Sensitivity of Automated Urine Chemstrip Analysis for Detecting Microscopic Abnormalities

2019 ◽  
Vol 152 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S126-S127
Author(s):  
Jessica Robertson-Patera ◽  
Megan Nakashima

Abstract Objectives Urinalysis (UA) is used to screen for multiple medical abnormalities. Microscopic analysis of urine requires trained morphologists and can be time-consuming; therefore, a reflex strategy where microscopic analysis is only performed when the chemstrip is positive is an attractive strategy. We previously described the retrospective performance of the iChem VELOCITY (Beckman Coulter, CA, USA) and CLINITEK Novus strip cassettes (Siemens, Munich, DE) for detecting microscopic abnormalities. The iRICELL is iQ microscopic and is now paired with the AX-4030 (Arkray, JP). During our validation of the new workcell, we tested the sensitivity and specificity of the chemstrip results for microscopic abnormalities. Methods A total of 60 samples were analyzed on both the VELOCITY and AX-4030. Microscopic evaluation was performed by centrifuging the urine and examining by light microscope. Sensitivity and specificity for each chemstrip result were calculated and compared. Results Looking at sensitivity of any chemistry abnormality for any microscopic abnormality, the AX-4030 was 90.2% sensitive compared to 80.5% on the VELOCITY. The AX-4030 leukocyte esterase result was slightly less sensitive but more specific than the VELOCITY for presence of leukocytes (94.7% sensitivity and 95.1% specificity compared to 100% sensitivity and 87.8% specificity). The AX-4030 blood results were slightly more sensitive for detection of RBC (77.8% vs 72.2%) and more specific (100% vs 92.9%), perhaps related to the known interference of ascorbic acid with the VELOCITY strips. Conclusion Overall, the AX-4030 chemstrip results were more sensitive for microscopic abnormalities than the VELOCITY, although 10% of cases would still be missed. For a general population, a reflex methodology may be adequate. However, in patients with a higher likelihood of microscopic abnormalities, performing routine microscopic analysis may still be prudent.

Author(s):  
Levaya Ya. K. ◽  
Ishmuratova M. Yu. ◽  
Atazhanova G. A. ◽  
Zilfikarov I. N. ◽  
Loseva I. V.

Microscopic analysis of medicinal plants and raw materials is one of the stages of quality control which makes it possible to determine the authenticity of an object. This article presents the results of microscopic analysis of leaves, corolla, leafstalks and stalk of Salvia stepposa (steppe sage). This species is a relative to Salvia officinalis officinal used in traditional medical systems as an anti-inflammatory agent. The purpose of this study is to determine the features of the anatomical structures of the above-ground part of steppe sage and to reveal diagnostic signs at the microscopic level. Preliminary pharmacognostic investigation of vegetative raw material is done and diagnostic signs are identified. The detail microscopy revealed the presence of 3 types of trichomes on leaves’ epidermis: 1) simple unicellular; 2) simple multicellular; 3) glandular; their localization and shape are determined. Type of mesophyll, structure of trichomes; form and location of epidermal cells, the presence of rare simple trichomes along the edge are discovered. As a result of the research the anatomical features of the raw material were established, which make it possible to identify the above-ground part of Salvia stepposa and can be used for the development of regulatory documentation.


1999 ◽  
Vol 5 (S2) ◽  
pp. 526-527
Author(s):  
Maryann E. Martone

One class of biological structures that has always presented special difficulties to scientists interested in quantitative analysis is comprised of extended structures that possess fine structural features. Examples of these structures include neuronal spiny dendrites and organelles such as the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Such structures may extend 10's or even 100's of microns, a size range best visualized with the light microscope, yet possess fine structural detail on the order of nanometers that require the electron microscope to resolve. Quantitative information, such as surface area, volume and the micro-distribution of cellular constituents, is often required for the development of accurate structural models of cells and organelle systems and for assessing and characterizing changes due to experimental manipulation. Performing estimates of such quantities from light microscopic data can result in gross inaccuracies because the contribution to total morphometries of delicate features such as membrane undulations and excrescences can be quite significant. For example, in a recent study by Shoop et al, electron microscopic analysis of cultured chick ciliary ganglion neurons showed that spiny projections from the plasmalemma that were not well resolved in the light microscope effectively doubled the surface area of these neurons.While the resolution provided by the electron microscope has yet to be matched or replaced by light microscopic methods, one drawback of electron microscopic analysis has always been the relatively small sample size and limited 3D information that can be obtained from samples prepared for conventional transmission electron microscopy. Reconstruction from serial electron micrographs has provided one way to circumvent this latter problem, but remains one of the most technically demanding skills in electron microscopy. Another approach to 3D electron microscopic imaging is high voltage electron microscopy (HVEM). The greater accelerating voltages of HVEM's allows for the use of much thicker specimens than conventional transmission electron microscopes.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Suresh G. Killedar ◽  
Harinath N. More ◽  
Sameer J. Nadaf

Objective. Aim of present work is to perform the microscopic evaluation and physicochemical analysis and to explore the morphology parameters ofMemecylon umbellatumBurm leaves.Methods. Fresh, dried and desiccated powdered leaf samples were studied for their morphology, microscopy, organoleptic characters, and an assortment of other WHO recommended methods for standardisation.Results. The microscopy revealed the dorsiventral nature of the leaf. Midrib showed presence of nonlignified phloem, lignified xylem with well-defined xylem fibers, vessels, and parenchyma. Presence of Phloecentric vascular bundles surrounded by endodermis and crystal sheath. Well-defined patches of collenchyma were observed above and below the vascular bundles in the midrib area. Trichomes are mostly absent and stomata (anomocytic) were observed on both epidermal surfaces.Conclusions. It can be concluded that the microscopic analysis and pharmacognostic parameters can serve as tool for developing standards for proper authentication, quality, and purity ofMemecylon umbellatumBurm leaves.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-40
Author(s):  
Bartosz Bogusławski ◽  
Anna Głowacka ◽  
Teresa Rucińska

Abstract The aim of the research was to determine changes in the elemental composition of concrete under the influence of exposure to hydrogen sulphide in the existing sewage system. The system operator pointed to significant problems with odours in this system. The research included a fragment of the pressure sewage system. The concentration of gases: hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and methane was measured in selected wells. High concentrations of hydrogen sulphide (over 200 ppm) were recorded in the studies. Concrete samples were taken from the internal walls of the well for testing. The samples were used for a microscopic analysis of their composition, using an electron microscope with an EDS attachment. Also, concrete samples from a new sewage well were tested to compare their elemental composition. Gas measurements confirmed the problem of odors, while the analysis of the elemental composition showed a significant proportion of sulphur (from 7.53% to 42.9%) on the surface of the well compared to the reference sample (0%).


Author(s):  
A. Angel ◽  
R.C. Moretz

Microscopic analysis of pharmaceutical devices and products relies primarily on destructive sample preparative methods, including sectioning, sawing, grinding and embedding. Reconstruction of images obtained from the prepared samples is often necessary to interpret the results. The preparative methods can introduce artifacts or distortion, which can affect the analysis, and the inability to visualize the intact object can also affect the interpretation. Radiography has been used to assist in the selection of preparative methods for microscopy, determine optimal orientation during preparation and analysis and to aid in the visualization and integration of the microscopic results in the final interpretation. The application of x-ray radiography to the examination of intact devices or manufactured drug products in conjunction with standard light and scanning electron microscopic evaluation presents a novel non-destructive technique to assess device structure and function as well as locate potential inclusions in manufactured drug products.


1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alena Sládecková ◽  
Ladislav Žácek

More than one half of drinking water demand in the Czech Republic is covered by surface water resources. The most frequent problems of the water treatment and supply are caused by the eutrophication of reservoirs. Biological parameters of drinking water quality based upon the microscopic analysis are included in local standards and commonly used in water works laboratories. Several new methods and criteria have been elaborated: microscopic evaluation of the separation efficiency of water treatment, categorization of microorganisms according to their separability, a screening bioassay for the assessment of biological stability of the water in course of the treatment and distribution, biological indicators of the eutrophication degree of reservoirs and their tributaries. A set of supplementary biological methods and criteria for special cases was published. Algal toxins have been detected not only in cyanobacterial water blooms in reservoirs but also in periphyton layers growing in different units of water works treatment trains. Two examples of the integrated system approach to the water supply from eutrophicated reservoirs inclusive of proposed preventive and remedial measures are selected from a recently finished extensive research project. Improvement actions in the resources protection, water works design and operation, laboratory control system and legislation are recommended.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Federico Russo ◽  
Marco Valentini ◽  
Daniele Sabatino ◽  
Michele Cerati ◽  
Carla Facco ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents the greatest public health emergency of this century. The primary mode of viral transmission is droplet transmission through direct contact with large droplets generated during breathing, talking, coughing, and sneezing. However, the virus can also demonstrate airborne transmission through smaller droplets (< 5 μm in diameter) generated during various medical procedures, collectively termed aerosol-generating procedures. The aim of this study was to analyze droplet contamination of healthcare workers and splatter patterns in the operating theater that resulted from endoscopic transnasal procedures in noninfected patients. METHODS A prospective nonrandomized microscopic evaluation of contaminants generated during 10 endoscopic transnasal procedures performed from May 14 to June 11, 2020, in the same operating theater was carried out. A dilution of monosodium fluorescein, repeatedly instilled through nasal irrigation, was used as a marker of contaminants generated during surgical procedures. Contaminants were collected on detectors worn by healthcare workers and placed in standard points in the operating theater. Analysis of number, dimensions, and characteristics of contaminants was carried out with fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS A total of 70 samples collected from 10 surgical procedures were analyzed. Liquid droplets and solid-tissue fragments were identified as contaminants on all detectors analyzed. All healthcare workers appeared to have been exposed to a significant number of contaminants. A significant degree of contamination was observed in every site of the operating room. The mean (range) diameter of liquid droplets was 4.1 (1.0–26.6) μm and that of solid fragments was 23.6 (3.5–263.3) μm. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic endonasal surgery is associated with the generation of large amounts of contaminants, some of which measure less than 5 μm. All healthcare workers in the surgical room are exposed to a significant and similar risk of contamination; therefore, adequate personal protective equipment should be employed when performing endoscopic endonasal surgical procedures.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Silvio José Mauro ◽  
Adriana Beatriz Silveira Pinto Fernandes ◽  
Fernando Yamamoto Chiba ◽  
Renato Herman Sundfeld ◽  
Suzely Adas Saliba Moimaz ◽  
...  

Aim: This study evaluated the interface between glass ionomer cement (GIC) and dentin using the conventional and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) techniques for removal of decayed tissue. Materials and Methods: After preparation of the cavities by the conventional (Group I – GI) and ART (Group II – GII) techniques, the specimens were divided into 3 subgroups according to the GIC used (n=10). The conventional GIC KETAC FILL (3M/ESPE) was used in the groups GI-1 and GII-1, the conventional GIC VIDRION R (SS WHITE) in the groups GI-2 and GII-2, and the modified GIC FUJI II LC (GC Corporation) in the groups GI-3 and GII-3. For the microscopic analysis, the teeth were decalcified in a solution containing equal portions of 50% formic acid and 20% sodium citrate, dehydrated and submitted to paraffin baths. The samples were sectioned (6mm in thickness), stained by the Brown and Brenn method, and evaluated in a light microscope. Results: The microscopic analysis revealed interaction between the material and dentin structure only with the FUJI II LC. In addition, the behavior was superior for the conventional technique in comparison to the ART technique. Conclusion: It was concluded that the technique used for carious dentin removal does not seem to be determinant for the bonding of ionomeric materials to the dental structure, except for the resin-modified GIC in which the formed hybrid layer was higher using the conventional technique.


1962 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 413-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. SCHMIDT-ELMENDORFF ◽  
J. A. LORAINE

SUMMARY The assay method for luteinizing hormone (LH) activity depending on ovarian ascorbic acid depletion in rats (O.A.A.D. method) has been assessed in terms of its reliability criteria. The chief advantages of the method are its high degree of sensitivity and specificity and its good practicability. Its disadvantages are its relatively low degree of precision and the fact that a proportion of assays are invalid due to lack of parallelism. The LH activity of various gonadotrophin preparations has been investigated using the O.A.A.D. method. The LH content of NIH-FSH and of Pergonal was found to be low. The LH activity of pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin was lower than that of human chorionic gonadotrophin. When purified urinary extracts are used, the O.A.A.D. method is suitable for clinical application.


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