[Evaluation of two automated methods for blood lactate levels]. / Evaluation de deux méthodes de dosage de la concentration sanguine de lactate.

We evaluated two automated methods for measuring blood levels of lactates with Integra 800 (Roche Diagnostics) and ABL 725 (Radiometer). Our evaluation had shown a within run imprecision of 1% (Intégra 800) and 2% (ABL 725) and a between-assay imprecision of 2% (Intégra 800) and 5% (ABL 725). The two methodologies appeared very well associated. The selective electrode remains expensive but it is very interesting because it saves a blood sample.

[Technical difficulties of puncture and the functional anatomy of the subclavian vein]. / Tekhnicheskie oslozhneniia punktsii i funktsional'naia anatomiia podkliuchichnoi veny.

The difficulties occurring during puncture subclavian catheterization (PSC) are discussed. The results of 4559 PSC in 4007 patients are analysed. The results of ultrasonic examination (198 patients) and postmortem X-ray studies (34 cases) of the subclavian vein anatomy are presented. A great variability in the subclavian vein anatomy has been observed, this is associated with a likelihood of technical difficulties, failures and complications in standard PSC technique. An ultrasonic examination prior to PSC is recommended.