scholarly journals Proteomics: A New Diagnostic Frontier

2006 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 1218-1222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen L Hortin ◽  
Saeed A Jortani ◽  
James C Ritchie ◽  
Roland Valdes ◽  
Daniel W Chan

Abstract Background: Analysis of proteins has been an integral part of the field of clinical chemistry for decades. Recent advances in technology and complete identification of the human genome sequence have opened up new opportunities for analysis of proteins for clinical diagnostic purposes. Methods: Content of a recent conference of proteomics is summarized. Results: New analytical methods allow the simultaneous analysis of a large number of proteins in biological fluids such as serum and plasma, offering partial views of the complete set of proteins or proteome. Plasma presents many analytical challenges, such as the complexity of components, predominance of a few major components, and the large concentration range of components, but the number of proteins that can be detected in plasma has expanded dramatically from hundreds to thousands. At the same time, there is increased capability to detect structural variations of proteins. Recent studies also identified the presence of complex sets of small protein fragments in plasma. This set of protein fragments, the fragmentome or peptidome, is potentially a rich source of information about physiologic and disease processes. Conclusions: Advances in proteomics offer great promise for the discovery of markers that might serve as the basis for new clinical laboratory tests. There are many challenges, however, in the translation of newly discovered markers into clinical laboratory tests.

1976 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1483-1492 ◽  
Author(s):  
I M Warner ◽  
J B Callis ◽  
E R Davidson ◽  
G D Christian

Abstract To be useful in the clinical laboratory, multicomponent fluorescence analysis requires both the rapid measurement of the fluorescence intensity at a variety of excitation and emission wavelengths and the unambiguous reduction of the data by efficient algorithms. The Video Fluorometer, which exploits the multi-channel capability of a low-light-level television sensor to simultaneously acquire excitation and emission spectra, can meet the first requirement. For example, a complete set of emission and excitation spectra for perylene can be obtained in less than 2 s at concentrations of 10(-10) mol/liter. To meet the second need, we present two types of data-reduction strategies: (a)a least-squares fit to the data, with use of the spectra of previously determined compounds likely to be present; and (b)a determination of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors fo the fluorescence matrix, from which the number of components and the possible spectra of each can be estimated. Computer simulations of the least-squares fitting algorithms show that five strongly overlapping components can be determined in the presence of noise with an accuracy of better than 5%. Also, a fluorescent sample containing two species with very similar but unknown spectral properties can be resolved to obtain the spectrum of each.


Author(s):  
P M G Broughton ◽  
T C Hogan

A method of costing clinical laboratory tests is described which avoids the assumptions and omissions of previous methods and overcomes the basic theoretical difficulty of allocating indirect (overhead) costs, which form the major component. The method develops the concept of a ‘cost per request” to cover indirect costs, which reflect the cost of providing laboratory facilities, and a ‘cost per test” to cover the direct analytical costs of the individual tests done. The direct cost per test was found to vary with the workload, which makes it difficult to predict the effect of changes in demand on expenditure. The Canadian Schedule of Unit Values was found to be an unreliable basis for calculating direct labour costs. Examples are given of the direct and indirect costs of consumables, labour, and capital, and their contribution to the total cost of clinical chemistry tests done either during or outside normal working hours. The total annual cost for each analyte may be a more useful indicator of expenditure than the cost per test.


Author(s):  
Massimo Tempestilli ◽  
Luigia Pucci ◽  
Stefania Notari ◽  
Antonino Di Caro ◽  
Concetta Castilletti ◽  
...  

AbstractEbola virus, an enveloped virus, is the cause of the largest and most complex Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa. Blood or body fluids of an infected person may represent a biohazard to laboratory workers. Laboratory tests of virus containing specimens should be conducted in referral centres at biosafety level 4, but based on the severity of clinical symptoms, basic laboratories might be required to execute urgent tests for patients suspected of EVD. The aim of this work was to compare the analytical performances of laboratory tests when Triton X-100, a chemical agent able to inactivate other enveloped viruses, was added to specimens.Results of clinical chemistry, coagulation and haematology parameters on samples before and after the addition of 0.1% (final concentration) of Triton X-100 and 1 h of incubation at room temperature were compared.Overall, results showed very good agreement by all statistical analyses. Triton X-100 at 0.1% did not significantly affect the results for the majority of the analytes tested.Triton X-100 at 0.1% can be used to reduce the biohazard in performing laboratory tests on samples from patients with EVD without affecting clinical decisions.


2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-76
Author(s):  
Ivana Rasic-Misic ◽  
Emilija Pecev-Marinkovic

Lead is one of the most studied clinically important metals due its high toxicity and a high number of workers exposed to it. The interest toward Pb is elevated by the fact that children are especially susceptible to lead poisoning. Research regarding lead poisoning requires a complex, multi-disciplinary (clinical medical and clinical chemical) approach. Monitoring human exposure to lead (intake, i.e. poisoning) may be achieved by quantification of Pb in tissues and body fluids. For that reason, a number of accurate and reliable analytical methods for the determination of Pb (analytical/preanalytical variable) were developed. An objective of this review paper is to provide key information necessary for proper interpretation of results of lead related clinical/laboratory tests.


2003 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan H B Wu ◽  
Charles McKay ◽  
Larry A Broussard ◽  
Robert S Hoffman ◽  
Tai C Kwong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Exposure to drugs and toxins is a major cause for patients’ visits to the emergency department (ED). Methods: Recommendations for the use of clinical laboratory tests were prepared by an expert panel of analytical toxicologists and ED physicians specializing in clinical toxicology. These recommendations were posted on the world wide web and presented in open forum at several clinical chemistry and clinical toxicology meetings. Results: A menu of important stat serum and urine toxicology tests was prepared for clinical laboratories who provide clinical toxicology services. For drugs-of-abuse intoxication, most ED physicians do not rely on results of urine drug testing for emergent management decisions. This is in part because immunoassays, although rapid, have limitations in sensitivity and specificity and chromatographic assays, which are more definitive, are more labor-intensive. Ethyl alcohol is widely tested in the ED, and breath testing is a convenient procedure. Determinations made within the ED, however, require oversight by the clinical laboratory. Testing for toxic alcohols is needed, but rapid commercial assays are not available. The laboratory must provide stat assays for acetaminophen, salicylates, co-oximetry, cholinesterase, iron, and some therapeutic drugs, such as lithium and digoxin. Exposure to other heavy metals requires laboratory support for specimen collection but not for emergent testing. Conclusions:Improvements are needed for immunoassays, particularly for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opioids, and tricyclic antidepressants. Assays for new drugs of abuse must also be developed to meet changing abuse patterns. As no clinical laboratory can provide services to meet all needs, the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry Committee recommends establishment of regional centers for specialized toxicology testing.


2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (10) ◽  
pp. 1587-1590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferruccio Ceriotti ◽  
Christa Cobbaert

Abstract The article tries to reply to the following three questions: Are External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS) really fit for purpose? Are all schemes equivalent and sufficiently harmonized? Is the role of EQAS similar and necessary in all branches of laboratory medicine? Although the reply to the first two questions is, unfortunately, negative for several reasons (lack of commutable material with reference method values, EQAS with different scopes, etc.), the reply to the third one is positive: EQAS are a necessary source of information on trueness and accuracy and must be fully developed for all the branches of the clinical laboratory.


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