Cancer data analysis in the pathology department, combined military hospital, Multan, Pakistan 2002-2007.

This study was conducted with the objective of providing the pattern of cancer distribution from a hospital based tumour registry at CMH, Multan, in comparison with patterns from other National Studies. The retrospective study of malignant tumours recorded at the pathology department from 2002-2007 featured analysis in terms of age group, gender and type of tumour. Over the six year period the total number of malignancies was 930 with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. The common tumours in males, in order of decreasing frequency were leukaemia, prostate cancer, urinary bladder cancer, skin cancer and lymphomas. In females they were leukaemia, breast cancer, skin cancer, gallbladder cancer and lymphomas. In both sexes, the most common malignancy was leukaemia, which is contrary to other studies, pointing to a possible link with extensive use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals in this region of the country.

Comparison of photometric cyanmethemoglobin and automated methods for hemoglobin estimation.

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobin estimation is the most frequent laboratory investigation requested. Different methods include acid haematin, photometric cyanmethemoglobin estimation and automated estimation with the help of counters. Aims and objectives of the current study were to compare photometric cyanmethemoglobin method with hemoglobin estimation by Medonic automated counter. METHODS: One hundred and ten adult cases were included through convenience sampling. Samples with hemolysis were excluded from the study. Blood was drawn in CP bottles. Sample was thoroughly mixed and hemoglobin estimation was done by Medonic counter as well by photometer 4010. Commercial controls were run with each batch. RESULTS: By manual methods, results revealed mean 0.85% increase compared to automated counter. Commercial control results showed 2.3% and 2.7% coefficient of variation by Medonic counter and photometer 4010 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that both methods are accurate and precise, with reference range 2.61% more in manual method. It is recommended that with small samples and with parameters like hemoglobin or hemoglobin with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, manual method is cost effective and feasible. However with multiple parameters like absolute values and with very large batches, like in tertiary laboratory, automated method is time effective and feasible, provided the laboratory can bear the cost.