Are surgeons spunkier than non-surgeons.

Background. Surgeons are known to be bolder than other members of the medical profession. Testosterone levels are known to be higher in aggressive men. We wondered whether the above two statements indicated that the spunkiness of surgeons was related to higher testosterone levels. Methods. Sixteen surgeons and 16 non-surgeons, all men, aged 32–59 years took part in a prospective study that assessed their testosterone levels. Results. There was no statistical difference between the testosterone levels of the two groups. Conclusion. The reason for the gutsy behaviour of surgeons is not linked to their testosterone levels. Surgeons were disappointed to know this while non-surgeons were amused and a bit relieved.

Relation of calculated HbA1C with fasting plasma glucose and duration of diabetes.

Background and objectives Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a marker of evaluation of long-term glycemic control in diabetic patients and predict risks for the development and/or progression of diabetic complications. Glycosylation process depends on the exposure to glucose. Studies on chronic complications of diabetes established the role of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a marker of evaluation of long term glycemic control and risk for chronic complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of calculated HbA1c by using fasting plasma glucose levels and comparison with duration of diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods The present study has 2 groups of subjects, 27 normal and 32 diabetic subjects. The diabetic subjects were divided into 2 groups based on complication i,e cataract and nephropathy with duration of diabetes. Plasma glucose was estimated by GOD – POD method. Estimation of glycated hemoglobin was done by calculation. Results and conclusion We found the significance in the duration of diabetes and the levels of glycated hemoglobin and fasting glucose levels were significantly increased in diabetic group as compared to normal subjects (p<0.001). Thus, calculated HbA1c levels can be used with regular checkups of FPG and HbA1c levels in diabetic patients at lesser cost.

Procedure of venepuncture for blood donation and arterial blood sampling.

Blood banks use various processes to prevent infections that can be transmitted by blood donation. One important measure to prevent infection is to recruit donors from populations that are known to have low rates of infection for blood borne diseases, such as voluntary, unpaid donors and people with no history of intravenous drug use. A second measure is to ask donors a series of additional screening questions (these will vary by region) to help identify those who may be at higher risk of infection. Phlebotomists must adhere strictly to the rules for including and excluding blood donors. The process for collecting blood from donors is similar to that used for blood sampling; however, a few additional measures are required for collection of donated blood. These measures are primarily to ensure patient safety, but also to minimize exogenous contamination of a donated blood unit or its derived components, particularly contamination from the skin flora of the donor’s arm.

Basic procedure of venepuncture in paediatric and adult patients: a review.

Venepuncture is the preferred method of blood sampling for term neonates and causes less pain than heel-pricks. The choice of site and procedure (venous site, finger-prick or heel-prick – also referred to as “capillary sampling” or “skin puncture”) depends on the volume of blood needed for the procedure and the type of laboratory test to be done. Venepuncture is the method of choice for blood sampling in term neonates; however, it requires an experienced and trained phlebotomist. If a trained phlebotomist is not available, the physician may need to draw the blood sample. The blood from a capillares is similar to an arterial blood in oxygen content, and is suitable for only a limited number of tests because of its higher likelihood of contamination with skin flora and smaller total volume.

General procedure of phlebotomy: a review.

Phlebotomy – the drawing of blood – has been practiced for centuries and is still one of the most common invasive procedures in health care. However, practice varies considerably between countries and between institutions and individuals within the same country. By its nature, phlebotomy has the potential to expose health workers and patients to blood from other people, putting them at risk from blood borne pathogens. These pathogens include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and dengue. If a blood sample is poorly collected, the results may be inaccurate and misleading to the clinician and the patient may have to undergo the inconvenience of repeat testing.