Prevalence of vitamin B(12) depletion and deficiency in Liechtenstein.

Objective: Data about vitamin B(12) (B(12)) deficiency in the general population are scarce. The present study was performed to determine the prevalence of B(12) deficiency in the general population of the Principality of Liechtenstein, as well as to identify sub-populations potentially at high risk.

Design: Retrospective study.

Stability of hematological analytes depends on the hematology analyser used: a stability study with Bayer Advia 120, Beckman Coulter LH 750 and Sysmex XE 2100.

Aim: With the availability of newer hematology analysers, novel measurement techniques are being introduced into daily routine. As analyte stability may differ according to the employed measurement technique, the aim of this study was to assess the stability of hematologic analytes on different hematology analysers.

Methods: We investigated the effect of storage time and storage temperature on sample stability on three newer analytical systems (Advia 120, Bayer Diagnostics; XE 2100, Sysmex and LH 750, Beckman Coulter).

Prevalence of decreased glomerular filtration rate in patients seeking non-nephrological medical care--an evaluation using IDMS-traceable creatinine based MDRD as well as Mayo Clinic quadratic equation estimates.

Background: Data on the prevalence of decreased glomerular filtration rate in Europe are limited. Most of the available studies did not employ laboratory methods providing creatinine concentrations traceable to the reference method, i.e.