The accuracy of a point-of-care test among different operators using the QBC Autoread Plus Analyzer for the measurement of a basic full blood count.

BACKGROUND: Major issues around the implementation of point-of-care testing (POCT) include: user type, regulatory control, ongoing quality monitoring and limited guideline adherence.59 December 2019, Print editionObjectives. To determine if there are significant differences in the results of a POC full blood count test between different levels of healthcare and non-medical 'lay' users compared with laboratory users (technologists/pathologists). METHODS: This article retrospectively reviews the technical evaluation database of the intensive care unit (ICU), Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. We searched for samples analysed by doctors, clerks and laboratory personnel. A minimum number of 60 comparisons were required. Bland-Altman plots, Spearman's correlation and Passing-Bablok fit were used to analyse the dataset. RESULTS: There were 72 comparisons for haematocrit (Hct), 98 for white cell count (WCC) and 137 for platelets (Plt) between the clerk and laboratory personnel. The correlations were 0.91, 0.96 and 0.92, respectively. All were statistically significant. Using the Bland-Altman method, there was good agreement between results of the clerk and those of the laboratory staff, with a mean bias of 0.5% (Hct), 0.1 × 109/L (WCC) and 10 × 109/L (Plt). An insufficient number of tests were performed by medical doctors for statistical comparison. CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate training, non-medical, non-healthcare lay users are able to perform a moderately complex POCT with similar accuracy as trained laboratory professionals. The focus should shift to equipment and quality management processes rather than the medical/technical qualification of the user.

Osseointegrated implants for single-tooth replacement: a prospective 5-year multicenter study.

One hundred seven Brånemark implants were placed in 92 patients participating in an international multicenter trial on single-implant restorations at seven centers. The patients were followed for 5 years in a prospective study focusing on implant success and crown function. Plaque and gingival indexes, as well as probing depths, were recorded around teeth and implants. The marginal bone level at implants was determined from intraoral radiographs. Only three implants (2.8%) had been lost at the final annual checkup. During the follow-up period, a total of 17 patients dropped out or were excluded because of nonconformity with the protocol. Based on the remaining patients, a total of 86 implants were clinically and radiographically evaluated at the 5-year follow-up period, resulting in a cumulative success rate of 96.6% (71 implants) in the maxillae and 100% (15 implants) in the mandibles. Plaque and gingival indexes showed a similar pattern of good health around both natural teeth and titanium abutments. The marginal bone loss during the 5-year period did not exceed 1 mm as a mean for all implants analyzed. The most frequent complication recorded during the follow-up was loosening of the abutment fixation screw. The outcome of this study indicated that safe and highly predictable results can be obtained for 5 years when Brånemark implants are used to support single-tooth restorations.

Osseointegrated implants for single-tooth replacement: progress report from a multicenter prospective study after 3 years.

After 3 years, 82 of the original 92 patients remain in this prospective multicenter study of single-tooth restorations supported by Brånemark implants. Since the 1-year follow-up, 6 more patients have been lost, but no additional implants have failed in those patients examined at the 3-year follow-up visit. After 1 year of function, 97.2% of the implants survived in 88 patients, and between the 1- and 3-year follow-up, 100% survived in 82 patients, giving a 3-year cumulative success rate of 97.2%. No changes were observed in the status of gingivitis, pocket depth, periodontal pocket bleeding index, and tooth and implant mobility from those reported after 1 year. Marginal bone resorption remained at a low level--less than 0.1 mm annually during the second and third years. Abutment screw loosening continued, but at a significantly reduced rate from that reported after 1 year. When used, gold rather than titanium abutment screws remained secure.

Tissue-integrated dental prostheses: the first 78 months of experience at the Mayo Clinic.

During a 78-month period at the Mayo Clinic, 1,778 Brånemark endosseous dental implants were placed in the edentulous or partially edentulous jaws of 353 consecutive patients who ranged in age from 8 to 82 years. The largest treatment category involved edentulous mandibles, which accounted for 53% of the total restorations. Approximately 76% of the threaded cylindrical implants supported 312 oral prostheses at the end of the study period. The implant survival rate was 97.8% in the mandible and 88.8% in the maxilla. Complications associated with this treatment included loss of implant anchorage in bone, soft tissue problems, and mechanical difficulties related to design and function of the prostheses. All complications were managed without loss of continuous function of the prostheses, except in four patients who resumed wearing a conventional removable maxillary complete denture. This experience demonstrates that Brånemark endosseous dental implants are predictable and can provide lasting integration under function when placed and loaded in accordance with the recommended protocol.