Status of serum-calcium and -albumin measurement in Argentina assessed in 300 representative laboratories with 20 fresh frozen single donation sera.

Background: The Fundación Bioquímica Argentina (FBA) performs external quality assessment (EQA) of >3200 laboratories. However, FBA realizes that sample non-commutability and predominant use of heterogeneous systems may bias the estimated performance and standardization status. To eliminate these confounding factors, a study using frozen single donation sera was undertaken with the focus on serum-calcium and -albumin measurement.

Traceability of values for catalytic activity concentration of enzymes: a Certified Reference Material for aspartate transaminase.

Background: A new reference material for the liver enzyme aspartate transaminase (AST) (L-aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate-aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.

Effects of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril) on inflammatory markers in secondary prevention patients: RAICES Study.

Aims: To evaluate the hypothesis that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy with ramipril reduces baseline levels of C-reactive protein in patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods: Secondary prevention patients were screened for eligibility and treated with ramipril for 6 month. Baseline and 6-month highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels were determined.