scholarly journals Evaluation of the postal service for referral of specimen of drug resistance tuberculosis in Amhara region, Ethiopia; mixed method

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 619-627
Author(s):  
Gebremedhin Berhe Gebregergs ◽  
Mulusew Alemneh Sinishaw ◽  
Melashu Balew Shiferaw ◽  
Tenagnework Antife ◽  
Melkie Assefa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Referral System ◽  
Postal Service ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Amhara Region ◽  
Post Offices ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Speci Mens ◽  
Acceptable Quality

Background: In Ethiopia, specimens of presumptive drug resistant tuberculosis cases are transported by courier system from district sample collection centers to reference laboratories. It is essential to track the effectiveness of the referral system and identify challenges in order to take timely and appropriate actions. We assessed turnaround time and quality of speci- mens, and explored challenges of the specimen referral system in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2017. Methods: With mixed methods, we retrospectively examined 385 randomly selected presumptive drug resistance TB speci- mens, and interviewed 53 purposively selected key informants from laboratories and post offices. We calculated median TAT and proportion of acceptable quality. We analyzed qualitative data thematically. Results: Of the 385 specimens, 94.5% (364/385) had acceptable quality at arrival in the reference laboratories. All the 364 specimens had result. Three - fourth (76.1%) of results were dispatched to the referring health facilities within the recom- mended turnaround time. Ineffective communication and lack of feedback among institutions were mentioned as challenges. Conclusion: The postal service was effective in keeping quality and majority of test results were timely delivered. Yet, there were operational challenges. Therefore, effective communication, using dedicated vehicle for specimen shipment and aware- ness creation on specimen collection and handling are recommended. Keywords: Postal service; specimen referral; turnaround time; drug resistance tuberculosis.

Five-Year Follow-up of Routine Outpatient Test Turnaround Time: A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes Study

2003 ◽  
Vol 127 (11) ◽  
pp. 1421-1423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Valenstein ◽  
Molly Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Blood Cell Counts ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Similar Survey ◽  
Increase Efficiency

Abstract Context.—Timely reporting of outpatient tests can increase efficiency of care and improve customer satisfaction. Objectives.—We conducted a survey in 2002 to determine how quickly hospital-based laboratories turned around routine requests for 3 common assays and compared the results with a similar survey conducted in 1997. Design.—One hundred eighteen laboratories prospectively recorded the collection-to-verification turnaround time for 9252 complete blood cell counts (CBCs), 8832 thyroid tests, and 9193 basic metabolic panels. Results.—The median facility reported all test results by 7:00 am of the weekday immediately after the date of specimen collection. The bottom 10% of institutions reported 99% of CBCs and basic metabolic panels within 1 day and 60% of thyroid tests within 1 day. The 65 institutions that participated in both the 1997 and 2002 surveys showed significant overall improvement in turnaround time for all 3 types of tests (P < .001). In 2002, federal institutions had significantly slower turnaround times than nonfederal institutions for CBC tests (P < .001), thyroid tests (P = .03), and basic metabolic panels (P < .001). Other demographic and practice variables were not associated with turnaround time. Conclusion.—The turnaround time of routine outpatient tests appears to have improved between 1997 and 2002.

Evaluation of two point of care technologies for measuring monoclonal antibody therapeutic-A concentrations in blood

Bioanalysis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 1449-1458
Author(s):  
Saloumeh K Fischer ◽  
Kathi Williams ◽  
Ian Harmon ◽  
Bryan Bothwell ◽  
Hua Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Monitoring Methods ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Quick Turnaround Time

Aim: Current blood monitoring methods require sample collection and testing at a central lab, which can take days. Point of care (POC) devices with quick turnaround time can provide an alternative with faster results, allowing for real-time data leading to better treatment decisions for patients. Results/Methodology: An assay to measure monoclonal antibody therapeutic-A was developed on two POC devices. Data generated using 75 serum samples (65 clinical & ten spiked samples) show correlative results to the data generated using Gyrolab technology. Conclusion: This case study uses a monoclonal antibody therapeutic-A concentration assay as an example to demonstrate the potential of POC technologies as a viable alternative to central lab testing with quick results allowing for real-time decision-making.

scholarly journals Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network Laboratory Guidelines for the Use of Direct Tests to Detect Syphilis in Canada

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (supplement a) ◽  
pp. 13A-17A ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond SW Tsang ◽  
Muhammad Morshed ◽  
Max A Chernesky ◽  
Gayatri C Jayaraman ◽  
Kamran Kadkhoda
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Treponema Pallidum ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Dark Field ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Infectivity Test

Treponema pallidumsubsp.pallidumand/or its nucleic acid can be detected by various methods such as microscopy, rabbit infectivity test or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The rabbit infectivity test forT. pallidum, although very sensitive, has been discontinued from most laboratories due to ethical issues related to the need for animal inoculation with liveT. pallidum, the technically demanding procedure and long turnaround time for results, thus making it impractical for routine diagnostic use. Dark-field and phase-contrast microscopy are still useful at clinic- or hospital-based laboratories for near-bedside detection ofT. pallidumin genital, skin or mucous lesions although their availability is decreasing. The lack of reliable and specific anti-T. pallidumantibodies and its inferior sensitivity to PCR may explain why the direct fluorescent antibody test forT. pallidumis not widely available for clinical use. Immunohistochemical staining forT. pallidumalso depends on the availability of specific antibodies, and the method is only applicable for histopathological examination of biopsy and autopsy specimens necessitating an invasive specimen collection approach. With recent advances in molecular diagnostics, PCR is considered to be the most reliable, versatile and practical for laboratories to implement. In addition to being an objective and sensitive test for direct detection ofTreponema pallidumsubsp. pallidumDNA in skin and mucous membrane lesions, the resulting PCR amplicons from selected gene targets can be further characterized for antimicrobial (macrolide) susceptibility testing, strain typing and identification ofT. pallidumsubspecies.

Evaluation of a completely automated tissue-sectioning machine for paraffin blocks

2011 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maristela L Onozato ◽  
Stephen Hammond ◽  
Mark Merren ◽  
Yukako Yagi
Keyword(s):  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Sectioned Material ◽  
Acceptable Quality ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Anatomical Pathology

Tissue-sectioning automation can be a resourceful tool in processing anatomical pathology specimens. The advantages of an automated system compared with traditional manual sectioning are the invariable thickness, uniform orientation and fewer tissue-sectioning artefacts. This short report presents the design of an automated tissue-sectioning device and compares the sectioned specimens with normal manual tissue sectioning performed by an experienced histology technician. The automated system was easy to use, safe and the sectioned material showed acceptable quality with well-preserved morphology and tissue antigenicity. It is expected that the turnaround time will be improved in the near future.

scholarly journals Amplification of cestode DNA from the peri-anal region of naturally infected foxes by PCR and LAMP: proof of concept for a potential sampling strategy for diagnosing human taeniosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian Muchaamba ◽  
Cristian A. Alvarez Rojas ◽  
Peter Deplazes
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Lamp Assay ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Alkaline Lysis ◽  
Anal Region ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Multiplex Pcr Assay ◽  
Anal Swab

AbstractThe diagnosis of human taeniosis can be achieved through coproscopy, ELISA or PCR. An important limitation of these methods is the high turnaround time for stool sample collection and preparation, indicating the need for a straightforward sampling strategy. Due to the high metabolic activity and reproductive potential of Taenia spp., we hypothesise that parasite DNA (cells and eggs) present in the peri-anal region of the host can be exploited as a target for molecular diagnosis. We evaluated the feasibility of recovering parasite DNA from the peri-anal area of foxes naturally infected with Taenia spp. Before necropsy, cotton swabs were rubbed at the peri-anal region of foxes. DNA was extracted using alkaline lysis coupled with a commercial DNA isolation kit (method A) or alkaline lysis alone (method B). DNA was used in the multiplex-PCR assay (previously described and called here swab-PCR) and a novel LAMP assay detecting Taenia spp. commonly found in foxes (swab-LAMP). The results of these assays from 105 foxes were compared with the presence of intestinal helminths determined at necropsy and by the sedimentation and counting technique (SCT). The sensitivity of swab-PCR for detecting Taenia (n = 68) was 89.8% (95% CI, 77.7–96.6) and 89.5% (66.9–98.7) using methods A and B, respectively. The sensitivity of the swab-LAMP assay was 83.7% (70.3–92.7) using method A and 89.5% (66.9–98.7) with method B. We postulate that peri-anal swab sampling followed by simplified DNA extraction and LAMP might be a suitable strategy for surveillance of human taeniosis in resource-limited settings in the future.

scholarly journals New regimens and new medications in the treatment of tuberculosis: keeping step?

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-42
Author(s):  
Dmitry Y. Ruzanov ◽  
A.M. Skriagina ◽  
I.V. Buinevich ◽  
S.V. Goponiako ◽  
G.S. Balasaniantc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Adherence To Treatment ◽  
Short Treatment ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Resistant Tuberculosis ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Repurposed Drugs

Rapid tests detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis and drug resistance which are universally implemented in medical practice has dramatically improved the diagnosis of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and shortened turnaround time thus enabling early etiotropic therapy. However, permanently increasing drug resistance of M. tuberculosis makes treatment less effective. Furthermore, long treatment courses are required due to low sterilizing activity of treatment regimens used for drug-resistant tuberculosis which leads to greater toxic effects, reduces patients’ adherence to treatment and consumes resources of medical care systems. Current phthisiology needs new effective medications and short treatment regimens, otherwise elimination of tuberculosis by 2050 is impossible. This review summarizes the information about treatment of drugresistant TB, including repurposed drugs, new medications and treatment regimens.

scholarly journals Assessment of Trypanocidal Drug Resistance In Tsetse Infested Areas of Guraferda District, Bench Maji Zone, South Western Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-158
Author(s):  
Abiyu Tadele ◽  
Tsegaye Teklemariam ◽  
Mulugeta Abera ◽  
Ayele Woldemeskel
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Tsetse Fly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Trypanosome Species ◽  
Trypanosome Infection ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Diminazene Aceturate ◽  
Western Ethiopia

The South Western region of Ethiopia is affected by both tsetse and non-tsetse transmitted trypanosomosis with a significant impact on livestock productivity. The control of trypanosomosis in Ethiopia relies on either curative or prophylactic treatment of animals with diminazene aceturate (DA) or isometamidium chloride (ISMM). This study was conducted from March - June 2017, where tsetse infestation was high in four purposively selected rural kebeles of Guraferda district of Bench Maji Zone, South Western Ethiopia. The main objective of this study was to assess trypanocidal drug resistance under natural grazing systems. Resistance to trypanocidal drug was determined through longitudinal studies. In this study 200 cattle were used for experiment; 50 cattle from each rural kebeles (25 treated and 25 control group). However, 16 animals 5 from control and 11 from threated group were left due to sale of the animals by the owners, refusal of owners to allow their animals during sample collection and inability to reach the study kebeles because of heavy rain and presence of mud. In the present study, 25 cattle were treated with isometamidium and 25 cattle were left untreated and examined regularly at two weeks interval for the presence of trypanosomes. During the experimental period, all infections were monitored in both groups and treated with diminazene (7 mg/kg) body weight. Resistance to isometamidium was assessed by comparing cumulative incidence in both treated and control group using the test relative risk reduction and deducting the rate of treatment failure. Resistance to diminizene was assessed through the rate of treatment failure observed at two week post treatment in the control group. In both cases the threshold of 25% treatment failure was adopted as criteria of presence of chemo-resistance. The present study revealed that the prevalence of trypanosome infection was (76.8%) in control and (23.2%) in treated group. The trypanosome species in the area was predominantly due to T.Congolense (76.8%). This indicates there was a resistance of trypanosome species for the treatment with the recommended dose of diaminazine (7mg/kg) and isometamidium (1mg/kg) body weight. Thus, it is crucial to develop an adequate prophylactic measurements to reduce the prevalence of trypanosome infection there by reducing tsetse fly populations in the study areas. 

Death by Mail

2020 ◽  
pp. 117-128
Author(s):  
Zachary Michael Jack
Keyword(s):  
Phase 1 ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Postal Service ◽  
Post Office ◽  
Ground Zero ◽  
Post Offices ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Community Meeting ◽  
Death Knell ◽  
The U.S

This chapter addresses the potential closing of a post office (PO) near the author's home. The author located the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) community meeting location nearest them — Buffalo, Iowa — and made plans to be there in person to hear the death knell. The proposed service reductions, part of the vaguely nefarious-sounding Phase 1 of USPS's POStPlan, are slated to impact over thirteen thousand post offices nationwide. In 2011, the Postal Service shuttered more than 460 mostly rural offices in a series of closings disproportionately impacting Middle American states. With several hundred post offices facing reduced hours or “discontinuance,” Iowa's 322 would-be victims placed second only to Pennsylvania's 445. Calculating a post office closure/hours reduction rate per capita reveals a moribund ground zero smack dab in the nation's breadbasket.

Blood and Oral Fluid Cannabinoid Profiles of Frequent and Occasional Cannabis Smokers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa A Hoffman ◽  
Jacqueline A Hubbard ◽  
Philip M Sobolesky ◽  
Breland E Smith ◽  
Raymond T Suhandynata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Fluid ◽  
Safety Concern ◽  
Biological Fluid ◽  
Driving Under The Influence ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Cannabis Consumption ◽  
Per Se

Abstract Increased prevalence of cannabis consumption and impaired driving are a growing public safety concern. Some states adopted per se driving laws, making it illegal to drive with more than a specified ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) blood concentration of THC in a biological fluid (typically blood). Blood THC concentrations decrease significantly (~90%) with delays in specimen collection, suggesting use of alternative matrices, such as oral fluid (OF). We characterized 10 cannabinoids’ concentrations, including THC metabolites, in blood and OF from 191 frequent and occasional users by LC–MS-MS for up to 6 h after ad libitum smoking. Subjects self-titrated when smoking placebo, 5.9 or 13.4% THC cannabis. Higher maximum blood THC concentrations (Cmax) were observed in individuals who received the 5.9% THC versus the 13.4% THC plant material. In blood, the Cmax of multiple analytes, including THC and its metabolites, were increased in frequent compared to occasional users, whereas there were no significant differences in OF Cmax. Blood THC remained detectable (≥5 ng/mL) at the final sample collection for 14% of individuals who smoked either the 5.9% or 13.4% THC cigarette, whereas 54% had detectable THC in OF when applying the same cutoff. Occasional and frequent cannabis users’ profiles were compared, THC was detectable for significantly longer in blood and OF from frequent users. Detection rates between frequent and occasional users at multiple per se cutoffs showed larger differences in blood versus OF. Understanding cannabinoid profiles of frequent and occasional users and the subsequent impact on detectability with current drug per se driving limits is important to support forensic interpretations and the development of scientifically supported driving under the influence of cannabis laws.

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