Validation of automated ESR methods with conventional method as gold standard

To compare the ESR values by Ves-Matic Easy and Vacuette SRS 20/11 with conventional Westergren method, aiming to validate the automated methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Islamabad Diagnostic centre, Islamabad. A total of 108 blood samples were subjected to ESR estimation by manual Westergren method and by automated [Ves-Matic and Vacuette SRS] methods. Results were analyzed on SPSS ver. 17. Results were compared and their correlation was calculated using Pearson correlation coefficient. There is strong positive correlation between Westergren method and Ves-Matic easy methods with Pearson coefficient of 0.97 and highly significant p value of 0.000. Results also show strong positive correlation between Westergren and Vacuette SRS methods with Pearson coefficient of 0.95 and highly significant p value of 0.00. Both automated methods [Ves-Matic Easy and Vacuette SRS] show good correlation to manual Westergren method, and are reliable and suitable for use in high workload clinical laboratory.

audit of laparoscopic cholecysstectomies performed at PNS Shifa

Open cholecystectomy used to be the gold standard for more than 100 years, now this has been taken over by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The operation has proved its worth because of little post operative pain, minimal scar, reduced hospital stay [1-2 days] and convalescence 1 to 2 weeks as compared to open cholecystectomy. The only problem seems to be the proper training of surgeons for safety of the patient to avoid common bile duct [CBD] and other injuries