Does decreasing the incubation period used in the antibody screen affect its sensitivity?

BACKGROUND: Pre-transfusion testing (PTT) encompasses a set of mandatory laboratory tests performed before red blood cell transfusion. The antibody screen, one component of PTT, commonly includes a 10-20 min incubation. The primary aim of this study was to determine if this period can be reduced when using current immunohematology methodologies. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Antibody screens were performed on reagent samples using Glass or Gel-based column agglutination technologies (CAT) and a solid phase red cell adherence (SPRCA) assay, with incubation periods of 1, 5, 10 and 15 min, and 20 min (SPRCA assay only). For each method, the shortest period producing a minimum of a 1+ reaction with all reagent samples was considered optimal. The sensitivity of each assay using the optimal period was calculated after performing antibody screens on 100 patient samples. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: It was demonstrated that the incubation period in the SPRCA and Glass CAT systems can be reduced to 5 and 10 min, respectively, while achieving high assay sensitivity (98.9% in both). The incubation period in the Gel CAT system cannot be reduced from 15 min. Significant association between titre and reaction strength was observed for all three screening methods (p < 0.001 for both CAT methods, p = 0.041 for SPRCA). This study demonstrates that the incubation period used in the antibody screen can be reduced when using systems employing the Glass CAT and SPRCA methods, without affecting assay sensitivity. If confirmed, it could result in faster completion of PTT.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection among current and former injection drug users within a multidisciplinary treatment model at a community health centre.

The aim of the present prospective observational study was to assess uptake and success of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among a group of former and current injection drug users with chronic HCV infection at the Street Health Centre in Kingston, Ontario. The Street Health Centre offers hepatitis C education, assessment and treatment within a multidisciplinary, integrated and collaborative treatment model of care delivered by primary care professionals. The study enrolled a convenience sample of 34 patients. Seventy per cent of study patients had no postsecondary education, 85% were unemployed and one-third were unstably housed. A majority of study patients self-reported mental health problems. Of the 14 patients who initiated antiviral treatment in the study period, eight (57%) achieved sustained virological response. Regardless of virological outcome, patients who initiated treatment showed positive trends toward increased social and psychiatric stability, and decreases in high-risk behaviours. These results suggest that not only is successful treatment of chronic HCV infection in current and former injection drug users with concurrent psychiatric disorders possible, but the benefits of such treatment delivered in a community-based, multidisciplinary, primary care model may extend beyond narrowly defined virological outcomes.

Pregnancy during residency: a literature review.

PURPOSE: It is estimated that by 2010 30% of U.S. physicians will be women. Pregnancy during residency can and does happen in all programs, and continues to provide problems for many. The author reviews the issues surrounding pregnancy during residency by evaluating published commentaries and research reports. METHOD: A literature search was conducted using Medline (January 1984-October 2001). Published articles were categorized as research or commentary. Research reports were sorted by content and summarized under three headings: mother and infant health, sources of stress and support for the pregnant resident, and reactions of colleagues to the pregnant resident. RESULTS: A total of 27 research reports were located; two additional reports published before 1984 were added because they complemented included studies. The majority of the studies in this review used retrospective self-report questionnaires, mostly completed by female residents and physicians. All reports suggested an increased risk of complications, especially adverse late-pregnancy events, for pregnant physicians. Pregnant residents found the physical demands of residency and lack of support from fellow residents and their departments most stressful. Anger and resentment toward the pregnant resident were common among not-pregnant residents, feelings particularly associated with expectations of increased workload. Individual maternity/parental leave policies were inconsistent. Policy development is discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The studies in this review supported planning for residents' pregnancies, and the author advocates clear maternity/parental leave policies. The author comments on the use of existing data to make common sense changes and on the need for further studies to help clarify the issues and evaluate program changes.

Cardioversion of persistent atrial arrhythmia after treatment with venlafaxine in successful management of major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.

There is increasing evidence linking depression and cardiovascular disease. However, the authors could find no literature directly linking depression with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. The authors report the case of a patient with uncontrolled atrial arrhythmia who cardioverted to normal sinus rhythm after treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with venlafaxine. The authors discuss comorbidity of MDD and atrial fibrillation, and explore evidence of venlafaxine as an antiarrhythmic agent. Further research is needed to establish the clinical role of venlafaxine as a Class 1 antiarrhythmic agent and any association between atrial arrhythmias and MDD and PTSD.

Administrative restructuring of a residency training program for improved efficiency and output.

OBJECTIVES: Canadian residency training programs (RTP) have a program director (PD) and a residency program committee (RPC) overseeing program administration. Limited guidance is available about the ideal administrative structure of an RTP. This article describes administrative load in Canadian RTPs, presents a novel approach to delegating core administrative tasks within the RTP, and provides initial impressions of positive outcomes following implementation of this new system. METHOD: All PDs of Canadian psychiatry RTPs were surveyed with respect to their program administrative structure, involvement of their training committees, and the percentage of work done by the PD compared to the rest of the RPC. At Queen's University, program domains were created representing well-defined areas within the RTP, each being assigned a program domain manager. RESULTS: RPCs were mainly consultative, averaging 14 members. The average PD: RPC workload ratio was 80:20. Three programs allowed for 50% of the program director's time to be dedicated to serving that position, with an average time dedication of 37%. CONCLUSION: The position of PD in psychiatry requires an average of 37% of the program director's time, while carrying an estimated 82% of the administrative workload. The program domain manager administration system implemented at Queen's University enabled the PD to be simultaneously up to date with all major areas of the program while experiencing a substantial decrease in the administrative workload, achieved through increased work contribution of the RPC. This system encourages closer involvement of RPC members in decision making and development of their program domains, allowing the PD more time for developing, implementing and overseeing innovations across the RTP spectrum. Furthermore, it has led to a PD: RPC workload shift from a ratio of 90:10 to one of about 60:40. Essentially, this resulted in a more efficient and adaptable RPC and RTP.