Comparison of visual vs. automated detection of lipemic, icteric and hemolyzed specimens: can we rely on a human eye?

Background: Results from hemolyzed, icteric, and lipemic samples may be inaccurate and can lead to medical errors. These preanalytical interferences may be detected using visual or automated assessment. Visual inspection is time consuming, highly subjective and not standardized.

Soluble transferrin receptor and transferrin receptor-ferritin index in iron deficiency anemia and anemia in rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency of soluble transferrin receptor and transferrin receptor-ferritin index (sTfR/logF) in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, as well as the differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia and anemia in rheumatoid arthritis. The study included 96 patients with anemia and 61 healthy volunteers as a control group. In healthy subjects there were no significant sex and age differences in the parameters tested.