ABSTRACT
The risks of transmission of devastating and sometimes fatal viral infections from homologous blood transfusion have caused concern among patients undergoing elective major surgical procedures. Autologous blood transfusions eliminate the potential risk posed by these viruses. A well-informed primary care physician can help patients undergoing elective surgical procedures to determine whether autologous blood transfusion is an appropriate therapeutic alternative. A well-equipped and certified blood bank will allow patients to donate autologous units while keeping patient risk at a minimum.
Subject(s)
Blood Transfusion, Autologous/standards , Blood Donors , Blood Transfusion, Autologous/adverse effects , Blood Transfusion, Autologous/trends , Clinical Protocols/standards , Communicable Diseases/etiology , Communicable Diseases/transmission , Forecasting , Humans , Infection Control , Medical RecordsABSTRACT
An abnormal laboratory value in any patient must be explained. Three factors may alter the laboratory test results: diet, disease, and drugs. Perusal of the Physicians' Desk Reference reveals the enormous influence drugs can have on the laboratory test results. The prescribing physician should be aware of any potential side effects of a drug he or she is prescribing and enlist the assistance of a qualified pathologist to decide what effects, if any, the medication has on observed anomalies. The clinical pathologist can also help the clinician to decide what further steps need to be taken to elucidate the problem.
Subject(s)
Blood Chemical Analysis , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions , HumansABSTRACT
As pathologists begin to examine increasing numbers of tumors under the electron microscope and the biochemistry begins to characterize molecular change associated with disease states, electron microscopy will gain wider acceptance in clinical practice. The clinician is admonished not to rely on electron microscopy as a sole diagnostic tool, but to use it as an integral part of the available diagnostic armamentarium.
Subject(s)
Microscopy, Electron , Pathology/instrumentation , Humans , Microscopy, Electron/methods , Microscopy, Electron, ScanningABSTRACT
Reported are two cases of prostate cancer metastatic to the testicle. Both patients underwent bilateral orchiectomies for treatment of symptomatic metastatic prostate cancer. Testicular metastasis was found incidentally in one patient and was suspected in the other. This site of spread is rare. The clinical significance and prognosis are discussed and the pertinent literature reviewed.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/secondary , Prostatic Neoplasms/secondary , Testicular Neoplasms/pathology , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Aged , Humans , Male , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Flow cytometry can provide the clinician with a wealth of information on a given disease entity. It uses fluorescence and laser technology, thereby allowing characterization of a host of cell parameters and functions. Flow cytometry can be used to diagnose and prognose immunologic, infectious, and malignant disease, with minimal invasiveness. Any material within the reach of an aspiration needle is amenable to cytometric analysis. A qualified pathologist, well-trained technologist, and well-informed clinician all play crucial roles in the appropriate application of cytometric analysis of the clinical specimen. The wide variety of applications make flow cytometry a useful tool for all clinicians, regardless of practice location.
