Nivel de conocimiento sobre la extracción de hemocultivos en enfermeras de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Level of Knowledge about Blood Culture Extractions in Intensive Care Unit Nurses

Introducción: El hemocultivo es una prueba sencilla, pero existe el riesgo de contaminación por un inadecuado procedimiento, en muchas ocasiones puede estar relacionado con la mala praxis del personal de enfermería. Objetivo: Valorar el nivel de conocimientos sobre la técnica de extracción de hemocultivo en enfermeras de una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Métodos: Se realizó estudio descriptivo, transversal, en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso, La Habana, en enero 2021. La población estuvo conformada por 12 licenciadas en enfermería, se aplicó un cuestionario de conocimiento con la escala de puntuación: 0-30 puntos (no conocimiento); 31-60 puntos (poco conocimiento); 61-90 puntos (adecuado conocimiento), 91-100 puntos (excelente conocimiento). Se calcularon las frecuencias absolutas, porcentaje, prueba T para una muestra y chi cuadrado. Se utilizó el programa IBM SPSS versión 20 para Windows. Resultados: De la muestra estudiada, 41,70 por ciento consideró que el hemocultivo se realiza a pacientes febriles y el uso de guantes estériles como único medio de protección; 33,30 por ciento hizo referencia al alcohol como antiséptico cutáneo de elección; 58,30 % planteó que se inoculan con diez ml de sangre y 66,70 por ciento afirmó que se debe comenzar por el aeróbico. El promedio de puntuación general fue de 64,25. Conclusiones: Los profesionales de enfermería mostraron un adecuado conocimiento, los guantes estériles fueron el medio de protección más utilizado, destaca el uso de alcohol 76 por ciento para la desinfección de la piel, diez mililitros es el volumen de sangre considerado a inocular en los frascos, existe adherencia a los protocolos de transporte y conservación de la muestra(AU)

Introduction: Blood culture is a simple test, but there is a risk of contamination due to an inadequate procedure, which many times can be related to malpractice of the nursing personnel. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge about the blood culture extraction technique in nurses of an intensive care unit. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the intensive care unit of the National Center for Minimal Access Surgery, Havana, in January 2021. The population consisted of twelve registered nurses. A knowledge questionnaire was applied, which included the following scoring scale: 0-30 points (no knowledge), 31-60 points (little knowledge), 61-90 points (adequate knowledge), 91-100 points (excellent knowledge). Absolute frequencies, percentage, T-test for one sample and chi-square were calculated. The program IBM SPSS (version 20) for Windows was used. Results: Of the sample studied, 41.70 percent considered that blood culture is performed on febrile patients and the use of sterile gloves as the only means of protection. 33.30 percent referred alcohol as the skin antiseptic of choice. 58.30 percent stated that test tube or flask inoculation is completed with 10 mL of blood. 66.70 percent stated that the technique should start with the aerobic. The average overall score was 64.25. Conclusions: Nursing professionals showed adequate knowledge. Sterile gloves were the most used means of protection. The use of 76 percent-alcohol for skin disinfection is relevant. The volume of blood to empty into the flask or sample tube is 10 mL. The protocols for sample preservation and transport are followed(AU)

Clinical assessment of acid-base balance in Netherland Dwarf rabbit / Avaliação clínica do equilíbrio ácido-básico em coelhos Anã Holandês

Pet rabbits have increased their popularity in a lot of countries. However, most of the laboratory profiles in rabbit medicine come from the observations made in rabbit as biomodels or meat production. So that further researches are necessary to obtain reference values for hematology and biochemical profiles in pet rabbits and the different breeds, especially, in relation to acid-base balance. The aim of this report was to offer the mean values of the main parameters connected with acid-base profile in Netherland Dwarf breed. Thirty-five healthy rabbits (15 males and 20 females) were studied. Venous blood sample from lateral saphenous vein was analyzed to measure: haematocrit, haemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, blood pH, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), total CO2, ions bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium, base excess and anion Gap. Results showed a shorter range that those reported by different researchers. Moreover, differences between genders were showed in pCO2, its values were higher in males. It may be associated with a greater cellular metabolism. Values obtained in this research should be taken into account by veterinary clinicians for this breed in their clinical assessments. Besides, these values provide new results in parameters with few reference values.

A popularidade de coelhos como animais de estimação aumentou em muitos países. No entanto, a maioria dos perfis de laboratório em medicina de coelhos advém das observações de biomodelos animais ou da produção de carne. Assim, são necessárias pesquisas adicionais para obter valores de referência para hematologia e perfis bioquímicos em coelhos de estimação, e das diferentes raças, especialmente, em relação ao equilíbrio ácido-base. O objetivo deste relatório foi oferecer os valores médios dos principais parâmetros ligados ao perfil ácido-base na raça Anã Holandês. Trinta e cinco coelhos saudáveis ​​(15 machos e 20 fêmeas) foram estudados. A amostra de sangue venoso da veia safena lateral foi analisada para mensuração: hematócrito, hemoglobina, nitrogênio ureico sanguíneo, glicose, pH sanguíneo, pressão parcial de CO2 (pCO2), CO2 total, íons bicarbonato, cloreto, sódio, potássio, excesso de base e ânion Gap. Os resultados apresentaram um intervalo menor do que aqueles relatados por diferentes pesquisadores. Além disso, as diferenças entre os gêneros foram mostradas na pCO2, seus valores foram maiores no sexo masculino. Pode estar associado a um maior metabolismo celular. Os valores obtidos nesta pesquisa devem ser levados em consideração pelos clínicos veterinários para esta raça em suas avaliações clínicas. Além disso, esses valores fornecem novos resultados em parâmetros com poucos valores de referencia.

¿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.

An Optimal Capillary Screen Cut-off of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone for Diagnosing Congenital Hypothyroidism: Data from a Pilot Newborn Screening Program in Delhi

Objective: To determine an appropriate cut-off of capillaryThyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) for congenitalhypothyroidism.Study design: Cross-sectional.Participants: 174,000 neonates born in different hospitals ofDelhi, India, from November 2014 to October 2016.Main outcome measures: Correlation between initial andrepeat capillary TSH level and subsequent venous free thyroxine(fT4) level.Results: 102 newborns with initial/ repeat capillary TSH level of≥20 mIU/L (n=174) were confirmed to have congenitalhypothyroidism at mean (SD) age of 5 (4) days. A goodcorrelation between capillary TSH level and confirmatory venousfT4 level and postnatal age of sampling was obtained (r -0.6,-0.4). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.81 (95%CI0.75 to 0.88), indicating referral capillary TSH level of 20 mIU/L tobe a good predictor of subsequent high venous TSH level.Conclusion: A cut off of ≥20 mIU/L for capillary TSH screeningbeyond 24 hours of life is optimal in the Indian setting for decidingfurther recall and workup, keeping a balance between sensitivityand recall rate.

Detecting three halogenated hydrocarbons in blood by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for detecting dichloromethane,trichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in blood by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. METHODS: Using static headspace analysis, three halogenated hydrocarbons in blood samples were separated by DB-5 MS elastic capillary column and detected by gas chromatographymass spectrometry. RESULTS: There was a good linear relationship in the selected range of dichloromethane,trichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in blood. The linear correlation coefficient was greater than 0. 999 8. The detection limit and the lower limit of quantitation was 0. 19-0. 28 and 0. 64-0. 93 μg/L,respectively. The average recovery rate was 95. 1%-106. 6%. The within-run and between-run relative standard deviation was 2. 9%-4. 9% and 5. 0%-7. 0%,respectively. The samples could be preserved at room temperature or 4 ℃ for 3 days and at-8 ℃ or below for7 days. CONCLUSION: With the features of high sensitivity,precision,accuracy,easy operation and less interference,this method is suitable for detecting dichloromethane,trichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in the blood.

Application effects of Standard Operating Procedure on the management of venous blood specimens before laboratory / 中国实用护理杂志

objective To explore the effect of Standard Operating Procedure on the management of venous blood specimens before laboratory. Methods Blood collection SOP was established and applied on the management of venous blood specimens before laboratory.Nursing capacity,complication rate,rate of unqualified blood specimens were compared between before and after the SOP applying. Results Before and after the applying of SOP, the blood collection capacity of nurses were 85.43 ± 5.07,91.28 ± 4.78,the differences were statistically significant(t=-8.104, P=0.024). Before the applying of SOP, amounts of complication about venous blood collection, unqualified blood specimens and unqualified blood specimens which lead by nursing factors were 21, 95, 51, while after the applying, the amounts were 9, 63, 21, the differences were statistically significant (χ2=4.887, 6.052, 6.325, P﹤0.05). Conclusion Application of Blood collection SOP can promote nursing capacity of blood collection and reduce the incidence of unqualified venous blood specimens,improve the quality of venous blood specimens.

Application effects of Standard Operating Procedure on the management of venous blood specimens before laboratory / 中国实用护理杂志

objective@#To explore the effect of Standard Operating Procedure on the management of venous blood specimens before laboratory.@*Methods@#Blood collection SOP was established and applied on the management of venous blood specimens before laboratory.Nursing capacity,complication rate,rate of unqualified blood specimens were compared between before and after the SOP applying.@*Results@#Before and after the applying of SOP, the blood collection capacity of nurses were 85.43±5.07,91.28±4.78,the differences were statistically significant(t=-8.104, P=0.024). Before the applying of SOP, amounts of complication about venous blood collection, unqualified blood specimens and unqualified blood specimens which lead by nursing factors were 21, 95, 51, while after the applying, the amounts were 9, 63, 21, the differences were statistically significant (χ2=4.887, 6.052, 6.325, P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Application of Blood collection SOP can promote nursing capacity of blood collection and reduce the incidence of unqualified venous blood specimens,improve the quality of venous blood specimens.

Application and effect of transfer type anti-acupuncture needle in blood collection of hemodialysis patients / 实用医学杂志

Objective To improve the efficiency of blood collection in hemodialysis patients by inventing and applying new blood collection needles.Methods One hundred and eighty cases of hemodialysis patients were randomly divided into control group 1(CG1),control group 2(CG2),experimental group(EG). Comparison of the three groups in time of blood collection,the number of operation that had the risk of acupuncture injury and the number of the blood samples that had been contaminated. Results There were statistically significant difference (P<0.05)in three groups.The number of times of blood collection in the number of operations that had the risk of acupuncture injury,and the number of the blood sample that had been contaminated. CG1 had the longest blood collection time(12.55 min),EG had the shortest blood collection time(5.09 min);the risk of acupuncture injury was the highest in CG2 and the lowest in the EG.The number of contamination of blood samples and the amount of inaccurate sample in CG1 were the highest,and the lowest in the EG. Conclusions The working efficiency of transfer type anti-acupuncture needle(TTAN)during blood sample collection in hemodialysis patients is signifi-cantly better than that of traditional blood collection method,and it is helpful to reduce the risk of acupuncture injury and the risk of contamination in blood samples,which is worthy of promotion.

Rate of rejection of Haematology samples in Pathology Department In Port Moresby General Hospital : A Retrospective Study

@#The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of rejection of blood samples sent to the haematology section in the Pathology laboratory and to identify the areas of sample collection and the reasons for rejection. This retrospective study was conducted at the Port Moresby General Hospital within the period April 2012 to March 2013. The data was retrieved from the sample registration records in the haematology section. The percent cumulative rate of sample rejection over the 12 months duration of the study was 1.44%. The areas with the highest rate of rejected samples were those from the accident and emergency ward (23.19%) followed by children’s ward (22.39%). Some of the causes for rejection were clotting of blood samples (19.24%) followed by requisition forms without samples (18.32%) and unlabelled samples (15.65%). Thus, technical errors in the pre-analytical phase of the laboratory testing were among the common reasons for rejection. This include insufficient blood collection, not inverting the sample bottle straight after collecting the blood for effective mixing with the anti-coagulant to prevent clotting, incorrect labelling of samples and request forms, and sending samples unaccompanied by request forms. The pre-analytical phase is vital in ensuring sample integrity and correct patient identification

Comparative study on HGB and HCT results by ABL800 blood gas analyzer and BC5800 blood cell analyzer / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To explore the difference between hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) results by ABL800 blood gas analyzer and BC5800 blood cell analyzer respectively.Methods ABL800 blood gas analyzer and BC5800 blood cell analyzer were used to detect HGB and HCT in 97 samples of heparin-anticoagulated arterial blood and EDTA-3K anticoagulated versus blood from July 17 to 21,2016 as well as 63 samples of heparin-anticoagulated arterial blood from August 4 to 9,2016.Results Almost all the results by ABL800 blood gas analyzer were higher than those by BC5800 blood cell analyzer.Conclusion There're significant differences between ABL800 blood gas analyzer and traditional way when used to detect HGB and HCT.Blood cell analyzer is the preferred choice to detect HGB and HCT,and the results by the blood gas analyzer can be used for references.

Comparative study on HGB and HCT results by ABL800 blood gas analyzer and BC5800 blood cell analyzer / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To explore the difference between hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) results by ABL800 blood gas analyzer and BC5800 blood cell analyzer respectively.Methods ABL800 blood gas analyzer and BC5800 blood cell analyzer were used to detect HGB and HCT in 97 samples of heparin-anticoagulated arterial blood and EDTA-3K anticoagulated versus blood from July 17 to 21,2016 as well as 63 samples of heparin-anticoagulated arterial blood from August 4 to 9,2016.Results Almost all the results by ABL800 blood gas analyzer were higher than those by BC5800 blood cell analyzer.Conclusion There're significant differences between ABL800 blood gas analyzer and traditional way when used to detect HGB and HCT.Blood cell analyzer is the preferred choice to detect HGB and HCT,and the results by the blood gas analyzer can be used for references.

Clinical assessment of acid-base balance in Netherland Dwarf rabbit

Abstract Pet rabbits have increased their popularity in a lot of countries. However, most of the laboratory profiles in rabbit medicine come from the observations made in rabbit as biomodels or meat production. So that further researches are necessary to obtain reference values for hematology and biochemical profiles in pet rabbits and the different breeds, especially, in relation to acid-base balance. The aim of this report was to offer the mean values of the main parameters connected with acid-base profile in Netherland Dwarf breed. Thirty-five healthy rabbits (15 males and 20 females) were studied. Venous blood sample from lateral saphenous vein was analyzed to measure: haematocrit, haemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, blood pH, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), total CO2, ions bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium, base excess and anion Gap. Results showed a shorter range that those reported by different researchers. Moreover, differences between genders were showed in pCO2, its values were higher in males. It may be associated with a greater cellular metabolism. Values obtained in this research should be taken into account by veterinary clinicians for this breed in their clinical assessments. Besides, these values provide new results in parameters with few reference values.

Resumo A popularidade de coelhos como animais de estimação aumentou em muitos países. No entanto, a maioria dos perfis de laboratório em medicina de coelhos advém das observações de biomodelos animais ou da produção de carne. Assim, são necessárias pesquisas adicionais para obter valores de referência para hematologia e perfis bioquímicos em coelhos de estimação, e das diferentes raças, especialmente, em relação ao equilíbrio ácido-base. O objetivo deste relatório foi oferecer os valores médios dos principais parâmetros ligados ao perfil ácido-base na raça Anã Holandês. Trinta e cinco coelhos saudáveis (15 machos e 20 fêmeas) foram estudados. A amostra de sangue venoso da veia safena lateral foi analisada para mensuração: hematócrito, hemoglobina, nitrogênio ureico sanguíneo, glicose, pH sanguíneo, pressão parcial de CO2 (pCO2), CO2 total, íons bicarbonato, cloreto, sódio, potássio, excesso de base e ânion Gap. Os resultados apresentaram um intervalo menor do que aqueles relatados por diferentes pesquisadores. Além disso, as diferenças entre os gêneros foram mostradas na pCO2, seus valores foram maiores no sexo masculino. Pode estar associado a um maior metabolismo celular. Os valores obtidos nesta pesquisa devem ser levados em consideração pelos clínicos veterinários para esta raça em suas avaliações clínicas. Além disso, esses valores fornecem novos resultados em parâmetros com poucos valores de referencia.

Application of RNA isolating system in blood molecular marker tests / 中华检验医学杂志

As one important member of the biological sample library , blood samples are rich in biological molecules, which can be used for disease diagnosis , prognosis of disease staging , and prognosis et al.compared with tissue samples, blood samples have some advantages , such as easier to access, sampling in a row and rich test items and so on.However, after blood samples were collected, which need to be processed, packed and frozen in ice for long-term preservation container.Otherwise RNA in the blood sample is unstable and easily degradation in normal temperature transportation and preservation condition , thus subsequently affecting the molecular diagnostic biomarkers ′detection, analysis, research and development.In this paper, This review summarizes the current clinical and research work of routine blood collection and preservation methods effecting on blood RNA degradation and solution for avoiding these degrading which can help testing changings of blood biomarker more accurately .

Ethical Considerations on the Reuse of Clinical Laboratory Blood Samples in Research / 中国医学伦理学

By referring to the domestic and foreign relevant regulatory guidelines, this paper analyzed and sum-marized the ethical point in the design phase in the perspective of relevant regulations of clinical waste sample man-agement and biological sample management. It also analyzed the focus problems including the difference in sample library and clinical laboratory remaining sample as well as the ownership of the sample, to provide theoretical basis for ethics committee to review this kind of protocols.

Cause analysis and preventive measures for blood sample errors / 中国基层医药

Objective To study the reason and preventive measures of inconformity of the extraction appeared in the process of transfusion blood specimens with the patient's blood type.Methods The reasons of transfusion errors why extracting required blood type was not consistent with the patient's blood type examplesa in Zhengzhou transfusion of hospital from 2008 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.Results The experimental results showed that blood specimen inconformity was 49.60%,the error rate of blood extraction and blood infusion was 31.20%,infusion error only was 15.20%,blood type change after stem cell transfusion was 4.00%.Reasons of blood type change after stem cell transplantation to extract blood samples mainly included the blood center or blood did not accord with logo type blood stations provided (16.13%),blood use application form to fill in error(20.97%),check the wrong blood type (6.45%),blood samples taken(29.03%),the blood sample tag(27.42%).Conclusion In order to ensure the safety for clinical use must adopt measures to prevent resolutely put an end to a blood transfusion errors.

Monitoring and analysis of drug resistance of bacteria in 5042 blood samples / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the drug resistance of patients samples in terms of pathogenic bacteria in order to provide the basis for clinical diagnosis,treatment of blood infection.Methods Six hundred and seventy-one bacteria strains out of 5042 blood samples of hospitalized patients were used to analyze its characters and drug resistance from January 2009 to December 2012 in the people's hospital of inner mongolia autonomous region.BacT AIERT 3D automatic rapid microbial detection system was applied to perform blood culture.The bacteria identification and drug sensitivity test (MIC method) were detected by using VITEK 2Compact automatic bacteria identification instrument.Results Bacteria positive rate was 13.3％ (671/5042),of which the gram negative bacilli accounted for 49.9％ (335/671),and gram positive for 40.8％ (274/671).The top 5 bacteria strains of blood samples were escherichia coli,staphylococcus,staphylococcus aureus,klebsiella pneumoniae and staphylococcus aureus.The pathogenic bacteria rates of blood samples were 30.5％(29/95),44.4％ (55/124) and 52.5％ (94/179) respectively during 2009-2012.The main source of blood bacteria renal were department of internal medicine ward (12.1％,81/671),department of general surgery (11.6％,78/671),and ICU ward (10.6％,71/671).The detected bacteria rate in department of general surgery separation rate increased to the first in 2012 from fifth in 2009.However the detected bacteria rate in department of internal medicine was down to the tenth in 2012 from the third in 2009.The drug resistance rate of imipenem,piperacillin/tazobactam,cefotaxime,ceftazidime resistant cefotetan on escherichia coli and klebsiella pneumoniae were all less than 9.7％,and the rate of linezolid,vancomycin,teicoplanin,quinupristin/dafoe leptin and nitrofurantoin resistance of staphylococcus aureus,staphylococcus bacteria and gold staphylococcus aureus were all less than 2.3％.Conclusion The distribution,sources and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria had been changed recently.Therefore the laboratory shall strengthen the monitoring of drug resistance of bacteria in the bloodstream infection in order to guide clinical rational application of antibiotics.

HIV prevalence in suspects attending Sir Sunder Lal Hospital

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the sero-positivity rate of HIV infection among clinically suspected subjects of reproductive age group (15-49 years), biological and behavioral characteristics of the subjects gender specific variation of sero-positivity rate, and the differentials of the sero-positivity rate for the history of blood transfusion or blood products or other organs, history of needle exposure and symptoms of morbidity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Study is based on the retrospective data of the calendar year 2005 obtained from Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre (VCTC) (now renamed as ICTC), Department of Microbiology, I.M.S., B.H.U., Varanasi. These cases were either referred by the consultants of different OPD'S of Sir Sunderlal Hospital or came voluntarily for knowing their HIV status. About 2-3 mL of blood samples were collected in a plain vial and tested for HIV status by strategy II/III as per WHO/NACO guidelines.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Overall sero-positivity of HIV was 15.3% (18.1% in males and 12.2% in females) which increased 6-7 folds in the age group 35-49 years as compared to 15-24 years in both the sexes. Sero-positivity rate in male migrants was 43.1%, while in female migrants it was 18.7%. The history of multiple sexual contacts was about 3 times higher in males as compared to females; predominantly it was very high in male migrants (67.7%) as compared to male non-migrants (15.8%). History of multiple sexual contacts was not uncommon in females and it was 25.0% in female migrants and 9.7% in non-migrant females. The sero-positivity rate with the history of multiple sexual contacts was 45.4% in males and 60.3% in females, while without history of multiple sexual contacts these were only 2.8% and 5.3% respectively. Sero-positive cases had on an average 3.6±1.7 various morbidity symptoms as compared to 0.7±1.1 in sero-negatives. It is to be noted that sero-positivity rate was more in those females who seemed apparently healthy compared to those presenting with some of the symptoms; vice versa, in males presenting with some symptoms HIV infection was 7 times higher than those without symptoms.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The findings indicate a high sero-positivity among both the genders. Multiple heterosexual contacts, especially, in migrants are the main root of transmission of HIV. These are causing spread of HIV to their spouses. The multiple sexual contacts in the society, especially, among non migrant females of this region are indicating the distortion of traditions and cultures which are a serious concern and may lead to HIV infection on the rise. Awareness program to the susceptible group is the need to reduce further spread of HIV.</p>

Decay in intact DNA recovery in blood samples kept at room temperature.

Blood Samples were kept at room temperature for a period of 3-6 months at room temperature to know the amount of quantitative DeoxyriboNucleic Acid [DNA] recovery from these samples. We are able to recover good amount of DNA for about first 3-6 weeks after which the DNA is decreased drastically and after two months there hardly any chance of intact DNA recovery from these samples. It has been concluded that blood samples recovered from scene of crime after about 1-2 months is a waste. The samples must be recovered as early as possible to recover intact DNA from them. The samples must be collected within 1-2 months from scene of crime until and unless the climate is cold enough to increases decay time. This study is very useful for the investigating authorities which can make errors while collecting blood samples for DNA analysis.

Development of Indicators to Assess the Stability of Remnant Blood Samples Stored in a Biobank: Experience at One Institution / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: One of the major concerns with biobanking is the absence of standard operating procedures to eliminate pre-analytical variation arising from sample collection, preparation, and storage. Currently, there is a lack of tools to carry out quality control procedures for stored blood samples. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of stored blood samples in our biobank and to suggest appropriate indicators for their quality control. METHODS: The stored blood samples that we tested have been registered into our biobank since 2003. These were transferred to our biobank after carrying out routine requested tests, because the samples would have otherwise been discarded. For the purpose of quality control, we analyzed the concentrations and the integrity of DNA and RNA extracted from the stored samples and tested the levels of several serum proteins; the results were compared with the corresponding pre-storage levels. RESULTS: A total of 19 samples were stored from 2006 to 2009. Of the 22 samples stored between 2003 and 2005, 50% showed complete DNA integrity. However, sufficient RNA integrity was noted in only 1 sample stored as recently as 2009. High blood urea nitrogen levels were also noted in the stored sera, but the increase did not correlate to the duration of storage. CONCLUSIONS: The amount and integrity of nucleic acids extracted from stored blood samples are potential indicators that can be used for quality control. A guideline for the quality assessment of stored blood samples in a biobank is urgently needed.

Diagnóstico molecular de histoplasmosis humana en muestras de sangre entera / Molecular diagnosis of human histoplasmosis in whole blood samples

Se evaluó el uso de sangre entera para el diagnóstico molecular de histoplasmosis utilizando un método artesanal de extracción de ADN fúngico y una PCR anidada que amplifica una porción del gen HcP100 específica de Histoplasma capsulatum. La sangre entera se trató con liticasa, enzima lisante de Trichoderma harzianum y proteinasa K, seguido de una extracción fenólica. Este tratamiento permitió una lisis completa de las células, mostró buen rendimiento en la obtención de ADN y posibilitó la detección de la banda de 210 pb específica de H. capsulatum en la PCR anidada. El límite de detección fue de 0,25-1 levaduras/ml de sangre. El método se evaluó en 31 muestras de sangre de 19 pacientes con diagnóstico microbiológico de histoplasmosis, en 21 muestras de pacientes con otras micosis o infecciones por micobacterias y en 30 controles sanos. La PCR fue positiva en sangre para 17/19 pacientes con histoplasmosis (14/15 inmunocomprometidos y 3/4 sin inmunocompromiso aparente). Las muestras de sangre de los 30 controles sanos y de 20 pacientes con otras patologías fueron negativas, sólo hubo un falso positivo correspondiente a un paciente con infección por Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare. El método presentó 89% de sensibilidad y 96% de especificidad para el diagnóstico de histoplasmosis en sangre entera.

To assess the value of using whole blood samples for the molecular diagnosis of histoplasmosis, we applied an in-house DNA extraction method and a nested PCR targeting a 210 bp specific segment of the Histoplasma capsulatum HcP100 gene. A whole blood volume of 2.5-3 milliliters was centrifuged and the cellular pellet was treated with Trichoderma harzianum lyticase and proteinase K prior to applying a conventional phenol DNA extraction. This procedure allowed complete cell lysis, high DNA yield and specific amplification. The PCR detection limit was 0.25-1 yeast cells/ml of blood sample. The method was assessed on 31 blood samples from 19 patients with microbiological diagnosis of histoplasmosis, 30 healthy persons and 21 patients with other mycoses or mycobacterial diseases. Positive results were obtained in samples from 17/19 patients with histoplasmosis (14/15 immunocompromised and 3/4 without known immunological disorder). Blood samples from the 30 healthy controls and 20 patients with other conditions proved negative; the only false positive result was obtained from a patient with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection. With 89% sensitivity and 98% specificity, this molecular method for detection of the agent in blood shows promising for the rapid diagnosis of human histoplasmosis.