Methodology to Evaluate Clinical Impact of 0/3 Hour High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Protocol on Managing Acute Coronary Syndrome in Daily Emergency Department Practice.

Objective: Sex-/age-differentiated cutoffs and the magnitude of serial changes in high-sensitivity cardiac troponins (hs-cTn) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosis algorithms are still under discussion. This study presents a methodology to evaluate decision-making limits and to assess whether sex-specific cutoffs could improve diagnostic accuracy.

Methods: A high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) 0-/3-hour protocol was adopted, applying the 2015 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines.

Diagnostic accuracy of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies in idiopathic membranous nephropathy: an Italian experience.

Background: Autoantibodies against-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) are specific markers of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is becoming the preferred method in many laboratories for the determination of anti-PLA2R antibodies, because it provides quantitative results, and is not prone to subjective interpretation, as is the case with indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Methods: The purpose of our study was to determine the diagnostic performance of serum PLA2R antibodies detected by commercially available ELISA in a large Italian multicenter cohort of patients with biopsy-proven iMN and in patients with other renal diseases, with special focus on evaluating the optimal cut-off value to discriminate positive and negative results.

Fecal gluten immunogenic peptides as indicators of dietary compliance in celiac patients.

Background: It is important to have methods for evaluating dietary compliance in patients with celiac disease (CD). Determination of fecal gluten immunogenic peptides (GIPs) was recently proposed as a method of detecting gluten intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether determination of GIPs can be used as an indicator of compliance with a gluten-free diet (GFD).

A computer model for professional competence assessment according to ISO 15189.

Background As defined by ISO 15189 competence is the "demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills" thus, its assessment is fundamental for ensuring the quality of the total testing process in order to reduce the risk for the patient. We have developed a functional software for the measurement of professional competences in order to standardize the procedure and to collect all the data in a single platform, avoiding redundancy and dispersion. Methods Our model objectively assesses the skills, as they become measurable and comparable with appropriate standards and involves both managers and operators, to increase their active engagement.

Defining and Managing the Preanalytical Phase With FMECA: Automation and/or "Human" Control.

Objective: Our scope is to provide methodological elements on how to manage effectively the preanalytical phase in the laboratory testing process, by objectively measuring the risk connected to the phases handled by man with respect to those managed by machines.

Background: Preanalytical errors account for most of the mistakes related to laboratory testing and can affect patient care. Hence, it is necessary to manage the risk connected to the preanalytical phase, as required by certification and accreditation bodies.

A study on the association of mood disorders and gluten-related diseases.

Our study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibodies related to gluten intolerance in patients with mood disorders. A total of 60 patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or depressive disorder were recruited. Fourty-eight subjects randomly selected among unrelated family members were included as controls.