The Effect of Sample Handling on Free Valproic Acid Levels.

Background: Valproic acid (VPA) is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant drug. Under normal conditions, this drug is highly protein bound. However, in patients with hypoalbuminemia, the free fraction can increase substantially while the total VPA levels remain in therapeutic range.

Evaluation of Orthogonal Testing Algorithm for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody testing is an important tool in assessment of pandemic progress, contact tracing, and identification of recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. We evaluated an orthogonal testing algorithm (OTA) to improve test specificity in these use cases.

Methods: A two-step OTA was applied where individuals who initially tested positive were tested with a second test.

Comparison of the Abbott Architect BRAHMS and the Biomérieux Vidas BRAHMS Procalcitonin Assays.

Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a well-established marker for bacterial infection. Recently the US Food and Drug Administration approved the expanded use of this biomarker to guide clinical decisions for antibiotic treatment in patients with lower respiratory tract infections. Both the Architect BRAHMS PCT (PCT-A) and Vidas BRAHMS PCT (PCT-V) are approved for this indication.