ◽

10.1515/cclm-2020-1885 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Michela Bottani ◽

Aasne K. Aarsand ◽

Giuseppe Banfi ◽

Massimo Locatelli ◽

Abdurrahman Coşkun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽

Biological Variation ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Free Triiodothyronine ◽

Performance Specifications ◽

Study Population ◽

Variance Homogeneity ◽

Healthy Participants

Abstract Objectives Thyroid biomarkers are fundamental for the diagnosis of thyroid disorders and for the monitoring and treatment of patients with these diseases. The knowledge of biological variation (BV) is important to define analytical performance specifications (APS) and reference change values (RCV). The aim of this study was to deliver BV estimates for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroglobulin (TG), and calcitonin (CT). Methods Analyses were performed on serum samples obtained from the European Biological Variation Study population (91 healthy individuals from six European laboratories; 21–69 years) on the Roche Cobas e801 at the San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy). All samples from each individual were evaluated in duplicate within a single run. The BV estimates with 95% CIs were obtained by CV-ANOVA, after analysis of variance homogeneity and outliers. Results The within-subject (CV I ) BV estimates were for TSH 17.7%, FT3 5.0%, FT4 4.8%, TG 10.3, and CT 13.0%, all significantly lower than those reported in the literature. No significant differences were observed for BV estimates between men and women. Conclusions The availability of updated, in the case of CT not previously published, BV estimates for thyroid markers based on the large scale EuBIVAS study allows for refined APS and associated RCV applicable in the diagnosis and management of thyroid and related diseases.

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Biological variation of cardiac myosin-binding protein C in healthy individuals

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) ◽

10.1515/cclm-2021-0306 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Bashir Alaour ◽

Torbjørn Omland ◽

Janniche Torsvik ◽

Thomas E. Kaier ◽

Marit S. Sylte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Stratification ◽

Protein C ◽

Myocardial Injury ◽

Binding Protein ◽

Biological Variation ◽

Cardiac Myosin ◽

Analytical Quality ◽

Myosin Binding Protein ◽

Myosin Binding Protein C ◽

Myosin Binding

Abstract Objectives Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyC) is a novel biomarker of myocardial injury, with a promising role in the triage and risk stratification of patients presenting with acute cardiac disease. In this study, we assess the weekly biological variation of cMyC, to examine its potential in monitoring chronic myocardial injury, and to suggest analytical quality specification for routine use of the test in clinical practice. Methods Thirty healthy volunteers were included. Non-fasting samples were obtained once a week for ten consecutive weeks. Samples were tested in duplicate on the Erenna® platform by EMD Millipore Corporation. Outlying measurements and subjects were identified and excluded systematically, and homogeneity of analytical and within-subject variances was achieved before calculating the biological variability (CVI and CVG), reference change values (RCV) and index of individuality (II). Results Mean age was 38 (range, 21–64) years, and 16 participants were women (53%). The biological variation, RCV and II with 95% confidence interval (CI) were: CVA (%) 19.5 (17.8–21.6), CVI (%) 17.8 (14.8–21.0), CVG (%) 66.9 (50.4–109.9), RCV (%) 106.7 (96.6–120.1)/−51.6 (−54.6 to −49.1) and II 0.42 (0.29–0.56). There was a trend for women to have lower CVG. The calculated RCVs were comparable between genders. Conclusions cMyC exhibits acceptable RCV and low II suggesting that it could be suitable for disease monitoring, risk stratification and prognostication if measured serially. Analytical quality specifications based on biological variation are similar to those for cardiac troponin and should be achievable at clinically relevant concentrations.

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