Unanticipated error in HbA(1c) measurement on the HLC-723 G7 analyzer.

Objectives: Investigation of falsely elevated HbA(1c) measurements on the HLC-723 G7 analyser.

Design And Methods: Comparison of HbA(1c) in blood samples that were diluted either in hemolysis reagent or water.

Results: HbA(1c) results became falsely elevated when samples were diluted in hemolysis reagent, but not in water.

Lack of concordance between a rapid bedside and conventional laboratory method of cardiac troponin testing: impact on risk stratification of patients suspected of acute coronary syndrome.

Objectives: This study was designed to test the usefulness of a bedside assay as compared to a laboratory method of troponin testing to predict adverse cardiac outcome of chest pain patients.

Methods: We studied 358 ER visits of patients suspected of a non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. cTnI (Immulite, DPC) on a lab analyser and cTnT (Cardiac Reader, Roche) at bedside were measured at baseline.

Automated flagging influences the inconsistency and bias of band cell and atypical lymphocyte morphological differentials.

This study evaluated inter- and intra-observer variabilities of band cell and atypical lymphocyte differentials and the influence of instrument flagging information on resulting microscopic differentials. Five stained slides with a range of band cell counts and five with variable numbers of atypical lymphocytes were sent for morphological review by 30 technicians. No supplementary full blood cell count information was provided.

Serum creatine kinase as predictor of clinical course in rhabdomyolysis: a 5-year intensive care survey.

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors for the development of acute renal failure (ARF) in severe rhabdomyolysis.

Design: Observational historical cohort study.

Setting: General intensive care unit of a university hospital.