Clinical Evaluation of Assays for Plasma Renin Activity and Aldosterone Measurement by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Background: Aldosterone and renin are pivotal hormones in the regulation of salt and water homeostasis and blood pressure. Measurement of renin and aldosterone in serum/plasma is essential for the investigation of primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) and monitoring of glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

Methods: We report 2 LC-MS/MS methods developed to measure aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA).

Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase by immunoassay or electrophoresis: their use in clinical practice.

Background: Measurement of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) may be useful in diagnosing and monitoring metabolic bone disease. This study aimed to evaluate the BALP immunoassay and compare it with electrophoresis (densitometry) for the quantitation of BALP.

Methods: Metra BALP immunoassay kits were used for the method comparison.

Chylothorax diagnosis: can the clinical chemistry laboratory do more?

Background: Chylothorax is a rare anatomical disruption of the thoracic duct associated with a significant degree of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis usually relies upon lipid analysis and visual inspection of the pleural fluid. However, this may be subject to incorrect interpretation.

Adaptation to altitude as a vehicle for experiential learning of physiology by university undergraduates.

In this article, an experiential learning activity is described in which 19 university undergraduates made experimental observations on each other to explore physiological adaptations to high altitude. Following 2 wk of didactic sessions and baseline data collection at sea level, the group ascended to a research station at 12,500-ft elevation. Here, teams of three to four students measured the maximal rate of oxygen uptake, cognitive function, hand and foot volume changes, reticulocyte count and hematocrit, urinary pH and 24-h urine volume, athletic performance, and nocturnal blood oxygen saturation.