Use of clinical data and acceleration profiles to validate pneumatic transportation systems

AbstractBackgroundModern pneumatic transportation systems (PTSs) are widely used in hospitals for rapid blood sample transportation. The use of PTS may affect sample integrity. Impact on sample integrity in relation to hemolysis and platelet assays was investigated and also, we wish to outline a process-based and outcome-based validation model for this preanalytical component.MethodsThe effect of PTS was evaluated by drawing duplicate blood samples from healthy volunteers, one sent by PTS and the other transported manually to the core laboratory. Markers of hemolysis (potassium, lactate dehydrogenase [LD] and hemolysis index [HI]) and platelet function and activation were assessed. Historic laboratory test results of hemolysis markers measured before and after implementation of PTS were compared. Furthermore, acceleration profiles during PTS and manual transportation were obtained from a mini g logger in a sample tube.ResultsHand-carried samples experienced a maximum peak acceleration of 5 g, while peaks at almost 15 g were observed for PTS. No differences were detected in results of potassium, LD, platelet function and activation between PTS and manual transport. Using past laboratory data, differences in potassium and LD significantly differed before and after PTS installation for all three lines evaluated. However, these estimated differences were not clinically significant.ConclusionsIn this study, we found no evidence of PTS-induced hemolysis or impact on platelet function or activation assays. Further, we did not find any clinically significant changes indicating an acceleration-dependent impact on blood sample quality. Quality assurance of PTS can be performed by surveilling outcome markers such as HI, potassium and LD.

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Blood Sample Transportation by Pneumatic Transportation Systems: A Systematic Literature Review

Clinical Chemistry ◽

10.1373/clinchem.2017.280479 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 64 (5) ◽

pp. 782-790 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Mads Nybo ◽

Merete E Lund ◽

Kjell Titlestad ◽

Christian U Maegaard

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Blood Sample ◽

Systematic Literature Review ◽

Clinical Chemistry ◽

Blood Gases ◽

Transportation Systems ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Pneumatic Transportation ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

The Impact

Abstract BACKGROUND Pneumatic transportation systems (PTSs) are increasingly used for transportation of blood samples to the core laboratory. Many studies have investigated the impact of these systems on different types of analyses, but to elucidate whether PTSs in general are safe for transportation of blood samples, existing literature on the subject was systematically assessed. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and metaanalyses (PRISMA) Statement guidelines to gather studies investigating the impact of PTS on analyses in blood samples. Studies were extracted from PubMed and Embase. The search period ended November 2016. RESULTS A total of 39 studies were retrieved. Of these, only 12 studies were conducted on inpatients, mainly intensive care unit patients. Blood gases, hematology, and clinical chemistry were well investigated, whereas coagulation, rotational thromboelastometry, and platelet function in acutely ill patients were addressed by only 1 study each. Only a few parameters were affected in a clinically significant way (clotting time parameter in extrinsic system thromboelastometry, pO2 in blood gas, multiplate analysis, and the hemolysis index). CONCLUSIONS Owing to their high degree of heterogeneity, the retrieved studies were unable to supply evidence for the safety of using PTSs for blood sample transportation. In consequence, laboratories need to measure and document the actual acceleration forces in their existing PTS, instituting quality target thresholds for these measurements such as acceleration vector sums. Computer modeling might be applied to the evaluation of future PTS installations. With the increasing use of PTS, a harmonized, international recommendation on this topic is warranted.

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Impact of Hormone Therapy on Laboratory Values in Transgender Patients

Clinical Chemistry ◽

10.1373/clinchem.2018.292730 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 65 (1) ◽

pp. 170-179 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Jeffrey A SoRelle ◽

Rhoda Jiao ◽

Emily Gao ◽

Jonas Veazey ◽

Ithiel Frame ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alkaline Phosphatase ◽

Hormone Therapy ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Hemoglobin Concentration ◽

Laboratory Values ◽

Laboratory Test Results ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact ◽

Common Laboratory

Abstract BACKGROUND For transgender individuals taking hormone therapy (HT), data on laboratory values are limited, and the effects on laboratory values cannot be easily predicted. We evaluated the impact on common laboratory analytes in transgender individuals before and after initiation of HT. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of transgender patients identified at transgender-specific clinics at an urban county hospital and community clinic. Laboratory data were collected on hormone concentrations, hematologic parameters, electrolytes, lipids, and liver and renal markers before and after initiation of HT. RESULTS We identified 183 transgender women (TW) and 119 transgender men (TM) for whom laboratory data were available. In all, 87 TW and 62 TM had baseline laboratory data, and data were also available for 133 TW and 89 TM on HT for >6 months. The most significant changes were seen in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and creatinine levels after >6 months of HT, which increased in TM and decreased in TW after HT (P < 0.005; d index > 0.6). Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels increased in TM; however, the effect size was small (d index < 0.5). Calcium, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase levels significantly decreased in TW (P < 0.001; d > 0.6). Additionally, TM were found to have increased triglycerides and decreased HDL levels (P < 0.005; d > 0.6). CONCLUSIONS Changes occur in several common laboratory parameters for patients on HT. Some laboratory values changed to match the gender identity, whereas others remained unchanged or were intermediate from the baseline values. These findings will help guide interpretation of laboratory test results in transgender patients taking HT.

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AB0 Blood Groups and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1650035 ◽

1980 ◽

Vol 43 (02) ◽

pp. 137-140 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Jan Erikssen ◽

Erik Thaulow ◽

Helge Stormorken ◽

Ole Brendemoen ◽

Arvid Hellem

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery ◽

Blood Group ◽

Artery Bypass ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Related Factors ◽

Ab0 Blood Groups ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Artery Disease

SummaryThe view based on epidemiological and laboratory data that blood group A subjects (=A) have clinically significant higher thrombotic potential than blood group 0 subjects (= O), is supported by the present finding of a significantly higher platelet retention in A than 0.The completely normal ABO distribution found among 71 cases of proven latent CHD, and the disproportionate excess of 0 vs. A in a consecutive series of 191 coronary artery bypass candidates apparently conflict with epidemiological data indicating a higher risk of achieving CHD in A than 0. The conflict may be solved by suggestinga) that the »thrombotic proneness« in A compared with 0 causes a poorer prognosis in CHD among the former, leaving a disproportionate excess of 0 among longterm CHD survivors, and b) that AB0-related factors have had an insignificant, independent impact on the evolution of preclinical coronary artery disease in our 71 men with latent CHD.

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Benefit/Risk Profile of Combined Antiplatelet Therapy with Ticlopidine and Aspirin

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1648180 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 65 (05) ◽

pp. 504-510 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Raffaele De Caterina ◽

Rosa Sicari ◽

Walter Bernini ◽

Guido Lazzerini ◽

Giuliana Buti Strata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Platelet Function ◽

Low Dose ◽

Bleeding Time ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Stable Coronary Artery Disease ◽

High Dose ◽

Single Drug ◽

Before And After ◽

Serum Thromboxane ◽

Artery Disease

SummaryTiclopidine (T) and aspirin (ASA) are two antiplatelet drugs both capable of prolonging bleeding time (BT), with a different mechanism of action. A synergism in BT prolongation has been reported and is currently considered an argument for not recommending their combination. However, a profound suppression of platelet function might be a desirable counterpart of a marked prolongation of BT, with a possible use in selected clinical situations. We therefore studied ex vivo platelet function (aggregation by ADP 0.5-1-2.5 μM; adrenaline 0.75-2.5 μM; collagen 1.5-150 μg/ml; arachidonic acid 1 mM; PAF 1 μM; adrenaline 0.17 μM + ADP 0.62 μM; serum thromboxane ([TX]B2 generation) and BT (Mielke) in 6 patients with stable coronary artery disease receiving such combination. Patients underwent sequential laboratory evaluations at baseline, after 7 days of T 250 mg b.i.d., before and after the intravenous administration of ASA 500 mg, respectively, and, finally, after a minimum of 7 days of sole ASA oral administration (50 mg/day). The experimental design, therefore, allowed a comparison of T and ASA effects (2nd and 4th evaluation), and an assessment of the combination effect (3rd evaluation). Platelet aggregation in response to all doses of ADP was depressed more by T than by ASA. Conversely, responses to adrenaline, and arachidonate were affected more by ASA than by T. For all other agents, differences were not significant. T + ASA combination was more effective (p <0.05) than either treatment alone in depressing responses to high-dose collagen (% over control, mean ± SEM: T: 95 ± 3; ASA: 96 ± 5; T + ASA: 89 ± 4). Serum TXB2 (basal, ng/ml: 380 ± 54) did not change with T (372 ± 36), dropped to <1 ng/ml on ASA injection and slightly re-increased to 9.1 ± 3.1 ng/ml on oral low-dose ASA. BT (basal 7.4 ± 0.6 min) was affected similarly by T (9.2 ± 0.8) or ASA (9.7 ± 0.9) alone, but increased to 15.0 ± 0.7 min on combination treatment (106% increase over control). Thus, the strong synergism in BT prolongation by ASA-T combination has a counterpart in the inhibition of platelet function in response to strong stimuli such as high-dose collagen, not otherwise affected significantly by single-drug treatment. This effect is a possible rationale for the clinical evaluation of T + ASA combination.

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Determination and Treatment of Disorders of Primary Haemostasis

Hämostaseologie ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1660415 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 19 (04) ◽

pp. 168-175 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

M. Weippert-Kretschmer ◽

V. Kretschmer

Keyword(s):

Platelet Function ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Bleeding Complications ◽

Bleeding Tendency ◽

Platelet Counts ◽

Platelet Function Disorders ◽

Perioperative Bleeding ◽

Before And After ◽

Low Sensitivity

SummaryPerioperative bleeding complications due to disorders of primary haemostasis are often underestimated. Routine determination of primary haemostasis is still problematic. The in vivo bleeding time (BT) shows low sensitivity and high variability. In this contribution the results and experiences with the IVBT having been obtained in various studies and during 10 years of routine use are reported. Patients and Methods: Blood donors before and after ASA ingestion, patients with thrombocytopenia as well as congenital and acquired platelet function disorders. Monitoring of desmopressin efficacy. IVBT with Thrombostat 4000 (tests with CaCl2 = TST-CaCl2 and ADP = TST-ADP) and PFA-100 (test cartridges with epinephrine = PFA-EPI and ADP = PFA-ADP). Results and Conclusions: IVBT becomes abnormal with platelet counts <100,000/μl. With platelet counts <50,000/μl the results are mostly outside the methodical range. IVBT proved clearly superior to BT in von Willebrand syndrome (vWS). All 16 patients with vWS were detected by PFA-EPI, whereas with BT 7 of 10 patients with moderate and 1 of 6 patients with mild forms of vWS were spotted. The majority of acquired and congenital platelet function disorders with relevant bleeding tendency were detectable by IVBT. Sometimes diagnostic problems arose in case of storage pool defect. Four to 12 h after ingestion of a single dose of 100 mg ASA the TST-CaCl2 became abnormal in all cases, the PFA-EPI only in 80%. However, the ASA sensitivity of TST-CaCl2 proved even too high when looking for perioperative bleeding complications in an urological study. Therefore, the lower ASS sensitivity of the PFA-100 seems to be rather advantageous for the estimation of a real bleeding risk. The good efficacy of desmopressin in the majority of cases with mild thrombocytopenia, congenital and acquired platelet function disorders and even ASS-induced platelet dysfunction could be proven by means of the IVBT. Thus IVBT may help to increase the reliability of the therapy. However, the IVBT with the PFA-100 is not yet fully developed. Nevertheless, routine use can be recommended when special methodical guidelines are followed.

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AB0655 RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ACTIVITY BEFORE AND AFTER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN PERIOD

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.576 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1360.1-1360

Author(s):

M. Jordhani ◽

D. Ruci ◽

F. Skana ◽

E. Memlika

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

World Population ◽

Chronic Patients ◽

Das 28 ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After

Background:The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a great impact on world population due to morbidity, mortality and restriction measures in order to stop the progression of COVID-19.Patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletic diseases, and especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, being one of the vulnerable classes of chronic patients, were recommended to follow the government’s rules1.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate DAS-28-ESR in patients with rheumatoid arthritis before and after lockdown period.Methods:This is a multi-center observational study including 85 patients which were evaluated before and after lockdown for their disease activity score according to DAS-28-ESR score. They had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis more than 5 years ago. A thorough physical examination was performed before and after the lockdown period. It included examination of tender and swollen joints and patient’s global health. They were completed with all required laboratory data, including erythrosedimentation rate. For a more accurate calculation, DAS-28-ESR was used in an electronic version. Patients with other inflammatory or infective diseases were excluded from the study. All data were statistically evaluated using statistical tests such as t-student test.Results:The first group (the one before lockdown) had an average DAS-28-ESR of 4.7 while after the lockdown period, the average DAS-28-ESR was 5.16.After statistically evaluating all data, it was found that there exists a significant difference between DAS-28-ESR score before and after COVID-19 lockdown (p=0.0011).Conclusion:Our study showed that lockdown period due to COVID-19 pandemic, has aggravated disease activity in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This may be consequence of various causes such as physical inactivity and difficulty to follow-up or to take the medication properly.References:[1]Landewé RB, Machado PM, Kroon F, et al, EULAR provisional recommendations for the management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the context of SARS-CoV-2, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2020;79:851-858.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

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Cryptococcus Species Other Than Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii: Are They Clinically Significant?

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa527 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Edison J Cano ◽

Zachary A Yetmar ◽

Raymund R Razonable

Keyword(s):

Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽

Opportunistic Infections ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Invasive Disease ◽

Cryptococcus Gattii ◽

Cryptococcus Laurentii ◽

Cryptococcus Species ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Cryptococcus Spp

Abstract Background Cryptococcus spp is a major cause of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, primarily due to Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. There are occasional reports of other Cryptococcus species causing invasive human disease. However, their epidemiology and clinical significance are not fully defined. We sought to describe cases with cultures positive for Cryptococcus species other than C neoformans and C gattii. Methods A retrospective descriptive analysis of clinical and laboratory data of patients with cultures growing Cryptococcus species other than C neoformans and C gattii from November 2011 to February 2019 was performed. Three Mayo Clinic sites in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota were included. Results From 176 cases with a culture growing Cryptococcus spp, 54 patients (30%) had a culture for Cryptococcus other than C neoformans and C gattii in the study time frame. The most common species were Cryptococcus magnus, Cryptococcus laurentii, and Cryptococcus ater. The organisms were isolated and identified in culture of bronchoalveolar lavage (11), skin (11), urine (7), oral (4), sinus (3), intraoperative soft tissue (3), sputum (2), synovial fluid (2), cerebrospinal fluid (2), and intravenous catheter (2), among others (7). Only 8 (15%) cases were considered to be potentially pathogenic, with 1 case of invasive disease. Antifungal treatment was fluconazole, itraconazole, and griseofulvin, for a mean systemic antifungal duration of 42 days. Conclusions This large series of patients with Cryptococcus spp other than C neoformans and C gattii suggests that these species rarely cause clinically significant infection in humans. Only 1 case of invasive disease was found.

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Association of Lipoprotein(a) levels with intrinsic and on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1356 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

A Kille ◽

T Nuehrenberg ◽

C.M Valina ◽

F.J Neumann ◽

W Hochholzer

Keyword(s):

Flow Cytometry ◽

Platelet Function ◽

Platelet Reactivity ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Structural Similarity ◽

Lipoprotein A ◽

Causal Risk Factor ◽

Premature Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Potential Association

Abstract Background Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent, genetic, and causal risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Laboratory data have suggested an interaction of Lp(a) with platelet function, potentially caused by its structural similarity to plasminogen. So far, the potential association of Lp(a) with platelet activation and reactivity has not been well established in larger clinical cohorts. Methods This secondary analysis of the EXCELSIOR study analyzed intrinsic platelet reactivity before loading with clopidogrel 600mg and on-treatment platelet reactivity tested 24 hours following loading in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. Platelet reactivity was tested by optical aggregometry as final aggregation after 5 min following stimulation with 5μM ADP. Platelet reactivity was also assessed by flow cytometry (expression of CD62P and PAC1) following stimulation with ADP and TRAP. Levels of Lp(a) on admission of each patient were immediately measured from fresh samples in a central laboratory. Results The present analysis included 2046 patients. Levels of Lp(a) ranged between 0 and 332 mg/dl. Results for intrinsic (p=0.80) and on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (p=0.81) did not differ between quartiles of Lp(a) levels (Figure). Flow cytometry analyses confirmed these findings. Conclusion The present data do not support the hypothesis of an interaction of Lp(a) with platelet function. This finding might be important to define the safety of evolving therapeutic options for lowering Lp(a). Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Effects of omega-3 acid ethyl esters and aspirin, alone and in combination, on platelet function in healthy subjects

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1160/th08-02-0084 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 100 (10) ◽

pp. 634-641 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

Mark K. Larson ◽

Joseph H. Ashmore ◽

Kristina A. Harris ◽

Jessica L. Vogelaar ◽

James V. Pottala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Platelet Aggregation ◽

Platelet Function ◽

Combined Therapy ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Ethyl Esters ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Heart Attacks ◽

Impedance Aggregometry ◽

Patients At Risk ◽

Clinically Significant

SummaryOmega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) from oily fish are clinically useful for lowering triglycerides and reducing risk of heart attacks. Accordingly, patients at risk are often advised to take both aspirin and n-3 FA. However, both of these agents can increase bleeding times, and the extent to which the combination inhibits platelet function is unknown. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effects of a prescription omega-3 FA product (P-OM3) and aspirin, alone and in combination, on platelet aggregation assessed by whole blood impedance aggregometry (WBA). Ten healthy volunteers provided blood samples on four separate occasions: Day 1, baseline; Day 2, one day after taking aspirin (2 x 325 mg tablets); Day 29, after 28 days of P-OM3 (4 capsules/day); and Day 30, after one day of combined P-OM3 and aspirin. WBA was tested with two concentrations of collagen, with ADP and with a thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP). Compared to baseline, aspirin alone inhibited aggregation only with low-dose collagen stimulation;P-OM3 alone did not inhibit aggregation with any agonist; and combined therapy inhibited aggregation with all agonists butTRAP. Significant interactions between interventions were not observed in response to any agonist. In conclusion, P-OM3 alone did not inhibit platelet aggregation, but did (with two agonists) when combined with aspirin. Since previous studies have not reported a clinically significant risk for bleeding in subjects on combined therapy, P-OM3 may safely enhance the anti-platelet effect of aspirin.

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Spironolactone-Induced Agranulocytosis

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1177/106002809703100511 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 31 (5) ◽

pp. 582-585 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Anna M Whitling ◽

Pablo E Pérgola ◽

John Lee Sang ◽

Robert L Talbert

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Adverse Effect ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Leukocyte Count ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

University Hospital ◽

Drug Induced ◽

Bone Marrow Biopsies ◽

Case Summary ◽

Before And After

OBJECTIVE: TO report a case of agranulocytosis secondary to spironolactone in a patient with cryptogenic liver disease. CASE SUMMARY: A 58-year-old Hispanic woman with cryptogenic cirrhosis was admitted to University Hospital on October 31, 1995. Laboratory data revealed a leukocyte count of 1.0 × 103/mm3 and an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 10 cells/mm3. Prior to treatment with spironolactone, the leukocyte count was 10.2 × 103/mm3 and ANC 8400 cells/mm3. Agranulocytosis resolved 5 days following the discontinuation of spironolactone. Results from the bone marrow biopsies before and after treatment with spironolactone suggested that agranulocytosis was caused by the drug's toxic effect on the bone marrow. DISCUSSION: Drug-induced agranulocytosis is a serious adverse effect, occurring at a rate of approximately 6.2 cases per million persons each year. In addition to the case reported here, three other reports of agranulocytosis secondary to spironolactone have been published in the literature. Several factors have been identified that may increase a patient's risk for developing agranulocytosis, including increased age, hepatic or renal impairment, drag dosage and duration, and concurrent medications. CONCLUSIONS: Agranulocytosis secondary to spironolactone is a serious potential adverse effect. Patients with risk factors for developing this adverse effect should be closely monitored since early detection and discontinuation of spironolactone can improve prognosis.

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