Revisiting the effects of spectral interfering substances in optical end-point coagulation assays.

Introduction: Hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia (HIL) are common pre-analytical variables in the clinical laboratory. Understanding their effects on coagulation laboratory results is essential.

Methods: HIL effects on the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), dilute Russell's viper venom time (DRVVT), thrombin time (TT), and protein C chromogenic activity (CFx) were evaluated on the ACL TOP 750 optical analyzer and STA-R Evolution mechanical analyzer (PT and APTT only) by spiking normal donor, patient, and commercial control samples with varying concentrations of hemolysate, bilirubin, or a lipid emulsion.

Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Females Have Normal Colonic Barrier and Secretory Function.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine whether constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) is associated with changes in intestinal barrier and secretory function.

Methods: A total of 19 IBS-C patients and 18 healthy volunteers (all females) underwent saccharide excretion assay (0.1 g C mannitol and 1 g lactulose), measurements of duodenal and colonic mucosal barrier (transmucosal resistance (TMR), macromolecular and Escherichia coli Bio-Particle translocation), mucosal secretion (basal and acetylcholine (Ach)-evoked short-circuit current (Isc)), in vivo duodenal mucosal impedance, circulating endotoxins, and colonic tight junction gene expression.

Analytical performance specifications: relating laboratory performance to quality required for intended clinical use.

This article proposes analytic performance goals for five quality indicators: precision, trueness, linearity, detection limits, and consistency across instruments and time. We defined our goals using methods linked to clinical practice data. Goals for desirable precision and trueness are based on biological variation.

Analytical and clinical comparison of anti-CCP assays with rheumatoid factor for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by chronic joint inflammation and extra-articular manifestations, eventually leading to permanent disability without early therapeutic interventions.

Methods: The analytical and clinical performance of an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA) (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) were determined for cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) in the diagnostic assessment of rheumatoid arthritis compared to a plate-based anti-CCP enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Inova Diagnostics, Inc.).

Pediatric brain natriuretic peptide concentrations vary with age and sex and appear to be modulated by testosterone.

Background: Natriuretic peptide concentrations in adults require age- and sex-specific reference intervals for optimal interpretation. Females have higher natriuretic peptide concentrations, and hypotheses suggest that estrogen may be responsible. This study sought to determine the influence of hormone modulation on N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) by using a pediatric cohort.