Balance de los últimos tres años: Adaptación y evolución hacia una nueva etapa / Balance of the last three years: Adaptation and evolution towards a new stage

Luego de iniciarse un nuevo ciclo del Programa de Educación Médica Continua Certificada, en convenio entre la Editora Médica Colombiana (EDIMECO S.A.) y la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Antioquia, la revista Medicina & Laboratorio cumple 27 años de existencia. Con esto, la revista ha acumulado un total de 9.885.000 horas de capacitación permanente a los profesionales de la salud. Continuando con el proceso de indexación en las diferentes bases de datos e índices, en estos últimos tres años, la revista ha sido aceptada en Latindex, REDIB, Biblat, DOAJ y Dialnet, lo que demuestra la calidad de su contenido, y permite una mayor visibilidad de los artículos a nivel local e internacional, incluyendo a países como México, Perú, Ecuador, España, Chile y Argentina. La revista continúa con su formato electrónico e impreso, alcanzando a llegar a más de 3.000 profesionales de la salud trimestralmente en su versión impresa. Medicina & Laboratorio ha venido abriendo espacios multidisciplinarios en sus publicaciones debido a la gran acogida que ha recibido por las diferentes áreas afines a la Medicina de Laboratorio y la unión cada vez más estrecha con la Patología Anatómica. Esto se hace hoy claro en la necesidad de hacer diagnósticos más integrados, que desde la Patología Anatómica se complementan con pruebas de Laboratorio Clínico y de Diagnóstico Molecular, para dar información adicional encaminada a un manejo y pronóstico más acertado. Esta dinámica ha sido evidente en el campo de la Hematopatología, donde en el estudio de condiciones que afectan la médula ósea, de rutina se integran resultados del hemograma, aspirado de médula ósea, biopsia, citometría de flujo, citogenética y estudios moleculares. Hoy es cada vez más relevante el estudio de tumores sólidos, en los cuales las alteraciones citogenéticas o mutaciones específicas son cada vez más importantes en el manejo de los pacientes. Por último, la naturaleza del trabajo en equipo e integradora de la práctica médica actual, se refleja claramente en los programas como ROSE (del inglés, Rapid On Site Evaluation) para el estudio de nódulos tiroideos, donde hay una colaboración simultánea y estrecha entre el equipo de patología, la medicina de imágenes y el equipo clínico

Monitoring of Insecticides resistance against cotton Jassid (Amrasca biguttutla biguttutla) under laboratory conditions / Monitoramento da resistência de inseticidas contra o algodão Jassid (Amrasca biguttutla biguttutla) em condições laboratoriais

Abstract Development of insecticides resistance mainly hinge with managements techniques for the control of Jassid, Amrasca biguttutla biguttutla. Five insecticides were applied against field collected and laboratory rared jassid populations during the years of 2017 to 2019 to profile their resistance level against field population of jassid through leaf dip method. Very low resistance level was found in jassid against confidor whereas high level of resistance was observed by pyriproxyfen against other test insecticides. Gradual resistance was observed against diafenthiuron. It is concluded that for the management of Jassid repetition of same insecticide should be avoided. The use of confidor may be reduced to overcome resistance against Jassid.

Resumo Desenvolvimento da resistência a inseticidas principalmente em dobradiça com técnicas de manejo para o controle de jassid, Amrasca biguttutla biguttutla. Cinco inseticidas foram aplicados contra populações de jassídeos coletados em campo e em laboratório durante os anos de 2017 a 2019 para traçar o perfil de seu nível de resistência contra populações de jassídeos em campo através do método de imersão nas folhas. Nível de resistência muito baixo foi encontrado em jassid contra confidor, enquanto alto nível de resistência foi observado por piriproxifeno contra outros inseticidas de teste. Resistência gradual foi observada contra o diafenthiuron. Conclui-se que, para o manejo do jassid, a repetição do mesmo inseticida deve ser evitada. O uso de confidor pode ser reduzido para superar a resistência contra jassid.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays / Uma nova abordagem de marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios de laboratório

Abstract Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Resumo Bioensaios comportamentais em laboratório com cupins devem ser realizados rapidamente a fim de garantir observações antes da morte por dissecação, típico desses insetos de corpo mole. Para este fim, marcadores tópicos têm sido propostos como uma alternativa para marcadores histológicos que, embora nem sempre tóxico, possuem uma aplicação demorada. Entre os marcadores tópicos recomendados, tinta guache é de fácil aplicação, rápida secagem, porém afeta os cupins em bioensaios longos, sendo adequado apenas para bioensaios curtos. Sua alternativa, cola colorida, também é de fácil aplicação mas leva muito tempo para secar e é muito denso e pesado, afetando os padrões de caminhamento dos cupins. No presente estudo, nós testamos uma mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida objetivando combinar as qualidades de ambos os marcadores tópicos em um marcador tópico adequado para Cornitermes cumulans. Padrões similares de sobrevivência entre cupins marcados e controle indicam a ausência de toxicidade na mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida. Tais resultados são consistentes em grupos de densidades distintas, o que comprova que a mistura não interfere, nem sofre efeitos de aglomeração. Uma vez que a aglomeração regula as interações inter-individuais e afetam a maioria dos comportamentos, a mistura pode ser adequada para estudos comportamentais. Nós argumentamos que a mistura de tinta guache e cola (1:2) é uma excelente alternativa como marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios em laboratório. Sendo atóxico, barato, fácil de aplicar e não invasivo, esta mistura pode ser útil não só para os cupins, mas também em bioensaios com outros insetos de corpo mole.

Manual de bioseguridad y biocustodia del Instituto Nacional de Salud / Manual of biosafety and biosecurity of the National Institute of Health

La presente publicación describe las medidas de bioseguridad y biocustodia para la protección de la salud del personal de los laboratorios, áreas de apoyo, áreas de experimentación animal y bioterios mediante medidas y recomendaciones en bioseguridad y biocustodia

O FeliciLab, a inovação e a pandemia de covid-19 / FeliciLab, innovation and the covid-19 pandemic / El FeliciLab, la innovación y la pandemia de covid-19

Com o fim de propiciar um ambiente que possibilite decisões ágeis, criativas e efetivas no sistema de saúde, o Laboratório de Inovações no SUS do Ceará (FeliciLab) tem adotado o uso de métodos inovadores de gestão de projetos. Este relato de experiência tem como objetivo apresentar como a Escola de Saúde Pública do Ceará (ESP/CE) conseguiu, através do FeliciLab, orquestrar um conjunto de pessoas, métodos e tecnologias capazes de provocar uma quebra em padrões até então apresentados no mercado de tecnologias direcionadas para o sistema de saúde, diante da crise sanitária ocasionada pela pandemia de covid-19. Com adoção de metodologias mais ágeis de condução de trabalho e gerenciamento de crises, ampliou-se a percepção de valor da tecnologia da informação (TI) da ESP/CE, nutrida pela compreensão de que inovar é mais do que produzir e implantar tecnologias: trata-se de transformar os modos de criar e consumir soluções, de forma a impactar os contextos e as experiências das pessoas.

In order to provide an environment with agile, creative, and effective decisions in the health system, the Felicilab laboratory has been adopting the use of innovative project management methods. This experience report aims to present how the Escola de Saúde Pública do Ceará (ESP/CE), Brazil, had managed to orchestrate, through FeliciLab, a set of people, methods, and technologies from a disruptive perspective of standards hitherto presented in the market of technologies directed to the health system, in face of the health crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic. With the adoption of more agile methodologies for conducting work and managing crisis, the perception of the value of the Information technology (IT) used at ESP/CE was expanded, understanding that innovating is more than producing and implementing technologies: it means transforming the ways of creating and consume solutions in order to impact on personal experiences and their context.

A fin de propiciar un ambiente con decisiones ágiles, creativas y efectivas en el sistema de salud, el Laboratório de Inovações no SUS do Ceará (FeliciLab) tiene adoptado el uso de métodos innovadores de gestión de proyectos. Este relato de experiencia tiene como objetivo presentar cómo la Escola de Saúde Pública do Ceará (ESP/CE), a través del FeliciLab, ha conseguido orquestar un conjunto de personas,nmétodos y tecnologías capaces para quebrar estándares hasta entonces presentados en el mercado de tecnologías dirigidas al sistema de salud, frente a la crisis de salud provocada por la pandemia de Covid-19. Con la adopción de metodologías más ágiles para la realización del trabajo y la gestión de crisis, se amplió la percepción del valor de la tecnología de la información (TI) ESP/CE, alimentada por el entendimiento de que innovar es más que producir e implementar tecnologías: se trata de transformar formas de crear y consumir soluciones para impactar los contextos y las experiencias de las personas.

Directrices de laboratorio para la detección y el diagnóstico de la infección por el virus de la viruela del mono / Laboratory Guidelines for the Detection and Diagnosis of Monkeypox Virus Infection

Este documento está basado en la guía provisional de la Organización Mundial de la Salud sobre las pruebas de laboratorio para el virus de la viruela del mono, 23 de mayo de 2022, y tiene por objeto proporcionar orientación a los Laboratorios Nacionales de Referencia sobre la detección del virus de la viruela del mono

This document is based on World Health Organization interim guidance on Laboratory testing for monkeypox virus, 23 May 2022, and is intended to provide guidance to National Reference Laboratories on monkeypox virus laboratory detection

Alternativa rápida de extracción de ADN en quistes de Acanthamoeba para uso en el laboratorio de análisis clínicos / Rapid DNA extraction alternative in cysts of Acanthamoeba for use in clinical analysis laboratory

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la extracción de ADN de quistes de Acanthamoeba sp. con un método disponible comercialmente y cuatro no comerciales utilizando tratamiento térmico y ultrasonido para la amplificación por una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) convencional, reduciendo tiempos de preparación y extracción de las muestras, como una herramienta para el diagnóstico en el laboratorio clínico. Se utilizó una cepa de Acanthamoeba, genotipo T4, cultivada en agar no nutritivo. Los quistes para analizar, en tres períodos de enquistamiento, se almacenaron a temperatura ambiente. Se extrajo ADN mediante cinco métodos: pretratamiento térmico, ultrasonido y combinaciones de ellos. La PCR se llevó a cabo utilizando cebadores específicos JDP1/JDP2. La concentración y pureza del ADN extraído con los protocolos evaluados revelaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0,0001). El método E (comercial), el A (térmico) y el B (ultrasonido) lograron los mejores rendimientos en la amplificación del fragmento específico de Acanthamoeba sp. por la PCR convencional.

Abstract The objective of the study was to compare the DNA extraction of Acanthamoeba sp. cysts with a commercially available method and four non-commercial ones, with heat and ultrasound treatment that allows amplification by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reducing sample preparation and extraction times, such as a tool for diagnosis in the clinical laboratory. To this aim, a strain of Acanthamoeba T4 grown on non-nutrient agar was used. Plates with cysts at three different encystation times were stored at room temperature until the study was carried out. DNA was extracted with five methods that included pretreatments (thermal and ultrasound) or combinations of them. PCR was performed using specific primers JDP1/JDP2. Concentration and purity of DNA revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.0001) between methods. Method E (commercial), method A (thermal) and B (ultrasound) got the best yields in amplifying the specific fragment of Acanthamoeba sp. by conventional PCR.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a extração de DNA de cistos de Acanthamoeba sp. com um método comercialmente disponível e quatro não comerciais utilizando tratamento térmico e ultrassom para amplificação por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) convencional, reduzindo os tempos de preparo e extração das amostras, como ferramenta para o diagnóstico no laboratório clínico. Foi utilizada uma cepa de Acanthamoeba, genótipo T4, cultivada em ágar não nutritivo. Os cistos para analisar foram armazenados em temperatura ambiente, correspondendo a três períodos de encistamento. O DNA foi extraído por cinco métodos: pré-tratamento térmico, ultrassom e combinações deles. A PCR foi realizada usando iniciadores específicos JDP1/JDP2. A concentração e a pureza do DNA extraído com os protocolos avaliados revelaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,0001). Os métodos E (comercial), A (térmico) e B (ultrassom) alcançaram os melhores rendimentos na amplificação do fragmento específico de Acanthamoeba sp. por PCR convencional.

Carboxyhemoglobinemia as a laboratory finding in an outpatient

Resumen El monóxido de carbono (CO) es un gas producido principalmente por combustión incompleta de hidrocarburos. La intoxicación por exposición ambiental puede presentarse con síntomas inespecíficos y constituye la causa más importante de aumento de carboxihemoglobina (COHb). Su nivel en sangre depende de la duración de la exposición, la ventilación minuto y las concentraciones de CO y oxígeno en el ambiente. La elevada toxicidad radica en la hipoxia tisular que se genera. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino, 73 años, en seguimiento en el hospital por neumonía intersticial no específica como patología de base. En un control de laboratorio se encontró 11,9% de COHb, sin exposición a tabaco. No utilizaba calefacción a gas sino un panel cerámico eléctrico, recientemente pintado con esmalte sintético. La suspensión del uso del panel normalizó la COHb. El CO, producto de descomposición térmica del esmalte sintético, explica la causa de la intoxicación.

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas produced mainly by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Poisoning from environmental exposure can present with nonspecific symptoms and is the most important cause of increased carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Its blood level depends on the duration of exposure, minute ventilation, and the concentrations of CO and oxygen in the environment. The high toxicity lies in the tissue hypoxia that is generated. The case of a male patient, 73 years old, under follow-up in the hospital for non-specific interstitial pneumonia as the underlying pathology was presented. In a laboratory control, COHb 11,9% was found. There was no exposure to tobacco and there was no use of gas heating but of an electric ceramic panel, recently painted with synthetic enamel type paint. The suspension of the use of the panel normalised the COHb. The CO product of thermal decomposition of synthetic enamel explains the cause of poisoning.

Resumo O monóxido de carbono (CO) é um gás produzido principalmente pela combustão incompleta de hidrocarbonetos. A intoxicação por exposição ambiental pode se apresentar com sintomas inespecíficos e é a causa mais importante de aumento da carboxihemoglobina (COHb). Seu nível em sangue depende do tempo de exposição, da ventilação minuto e das concentrações de CO e oxigênio no ambiente. A alta toxicidade está na hipóxia tecidual gerada. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 73 anos, em acompanhamento hospitalar por pneumonia intersticial inespecífica como patologia de bas. Em um controle laboratorial, achou-se 11,9% de COHb, sem exposição ao tabaco. Não utilizava aquecimento a gás e sim um painel elétrico cerâmico, recentemente pintado com esmalte sintético. A suspensão do uso do painel normalizou o COHb. O CO produto da decomposição térmica do esmalte sintético explica a causa da intoxicação.

Presentación atípica de celulitis orbitaria en recién nacido / Typical Orbital Cellulitis Presentation in Newborn

La celulitis orbitaria representa una causa frecuente de inflamación de la órbita, constituyendo una urgencia médica que requiere un manejo multidisciplinario. Se presenta caso de una recién nacida con clínica de aumento de volumen en región bipalpebral derecha y fiebre de 24 horas de evolución. Al examen físico se evidencia proptosis de ojo derecho, aumento de volumen bipalpebral que impide la apertura del globo ocular en su totalidad con signos de flogosis y secreción purulenta en borde palpebral. Los laboratorios reportan leucocitosis y trombocitosis reactiva; tomografía de orbita muestra tumefacción y edema periorbitario derecho, aumento difuso de densidad grasa post-septal extra e intraconal, hallazgos sugestivos de celulitis orbitaria derecha. Se indica antibioticoterapia con vancomicina y cefotaxime, ameritando además drenaje de absceso, obteniéndose secreción purulenta, en la que se aísla Estafilococo aureus meticilino resistente. Siendo una patología inusual en este grupo etario, se recomienda la publicación de este caso(AU)

Orbital cellulitis represents a frequent cause of inflammation of the orbit, constituting a medical emergency that requires multidisciplinary management. We present a case of a newborn with clinic of volume increase in right bipalpebral region and fever of 24 hours of evolution. Physical examination reveals proptosis of right eye, increase of bipalpebral volume that prevents the opening of the eyeball in its entirety with signs of flushing and purulent eyelid margin secretion. Laboratories report leukocytosis and reactive thrombosis; orbital tomography scan shows right periorbital swelling and edema, diffuse increase of extra and intraconal post-septal fat density, suggestive findings of right orbital cellulitis, covered with vancomycin and cefotaxime; subsequently requires abscess drainage where Staphylococcus aureus methycilin- resistant is isolated. Being an unusual pathology in this age group, the publication of this case is recommended(AU)

Utilidad de la plasmaféresis terapéutica en pacientes críticos con disfunción orgánica / Usefulness of therapeutic plasmapheresis in critical patients with organ dysfunction

Introducción: La aféresis terapéutica es el procedimiento que separa y remueve el plasma de la sangre total, con el objetivo de eliminar componentes considerados responsables patógenos de una enfermedad o de sus manifestaciones clínicas Objetivos: Analizar los aspectos generales de la aplicación de la técnica de plasmaféresis como alternativa de tratamiento en pacientes críticos con disfunción orgánica. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación bibliográfica-documental acerca del tema. Se consultaron fundamentalmente las bases de datos de SciELO y Pubmed de los últimos diez años. Análisis y síntesis de la información: Se describen los aspectos de la plasmaféresis, desde sus criterios de indicación; así como la aplicación del procedimiento en los pacientes con disfunción orgánica y sus resultados en la evolución del paciente. Conclusiones: Con la utilización de la plasmaféresis se encontró mejoría de los parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio en la mayoría de los pacientes en disfunción orgánica al egreso de la unidad de cuidados intensivos(AU)

Introduction: Therapeutic apheresis is the procedure that separates and removes plasma from whole blood, thus eliminating components considered pathogenic of a disease or its clinical manifestations. Objectives: To analyze the general aspects of de application of the plasmapheresis technique as an alternative treatment in oncohematological patients wish organic dysfunction. Methods: A bibliographic- documentary investigation was carried out on de subject The Scielo and Pubmed data bases were consulted. Analysis and synthesis of information: The technical aspects of plasmapheresis are described, based on its indication criteria, as well as the application of de technique in patients with organic dysfunction and its results in the evolution of the patient. Conclusions: With the use of the plasmapheresis technique improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters was found in the majority of organ dysfunction patients upon discharge from the intensive care unit(AU)

Laboratorios tradicionales versus nuevas tecnologías para el estudio de anatomía humana en estudiantes de medicina: revisión sistemática y meta análisis / Traditional laboratories versus new technologies for the study of human anatomy in medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

RESUMEN: El estudio de la anatomía humana, ha transcendido con diversos recursos y escenarios. El objetivo fue compararlos estudios publicados sobre prácticas de laboratorio tradicionales con nuevas tecnologías para el estudio del cuerpo humano en estudiantes de medicina. Se realizó revisión sistemática y meta-análisis. Cuatro revisores efectuaron búsqueda sistemática y exhaustiva de la literatura, a partir de la localización y selección de 54 estudios primarios publicados en diez bases de datos, tres revisores cegados evaluaron calidad metodológica de 33 estudios, con listas de chequeo para la evaluación crítica de la validez interna, según tipo de estudio y el cuarto revisor cegado, calculó grado de acuerdo entre revisores con Kappa de Fleiss y valoró riesgo de sesgo, sensibilidad, heterogeneidad y análisis combinado a través del Software RevMan 5.4. Se obtuvo revisión sistemática cualitativa y combinación mediante métodos estadísticos de los resultados con meta-análisis de siete estudios primarios, con muestra de 465 participantes, 260 expuestos a laboratorios tradicionales y 205 a nuevas tecnologías. Encontrando satisfacción del proceso y resultados positivos de aprendizaje comprensión y aplicación con favorabilidad inicial a las prácticas tradicionales no significativa al valorar los intervalos de confianza. Así, el contraste entre métodos para estas prácticas reveló desenlaces relacionados con reacciones físico-emocionales, focalización en el constructo rendimiento académico y con los procesos de aprendizaje. Concluyendo que los laboratorios con nuevas tecnologías para estudio de anatomía, no impactan en forma prerrogativa a los estudiantes, dada su experiencia favorable con los laboratorios tradicionales, y pueden emplearse como una estrategia útil complementaria.

SUMMARY: The study of human anatomy has transcended with various resources and scenarios. The objective was to compare published studies on traditional laboratory practices with new technologies for the study of the human body in medical students. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out. Four reviewers carried out a systematic and exhaustive search of the literature, based on the location and selection of 54 primary studies published in ten databases, three reviewers evaluated the methodological quality of 33 studies, with checklists for the critical evaluation of internal validity, according to type of study. The fourth blinded reviewer, calculated degree of agreement between reviewers with Kappa de Fleiss and assessed risk of bias, sensitivity, heterogeneity and combined analysis using RevMan 5.4. A qualitative systematic review and combination by statistical methods of the results were obtained with meta-analysis of seven primary studies, with a sample of 465 participants, 260 exposed to traditional laboratories and 205 to new technologies. Finding satisfaction with the process and positive results of learning, understanding and application, with initial favorability to traditional practices not significant when assessing the confidence intervals. Thus, the contrast between methods for these practices revealed outcomes related to physical-emotional reactions, focus on the academic performance construct and with the learning processes. Concluding that laboratories with new technologies for the study of anatomy do not prerogatively impact students, given their favorable experience with traditional laboratories, and can be used as a useful complementary strategy.

Advance on research and application of laboratory pathogen monitoring and early warning technology of bacterial infectious diseases / 中华预防医学杂志

Human beings are still facing the public health challenges from bacterial infectious diseases. Carrying out systematic infectious disease monitoring and early warning is the most direct solution to prevent and control infectious diseases. Etiology is an important part of infectious disease monitoring and early warning. Effective pathogen monitoring can identify pathogens, outbreaks and sources at the first time. In this study, we have reviewed the research and application of etiology monitoring and early warning technology of bacterial infectious diseases and summarized the importance and application scenarios of etiology in infectious disease monitoring and early warning, as well as the research progress of etiology monitoring and early warning technology. Based on the work of existing laboratory monitoring networks, such as Chinese Pathogen Identification Network, the development trend and prospect of infectious disease laboratory network monitoring are put forward to provide a reference for establishing and perfecting the infectious disease monitoring and early warning system.

Application and reflection of laboratory-based monitoring in early warning of infectious diseases / 中华预防医学杂志

Despite the fact that our cognition towards infectious disease prevention, the advanced technology and the economic status of the whole society has made a great progress in the last decade, the outbreak of COVID-19 pneumonia has again enabled the public to acquire more about super-challenges of infectious diseases, epidemics and the relevant preventive measurements. In order to identify the epidemic signals in early stage or even before the onset of epidemic, the data research and utilization of a series of factors related to the occurrence and transmission of infectious diseases have played a significant role in research of prevention and control during the whole period of surveillance and early warning. Laboratory-based monitoring for the etiology has always been an important part of infectious disease warning system due to pathogens as the direct cause of such diseases. China has initially established a laboratory-based monitoring and early warning system for bacterial infectious diseases based on the Chinese Pathogen Identification Network with an aim to identify pathogens, outbreaks and sources. This network has played an essential role in early detection, tracking and precise prevention and control of bacterial infectious diseases, such as plague, cholera, and epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis. This issue focuses on the function of laboratory-based monitoring during the period of early warning, prevention, and control of bacterial infectious diseases, and conducted a wide range of researches based on the analysis of the epidemic and outbreak isolates, together with field epidemiological studies and normal monitoring systems. All of these could illustrate the effect of laboratory surveillance in the infectious disease risk assessment and epidemic investigation. At the same time, we have put forward our review and expectation of scenarios about laboratory-based monitoring and early warning technologies to provide innovative thoughts for promoting a leapfrog development of infectious disease monitoring and early warning system in China.

Exploring the teaching mode about clinical laboratory diagnostic pathway for chronic hepatitis B / 中华预防医学杂志

Exploring a new teaching mode of CHB laboratory diagnostics to improve the teaching quality through establishment a teaching model covered the whole process of CHB disease diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment, drug selection, the toxicity and side effects prediction, effect monitoring, and prognosis evaluation. According to the CHB clinical diagnosis and treatment guidelines, formulated the laboratory examination and detection strategies related to different stages of CHB, and established CHB clinical laboratory diagnostic pathway. Compared the classroom teaching effect by the questionnaire between the 2016 and 2017 eight-year undergraduates from the First Clinical College of Wuhan University. In this study,the CHB clinical laboratory diagnostic pathway was established and approved by clinicians, which covered the whole process of CHB disease diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment, drug selection, the toxicity and side effects prediction, effect monitoring, and prognosis evaluation. The teaching quality evaluation indicators and the scores on the class test had been greatly improved with the clinical diagnostic pathway teaching mode in the classroom teaching of 2017 clinical medicine undergraduates compared with the traditional teaching mode in the 2016 clinical medicine undergraduates. In summary, the medical students not only could realize the organic integration of laboratory diagnostics and clinical medicine, but also improves overall understanding of various laboratory tests in CHB diagnosis and treatment from the teaching model of laboratory diagnostics based on the CHB clinical laboratory diagnostic pathway,and the quality of teaching for CHB has been significantly improved.

Laboratory diagnosis for malaria in the elimination phase in China: efforts and challenges / 医学前沿

Malaria remains a global health challenge, although an increasing number of countries will enter pre-elimination and elimination stages. The prompt and precise diagnosis of symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers of Plasmodium parasites is the key aspect of malaria elimination. Since the launch of the China Malaria Elimination Action Plan in 2010, China has formulated clear goals for malaria diagnosis and has established a network of malaria diagnostic laboratories within medical and health institutions at all levels. Various external quality assessments were implemented, and a national malaria diagnosis reference laboratory network was established to strengthen the quality assurance in malaria diagnosis. Notably, no indigenous malaria cases have been reported since 2017, but the risk of re-establishment of malaria transmission cannot be ignored. This review summarizes the lessons about malaria diagnosis in the elimination phase, primarily including the establishments of laboratory networks and quality control in China, to better improve malaria diagnosis and maintain a malaria-free status. A reference is also provided for countries experiencing malaria elimination.

Fisiología pulmonar: laboratorios de función pulmonar en pandemia y post pandemia COVID-19 / Pulmonary function laboratories in pandemic and post-pandemic COVID-19

La pandemia por COVID19 ha provocado, en los laboratorios de función pulmonar del planeta, una reestructuración en el funcionamiento, redundando en un descenso en el número y tipo de exámenes realizados. Durante el desarrollo de la pandemia y desde distintos grupos de expertos en el tema, se han publicado recomendaciones para el funcionamiento de los laboratorios, destinadas a crear condiciones seguras para evitar contagios. Este artículo pretende resumir el estado actual de las recomendaciones de funcionamiento de acuerdo a los distintos grupos de expertos y las distintas etapas de la pandemia.

The COVID19 pandemic has caused, in the lung function laboratories of the planet, a restructuring in the operation, resulting in a decrease in the number and type of tests performed. During the development of the pandemic and from different groups of experts on the subject, recommendations have been published for the operation of laboratories, aimed at creating safe conditions to avoid contagion. This article aims to summarize the current status of the operating recommendations according to the different groups of experts and the different stages of the pandemic.

Implementing an intensified mentorship approach towards accelerated medical laboratory accreditation in 10 counties in Kenya

Background: Despite Kenya's roll-out of the Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation programme in 2010, most laboratories had not made significant or tangible improvements towards accreditation by 2016. In April 2016, the University of Maryland, Baltimore enrolled 27 facilities in the standard Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation programme. Objective: This study aimed to describe and evaluate the implementation of an intensified mentorship strategy on laboratory accreditation. Methods: In October 2017, the University of Maryland, Baltimore implemented intensive mentorship in 27 hospital laboratories in Nairobi, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Muranga, Nyeri, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kirinyaga counties in Kenya. Laboratories were paired with competent mentors whose skills were matched to facility gaps. Baseline and follow-up assessments were done between April 2016 and March 2019 using the World Health Organization's Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation Checklist and overall scores of the 12 Quality System Essentials and star ratings (from zero to five, based on scores) used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intensified mentorship.Results: In September 2017, 14 laboratories scored zero stars, three scored one star, eight scored two stars, one scored three stars, and one laboratory was accredited. By March 2019, eight laboratories were accredited, five scored four stars, 10 scored three stars, three scored two stars, and only one scored one star. The average score change with the intensified approach was 81.5 versus 53.9 for the standard approach.Conclusion: The intensified mentorship strategy resulted in fast-tracked progress towards laboratory accreditation and can be adopted in similar resource-limited settings

The application of sigma metrics in the laboratory to assess quality control processes in South Africa

Objective: This study aimed to determine the sigma metrics of analytes when using different total allowable error guidelines.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 19 general chemistry analytes at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in South Africa between January 2017 and December 2017. Sigma metrics were calculated on two identical analysers, using internal quality control data and total allowable error guidelines from the Ricos biological variation database and three alternative sources (the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendment, and the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine). Results: The sigma performance was similar on both analysers but varied based on the guideline used, with the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendment guidelines resulting in the best sigma metrics (53% of analytes on one analyser and 46% on the other had acceptable sigma metrics) and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia guidelines being the most stringent (21% and 23%). Sodium and chloride performed poorly across all guidelines (sigma < 3). There were also month-to-month variations that may result in acceptable sigma despite poor performance during certain months.Conclusion: The sigma varies greatly depending on the total allowable error, but could be a valuable tool to save time and decrease costs in high-volume laboratories. Sigma metrics calculations need to be standardised

Implementation of a customised antimicrobial resistance laboratory scorecard in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Keny

Background: In low-resource settings, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is detected by traditional culture-based methods and ensuring the quality of such services is a challenge. The AMR Scorecard provides laboratories with a technical assessment tool for strengthening the quality of bacterial culture, identification, and antimicrobial testing procedures. Objective: To evaluate the performance of the AMR Scorecard in 11 pilot laboratory evaluations in three countries also assessed with the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist.Methods: Pilot laboratory evaluations were conducted in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Kenya between February 2019 and March 2019. Assessors with previous SLIPTA and microbiology experience were trained. Assessors performed the laboratory assessments using the SLIPTA and AMR Scorecard tools.Results: Weaknesses in technical procedures and the quality management systems were identified in all areas and all laboratories. Safety had the highest mean performance score (SLIPTA: 68%; AMR Scorecard: 73%) while management review had the lowest (SLIPTA: 32%; AMR Scorecard: 8%) across all laboratories. The AMR Scorecard scores were generally consistent with SLIPTA scores. The AMR Scorecard identified technical weaknesses in AMR testing, and SLIPTA identified weaknesses in the quality management systems in the laboratories.Conclusion: Since the AMR Scorecard identified important gaps in AMR testing not detected by SLIPTA, it is recommended that microbiology laboratories use SLIPTA and the AMR Scorecard in parallel when preparing for accreditation. Expanding the use of the AMR Scorecard is a priority to address the need for quality clinical microbiology laboratory services in support of optimal patient care and AMR surveillance.