Nationwide external quality assessment of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification tests in Japan.

Objectives: We conducted a nationwide external quality assessment (EQA) study of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid amplification testing in Japan.

Methods: A total of 563 public health and private sector laboratories participated. The EQA samples comprised 6 RNA and full-process controls.

Austenite grain growth simulation considering the solute-drag effect and pinning effect.

The pinning effect is useful for restraining austenite grain growth in low alloy steel and improving heat affected zone toughness in welded joints. We propose a new calculation model for predicting austenite grain growth behavior. The model is mainly comprised of two theories: the solute-drag effect and the pinning effect of TiN precipitates.

[Usefulness of the authorized acquisition of ISO 15189 in registered clinical laboratories].

More than 10 years have passed since the ISO 15189 international standardization program on the quality and competence of the medical laboratories was introduced in 2003. Currently, the number of facilities that have committed themselves to providing a higher level of medical service by incorporating a quality management system (QMS) and acquiring accreditation has grown to over 70. QMS is defined as "setting up a policy and goals pertaining to quality, and adopting an appropriate system," and is a scheme that includes all factors both managerial and technical that can affect test results.

[Medical safety management in the setting of a clinical reference laboratory--risk management efforts in clinical testing].

As a result of recurring medical accidents, risk management in the medical setting has been given much attention. The announcement in August, 2000 by the Ministry of Health committee for formulating a standard manual for risk management, of a "Risk management manual formulation guideline" has since been accompanied by the efforts of numerous medical testing facilities to develop such documents. In 2008, ISO/TS 22367:2008 on "Medical laboratories-Reduction of error through risk management and continual improvement" was published.

[Effectiveness of incorporating a quality management system].

In 2003, the ISO 15189 international standardization program on the quality and competence of the clinical reference laboratory was introduced. To date, 46 facilities have committed themselves to providing a higher level of medical service by incorporating a quality management system (QMS) and acquiring accreditation. QMS is defined as "setting up a policy and goals pertaining to quality, and adopting an appropriate system," and is a scheme that includes all managerial and technical factors that can affect test results.

Alkalization of blood pH is responsible for survival of cancer patients by mild hyperthermia.

The effect of mild hyperthermia on venous blood pH was examined in 6 cancer patients. Mild hyperthermia was induced by continuation of a rectal temperature of 39.5 degrees C for 30 min.