A new pitfall in potassium testing: A case series of false elevation of hemolysis index in the presence of monoclonal protein.

Hemolysis is the most common preanalytical interfering factor and a major source of error in clinical biochemistry analysis. Modern laboratories routinely assess hemolysis in conjunction with a laboratory information system algorithm that automatically adds a comment or rejects test values when appropriate. The hemolysis index has largely replaced visual inspection for assessing specimen quality prior to clinical chemistry testing.

Does Decreased Diffusing Capacity of the Lungs for Carbon Monoxide Constitute a Risk of Decompression Sickness in Occupational Divers?

Long-term alterations of pulmonary function (mainly decreased airway conductance and capacity of the lungs to diffuse carbon monoxide (DLCO)) have been described after hyperbaric exposures. However, whether these alterations convey a higher risk for divers' safety has never been investigated before. The purpose of the present pilot study was to assess whether decreased DLCO is associated with modifications of the physiological response to diving.

Evaluation of beta-2 microglobulin, erythropoietin and tobacco use in polycythemic cases.

In the 2016 WHO classification, hemoglobin and hematocrit thresholds for diagnosing polycythemia vera (PV) have been lowered, increasing the number of consultations for polycythemia investigations. In PV, beta-2 microglobulin (B2m) levels are reportedly increased, whereas erythropoietin (EPO) levels are usually low. Most secondary polycythemia cases (SP) are caused by tobacco use.