Comparative evaluation of Strepto B ID chromogenic medium and Granada media for the detection of Group B streptococcus from vaginal samples of pregnant women.

Two types of selective media, the chromogenic medium Strepto B ID and two non-chromogenic media Strepto B agar and the Granada medium, were tested and compared to blood agar plates (BAP) for screening of Group B streptococcus vaginal colonization in pregnant women. All tested media were comparable in terms of sensitivity however, their use in routine laboratories may markedly facilitate the rapid detection of GBS in vaginal samples.

[Evaluation of the analytical performance characteristics of NT-proBNP immunoassay on dimension RxL-HM (Dade Behring)].

Background: Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N terminal prohormone (NT-proBNP) are promising markers for the diagnosis, prognosis and follow up of heart failure. Elevated levels have been associated with adverse long-term outcome in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Method: The analytical performance of a new automated NT-proBNP assay on Dimension-HM system (Dade Behring) and comparison with the results obtained with the Roche Diagnostics NT-proBNP assays using the Elecsys instrument have been evaluated according to the Valtec protocol.