First Report of Brain Abscess Associated with Pseudozyma species in a Patient with Astrocytoma / 대한진단검사의학회지

A yeast-like strain was isolated from the brain abscess of a patient diagnosed with astrocytoma. Morphological and molecular analysis on D1/D2 domain in the 26S rRNA gene and internal transcript spacer region of the strain revealed that the strain belonged to the genus Pseudozyma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the isolation of a Pseudozyma strain from brain abscess.

Cost Structure Analysis of Blood Bank Tests / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Health Insurance reimbursement does not accurately reflect the cost of test items performed in a hospital, and it is particularly more difficult to introduce laboratory tests applying new technology. Ensuring the safety of blood bank tests is encumbered since the reimbursement rates for the blood bank items that are high risk are not properly set. In this study, we analyzed the validity of reimbursement through a cost analysis of testing performed in Severance Hospital blood bank. METHODS: Original cost and net income were calculated for the tests performed in Severance Hospital blood bank from 1 January, 2009 to 31 December 2009. RESULTS: The original cost and deficit of ABO & Rh(D) blood tests using an automated blood test analyzer was 4,588 won and 1,572 won (52% compared to reimbursement), respectively. Irregular antibody screening test was 3,416 won in original cost and 3,422 won profit. Lewis antigen test was 10,816 won in original cost, creating a 4,745 won deficit. Irregular antibody identification was 32,568 won in original cost and 17,189 won in deficit. CONCLUSION: Unless the original cost of blood bank tests is reflected in the reimbursement rates, hospital blood banks will run into a budget deficit and blood bank automation, which is used worldwide for patient safety, will not be used in domestic health care.

Differences in Hemoglobin Levels as Measured by Blood Gas and Auto Blood Cell Count Analyzers / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: While point-of-care testing is being used increasingly as a basis for making decisions about erythrocyte transfusion, no valid standards or guidelines have been developed concerning the accuracy of measuring hemoglobin concentration. METHODS: To compare results from blood gas and auto blood cell count analyzers with respect to hemoglobin, 40 patient blood residual samples which had been withdrawn into 4 mL sodium heparin and EDTA tubes, were analyzed twice by each devices. RESULTS: Passing-Bablok comparisons for hemoglobin (g/dL) with the Nova CCX (y) and Advia 2120 (x) were y=0.877x+2.471 (r=0.985). Additionally, hemoglobin levels from the blood gas analyzer were out of the calculated range at the clinical decision point. CONCLUSION: Blood gas analyzers as point-of care testing exhibited a slightly higher hemoglobin level than auto blood cell count analyzers. Some also produced values of hemoglobin out of the expected range at the clinical decision point. Therefore, the use of blood gas analyzers for hemoglobin levels is limited and it is recommended that the assessment of hemoglobin for transfusion should be determined using auto blood cell count analyzers.