[Contamination of urine collected for cytobacteriological examination: situation in a university hospital in Morocco]. / Contamination des urines prélevées pour examen cytobactériologique : situation dans un centre hospitalier universitaire au Maroc.

The pre-analytical step of the cytobacteriological examination of urine (CBEU) is one of the most critical in microbiology. The objectives of our study were to determine the rate of urinary contamination and to analyze the factors that would facilitate this in order to propose solutions to this problem. METHOD: This is a 26-month descriptive study including all CBEU requests to our laboratory. Urine was treated in accordance with the recommendations of the medical microbiology recommendations. Urine was considered contaminated in the case of polymorphic culture with at least three different types of germs with a count from 103 CFU/mL. RESULTS: We collected 16,412 CBEU requests. Urine was contaminated in 4,830 cases (29.43%). Of the contaminated urine, 39.23% (n=1,895) was from emergency departments, 79.44% (n=3,837) was collected in the middle of the stream, 69.83% (n=3,373) was from a female patient and 16.34% (n=789) was from children under the age of 5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: To reduce urine contamination, quality instructions describing sampling procedures should be available and samples in the middle of the stream and through the collection adhesive bags should be replaced by sus-pubic puncture samples in children, whenever the profit/risk ratio of this method is favourable.

¿Es necesario el ayuno para la determinación del perfil lipídico? / Is fasting necessary for the determination of the lipid profile?

El propósito de este estudio fue analizar los cambios post prandiales en el perfil lipídico en respuesta a una comida típica argentina. Se extrajo sangre a 33 mujeres voluntarias después de 12 h de ayuno (T0), 1 h después de un desayuno estandarizado (T1) y 1 h después de un almuerzo estandarizado (T2). Se midieron los niveles de: colesterol total, colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (C-HDL), colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (C-LDL) y triglicéridos. Los datos se analizaron utilizando la prueba t de Student pareada. Para cada analito se calculó la diferencia porcentual media (DM%) en T1 y T2 respecto de T0 y se comparó con el valor de referencia del cambio (VRC). Las DM% mayores al VRC se consideraron clínicamente significativas. En T1 y T2, los valores de C-HDL fueron más bajos que en T0, mientras que los valores de C-LDL en T1 fueron más bajos que en T0. Los niveles de triglicéridos fueron significativamente más altos en T1 que en T0. En todos los casos, la variabilidad fue estadísticamente significativa, aunque no clínicamente. En este estudio puede observarse que el perfil de lípidos en T1 y T2 no mostró diferencias clínicamente significativas con respecto a los valores basales.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze postprandial lipid profile changes in response to a typical Argentine meal. Blood was collected from 33 female volunteers after a 12 h fasting period (T0), 1 h after a standardized breakfast (T1) and 1 h after a standardized lunch (T2). The levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides were measured. Data were analyzed using paired Student's t-test. Mean difference % (MD %) was calculated for each analyte at T1 and T2 and was further compared with reference change value (RCV). MDs % higher than RCV were considered clinically significant. At T1 and T2, HDL-C values were lower than at T0, whereas LDL-C values at T1 were lower than at T0. Triglycerides levels were significantly higher at T1 than baseline values. In all cases, variability was statistically, though not clinically, significant. This study demonstrates that at T1 and T2 lipid profile showed no clinically significant differences with respect to basal values.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as alterações do perfil lipídico pós-prandial em resposta a uma refeição típica argentina. O sangue foi coletado de 33 mulheres voluntárias após um período de jejum de 12 horas (T0),1 h após um café da manhã padronizado (T1) e 1 h após um almoço padronizado (T2). Foram medidos os níveis de: colesterol total (CT), colesterol HDL (C-HDL), colesterol LDL (C-LDL) e triglicérides. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o teste t de Student pareado. A diferença média% (DM%) foi calculada para cada analito em T1 e T2 e foi comparada com o valor de mudança de referência (VRC). Os MDs% maiores que o VRC foram considerados clinicamente significativos. Em T1 e T2, os valores de C-HDL foram menores que em T0, enquanto os valores de C-LDL em T1 foram menores que em T0. Os níveis de triglicérides foram significativamente maiores em T1 do que os valores basais. Em todos os casos, a variabilidade foi estatisticamente, embora não clinicamente, significativa. Este estudo demonstra que no perfil lipídico em T1 e T2 não houve diferenças clinicamente significativas em relação aos valores basais.

Tomar mate previo a la flebotomía no interfiere en las pruebas bioquímicas de rutina / Drinking mate prior to phlebotomy does not interfere with routine biochemical tests

En este estudio se evaluó el efecto de tomar mate en las pruebas bioquímicas de rutina. Se extrajo sangre a 32 mujeres voluntarias luego de 12 horas de ayuno y a la hora (T1), dos horas (T2) y tres horas (T3) posteriores a la toma de 5 mates. Se estudiaron parámetros hematológicos y analitos de química clínica. Los resultados se analizaron empleando pruebas estadísticas para muestras relacionadas. Se calculó la diferencia porcentual media (DM%) de cada analito en cada hora respecto del valor basal y se comparó con el valor de referencia del cambio (VRC). Una DM% mayor que el VRC se consideró clínicamente significativa. En T1, T2 y T3 los recuentos de neutrófilos, eosinófilos y linfocitos fueron más bajos que en T0, también los niveles de glucosa, urea, creatinina y cistatina C fueron más bajos que en T0, mientras que los valores de proteínas totales, colesterol transportado por lipoproteínas de baja densidad y la actividad enzimática de lactato deshidrogenasa fueron más altos que en T0. En todos los casos los cambios fueron estadísticamente significativos, aunque no lo fueron desde el punto de vista clínico. Tomar 5 mates antes de la flebotomía no interfiere en los resultados de las pruebas bioquímicas de rutina.

In the present study the effect of drinking mate in routine biochemical tests was evaluated. Blood was collected from 32 female volunteers after a 12 h fasting period. In addition, 1 hour (T1), 2 hours (T2), and 3 hours (T3) after drinking 5 mates, blood was collected again. Hematological parameters and clinical chemistry analytes were studied. The results were analyzed using statistical tests for related samples. Mean difference % (MD%) was calculated for each analyte and was further compared with reference change value (RCV). The MDs% higher than RCV were considered clinically significant. At T1, T2, and T3 the count neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes were lower than at T0. Also glucose, urea, creatinine, and cystatin C values were lower than at T0 whereas total proteins, LDL-C, and LD enzymatic activity values were higher than at T0. In all cases, variability was statistically significant but not clinically significant. Drinking 5 mates prior to phlebotomy does not interfere with the results of routine biochemical tests.

Neste trabalho, o efeito de beber chimarrão foi avaliado em testes bioquímicos de rotina. O sangue foi extraído de 32 mulheres voluntárias após 12 horas de jejum, e uma hora (T1), duas horas (T2) e três horas (T3) após a tomada de 5 chimarrões. Parâmetros hematológicos e analitos de química clínica foram estudados. Os resultados foram analisados utilizando testes estatísticos para amostras relacionadas. A diferença percentual média% (DM%) de cada analito em cada hora foi calculada em relação ao valor basal e comparada com o valor de referência da modificação (VRM). Uma DM% maior que o VRM foi considerada clinicamente significativa. Em T1, T2 e T3 as contagens de neutrófilos, eosinófilos e linfócitos foram mais baixas que em T0, Também os níveis de glicose, ureia, creatinina e cistatina C foram mais baixos que em T0, ao passo que os valores de proteínas totais, colesterol transportado por lipoproteínas de baixa densidade e a atividade enzimática de lactato desidrogenase foram mais altos que em T0. Em todos os casos as alterações foram estatisticamente significativas, embora do ponto de vista clínico não o tenham sido. Tomar 5 chimarrões antes da flebotomia não interfere nos resultados dos testes bioquímicos de rotina.

Clinical impact of citrate-containing tubes on the detection of glucose abnormalities by the oral glucose tolerance test.

Background Plasma glucose levels provide the cornerstone of diabetes evaluation, and so it is crucial that clinical laboratories provide accurate and reliable plasma glucose results. To prevent in vitro glycolysis, citrate is used. Here, we present the first study on the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) using the currently available new citrate-containing tubes in liquid and granular forms and the previous sodium fluoride (NaF) for the diagnosis of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. Methods The 75-g OGTT was performed in 147 volunteers, 83 of whom were pregnant women. Blood was collected in NaF/K3 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and NaF/Na2EDTA/citrate in liquid form in tubes in Brescia and in NaF/K2Ox and NaF/Na2EDTA/citrate in granular form in Vicenza. Glucose was measured within 3-4 h from the OGTT. The mean biases were calculated and compared with the desirable bias (<± 2.1%). Results OGTT glucose concentrations were higher in citrate tubes when compared to NaF-containing tubes. When citrate tubes were used, GDM increased to 12.5 and 11.7% in Brescia and Vicenza, respectively. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) increased to 36.7, 6.7 and 3.4%, respectively, in Brescia. In Vicenza, an increase of 47 and 1.9% in IFG and IGT, respectively, was found. Conclusions OGTT glucose measurement in citrate-containing tubes was shown to be more effective than those containing only NaF in diagnosing carbohydrate disorders. This new glycolysis inhibitor seems to be a necessary preanalytical tool for accurate and reliable plasma glucose results.

[Analysis and management of the pre-analytical risks in hemostasis]. / Analyse et gestion des risques de la phase pré-analytique en hémostase.

Risk analysis consists in identification, scoring and ranking of risks in order to manage the major risks. The aim of the study is to determine the risk analysis of the pre-analytical step of routine hemostasis in Hematological laboratory of CHU Ibn Rochd-Casablanca, Morocco. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The identification of pre-analytical activities of routine hemostasis was extensively realized according to a "by-proccess" methodology. According to "5M" analysis, we identified the risks associated with these activities. Therefore, the scoring of each risk was realized according to «AMDEC¼ methodology, by the staff of hematological laboratory. Risks were classified according to their severity and the major were identified using "Pareto diagram". RESULTS: Forty eight risks were identified in 15 activities. Identity monitoring (13.7%), pre-analytical storage of samples (13.4%), pre-analytical treatment, including centrifugation (12.9%) and transport to the laboratory (11.3%) represented the activities that exhibited the highest level of risk. Using "Pareto diagram", we retained 19 major risks, related to medical prescription, identity monitoring, transport to the laboratory, pre-analytical treatment of samples and IT processing. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Risk analysis allowed the identification of 19 major risks out of 48 identified risks, related to the pre-analytical step of routine hemostasis. These 19 major risks needed a plan to reduce their criticity.

Clinical chemistry laboratory errors at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to determine the magnitude of errors in clinical chemistry laboratory tests at different phases of the assay of clinical chemistry laboratory unit. RESULTS: From the total 1633 clinical chemistry laboratory tests done, overall, 541 (33.1%) errors occurred which accounts that 392 (72.3%), 45 (8.3%), and 104 (19.2%) were pre analytical, analytical and post analytical phases of errors, respectively. Incomplete clinical data of patient was observed on 1185 (72.6%) of CLL tests. Name, gender, and age of patients were missed on 8 (0.5%), 190 (11.6%), and 257 (15.7%) forms of the requests, respectively. The physician's name existed only on 248 (15.2%) and signature on 1137 (69.6%) of the request forms. An essential patient data were incomplete, which needs emphasis on awareness creation. Such practice improves laboratory data interpretation and thereby prevent misdiagnose and mistreatment of patients.

Necesidad de armonizar la etapa preanalítica de la orina de 24 horas: evidencias de una encuesta / Need to harmonize the pre-analytical phase of 24-hour urine: evidence from a survey / Necessidade de harmonizar a fase pré-analítica da urina de 24 horas: evidência de uma pesquisa

El objetivo del trabajo consistió en evaluar el estado de armonización de la etapa preanalítica de la orina de 24 horas (orina-24h). Se realizó una encuesta anónima sobre la etapa preanalítica de la orina-24h a bioquímicos de Argentina. Respondieron 92 profesionales. Del análisis de las respuestas surge que el 95% de los bioquímicos facilita a los pacientes instrucciones escritas para la recolección; 11% incluye instrucciones con información visual gráfica además de escrita; 37% registra hora de inicio y finalización de la recolección; 59% recomienda que durante la misma la muestra se mantenga refrigerada; 73% suministra al paciente el recipiente para la recolección; 47% proporciona el envase con conservante, si corresponde; 100% solicita al paciente llevar al laboratorio la totalidad de la orina juntada; 4% solicita al paciente medir y anotar la diuresis y entregar al laboratorio una alícuota de la orina-24h; 78% realiza una o más acciones para evaluar la correcta recolección. Los criterios de rechazo seleccionados en orden decreciente fueron: pérdida de micciones, incumplimiento del tiempo de recolección, según la diuresis, según la eliminación diaria de creatinina y recipiente no apto. Esta encuesta evidenció que existen aspectos de la etapa preanalítica de la orina- 24h que requieren de mejora y armonización entre los laboratorios.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the harmonization state of the pre-analytical phase of 24-hour urine. To this aim, an anonymous survey on the pre-analytical phase of 24-hour urine (Moreno-Carbonell, et. al) was carried out by biochemists from Argentina. A total of 92 professionals responded to the the survey. As a result, 95% provide patients with written instructions for collection; 11% include visual graphic instructions; 37% record starting and finishing time of collection; 59% recommend sample refrigeration during collection time; 73% supply the container; 47% provide the container with a preservative, if necessary; 100% ask the patient to take the complete 24-hour volume to the laboratory; 4% indicate to measure and record sample volume and to take an aliquot of it; and 78% perform one or more actions to evaluate the proper collection procedure. The rejection criteria selected in decreasing order were: loss of micturition, non-compliance with collection time, according to the volume and daily creatinine excretion, and improper container. To conclude with, this survey showed that there are aspects of the pre-analytical phase of 24-h urine that need improvement and harmonization between laboratories.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o estado de harmonização da fase pré-analítica da urina de 24 horas (urina-24h). Foi realizado um levantamento anônimo sobre a fase pré-analítica da urina-24h a bioquímicos da Argentina. Responderam 92 profissionais. Da análise das respostas surge que 95% fornecem aos pacientes instruções escritas para a coleta; 11% inclui instruções com informação visual gráfica além de escrita; 37% registra hora de início e finalização da coleta; 59% recomenda que durante a coleta a urina seja mantida refrigerada; 73% fornece o recipiente para a coleta; 47% fornece o recipiente com um conservante, se necessário; 100% solicita ao paciente que leve o volume completo de 24 horas ao laboratório; 4% indica ao paciente medir e registrar a diurese e entregar ao laboratório uma alíquota da urina-24h; 78% realiza uma ou mais ações para avaliar o procedimento apropriado de coleta. Os critérios de rejeição selecionados em ordem decrescente foram: perda das micções, descumprimento do tempo de coleta, de acordo com a diurese, conforme a eliminação diária de creatinina, e recipiente inadequado. Esta pesquisa mostrou que há aspectos da fase pré-analítica da urina de 24h que precisam ser melhorados e harmonizados entre os laboratórios.

Calidad en el laboratorio de urgencias: determinación del estado ácido-base / Quality in the emergency laboratory: blood gas determination / Qualidade no laboratorio de urgências: determinaçâo do estado ácido-base

El procesamiento de una muestra en el laboratorio implica su paso a través de tres etapas: la preanalítica, la analítica y la postanalítica. En el presente trabajo se propuso analizar la etapa preanalítica para la determinación del estado ácido-base (EAB) a través de la comparación de muestras extraídas en diferentes tipos de jeringas y del efecto del tiempo de almacenamiento, estudiar el desempeño analítico y la concordancia entre dos analizadores gemelos y evaluar si los resultados permiten trabajar bajo las especificaciones de calidad requeridas. Para ello se utilizaron 2 microprocesadores automáticos de gases en sangre en los cuales se midieron pH, pCO2 y pO2, y se fijaron las especificaciones de calidad derivadas de CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) como requerimento a cumplir. La imprecisión intraensayo (CVi) y entreensayos (CVe) fue determinada con material de control comercial. Sobre un total de 239 muestras de pacientes, 20 se utilizaron para realizar la comparación entre muestras extraídas en jeringas con heparina sódica en solución y con heparina de litio liofilizada; 110 muestras se procesaron para evaluar el efecto del tiempo de almacenamiento y 109 para la comparación entre ambos instrumentos. Los CVi y CVe fueron aceptables para los 3 parámetros. Las diferencias halladas entre las muestras obtenidas con las diferentes jeringas no superaron los límites permitidos. No se observaron diferencias significativas en los resultados hasta los 120 minutos de procesamiento. Los coeficientes de correlación de las muestras procesadas en ambos instrumentos fueron 0,931 para pH, 0,985 para pCO2 y 0,950 para pO2. El sesgo fue aceptable así como también el porcentaje de equivalencia clínica para los tres parámetros. Se concluye que la evaluación de los resultados de instrumentos gemelos y la implementación de programas sistemáticos de conmutabilidad son fundamentales para conseguir la disminución progresiva del error y para poder utilizarlos indistintamente.

Measurement of blood gas, as another sample, involves three phases: preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical. The aim of this study is to evaluate the preanalytical phase comparing samples obtained from different syringes and the effect of storage time; to study the analytical performance; to compare the agreement between two instruments, and to analyse if the results were satisfactory taking into account CLIA specifications. Two microanalyzers were used, in which pH, pCO2 and pO2 were tested. Within-day imprecisions (CVi) and between-day imprecisions (CVe) were obtained with control materials. Two hundred and thirty-nine patient-samples were used; 20 were used for the comparison between samples obtained with heparinized syringes (sodium liquid heparin) and dry lithium heparin); 110 were processed to evaluate the effect of storage time, and 109 for the comparison between the analyzers. CVi and CVe were acceptable for the three parameters. The difference between the different syringes did not exceed the acceptable limits. No significant difference was noticed until 120 min of storage. The correlation coefficients for processed samples in both instruments were 0.931 for pH, 0.985 for PCO2 and 0.950 for PO2. The bias was acceptable as the clinical equivalence for the three parameters. Evaluating the results between identical instruments and introducing a systematic quality program has an important role in obtaining a progressive decrease of the total error between them, and using one or the other without distinction.

O processamento de uma amostra no laboratório envolve sua passagem através de três etapas: a pré-analítica, a analítica e a pós-analitica. No presente trabalho o objetivo foi analisar a etapa pré-analítica para a determinalo do estado ácido base (EAB) através da comparaçâo de amostras extraídas em diferentes tipos de seringas e do efeito do tempo de armazenamento, estudar o desempenho analítico e a concordancia entre dois analisadores idénticos e avaliar se os resultados permitem trabalhar sob as especificações de qualidade requeridas. Para isso foram utilizados 2 microprocessadores automáticos de gases em sangue nos quais se mediram pH, pCO2 e pO2, e se estabeleceram as especificagóes de qualidade decorrentes de CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) como requerimento a cumprir. A imprecisâo intraensaio (CVi) e entre ensaios (CVe) foi determinada com material de controle comercial. De um total de 239 amostras de pacientes, 20 foram utilizadas para realizar a comparaçâo entre amostras extraídas em seringas com heparina sódica em soluçâo e com heparina de litio liofilizada; 110 amostras foram processadas para avaliar o efeito do tempo de armazenamento e 109 para a comparaçâo entre ambos os instrumentos. Os CVi e CVe foram aceitáveis para os 3 parámetros. As diferengas encontradas entre as amostras obtidas com as diferentes seringas não superaram os limites permitidos. Nâo foram observadas diferengas significativas nos resultados atéos 120 minutos de processamento. Os coeficientes de correlaçâo das amostras processadas em ambos os instrumentos foram 0,931 para pH, 0,985 para pCO2 e 0,950 para pO2. O viés foi aceitável bem como também o percentual de equivaléncia clínica para os trés parámetros. A conclusâo é que a avaliaçâo dos resultados de instrumentos idénticos e a implementaçâo de programas sistemáticos de comutabilidade sâo fundamentais para conseguir a diminuiçâo progressiva do erro e para poder utilizálos indistintamente.