Analytical and Clinical Performance of the NeuMoDx™ Platform for Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus Viral Load Testing.

DNA assays for viral load (VL) monitoring are key tools in the management of immunocompromised patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. In this study, the analytical and clinical performances of the NeuMoDx™ CMV and EBV Quant Assays were compared with artus CMV and EBV QS-RGQ Kits in a primary hospital testing laboratory. Patient plasma samples previously tested using artus kits were randomly selected for testing by NeuMoDx assays. The NeuMoDx CMV Quant Assay and artus CMV QS-RGQ Kit limits of detection (LoDs) are 20.0 IU/mL and 69.7 IU/mL, respectively; 33/75 (44.0%) samples had CMV DNA levels above the LoD of both assays. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.9503; 20 samples (60.6%) had lower NeuMoDx CMV quantification values versus the artus kit. The LoD of the NeuMoDx EBV Quant Assay and artus EBV QS-RGQ Kit are 200 IU/mL and 22.29 IU/mL, respectively; 16/75 (21.3%) samples had EBV DNA levels above the LoD of both assays. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.8990. EBV quantification values with the NeuMoDx assay were higher versus the artus kit in 15 samples (93.8%). In conclusion, NeuMoDx CMV and EBV Quant Assays are sensitive and accurate tools for CMV and EBV DNA VL quantification.

A Novel Approach for Routinely Assessing Laboratory Sigma Metrics for a Broad Range of Automated Assays.

BACKGROUND: Sigma metrics have been adapted for the clinical laboratory to incorporate observed accuracy, precision, and total error allowed. The higher the Sigma level for a process, the better performance that process has. A limitation of studies assessing Sigma metrics is that they are performed on a small number of well-controlled systems. METHODS: An algorithm was developed to extract QC data and derive the Sigma metric for 115 analytes from sites connected to the QuidelOrtho E-Connectivity® database. The median of these results was then used to derive the Sigma metric for each assay. RESULTS: In this analysis, 79 out of 115 (68.7%) of the assays assessed achieved 6 Sigma or better and 98 out of 115 (85.2%) achieved 5 Sigma or better. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated a methodology that can be used to condense Sigma metrics from hundreds of analyzers into a single metric of assay quality. Because these analyzers are running in working laboratories from around the world, this analysis can serve as a baseline for understanding the assay performance achieved in the presence of variabilities such as lab-to-lab, instrument-to-instrument, material handling, environmental conditions, and reagent lot. The significant number of assays demonstrating high Sigma levels did so despite this variation. The ability of the methods reported here to include hundreds of analyzers represents a novel approach for assessing Sigma metrics in clinical laboratories.

El rol del laboratorio en los hallazgos de intoxicación y exposición a monóxido de carbono / The role of the laboratory in findings of carbon monoxide poisoning and exposure

El monóxido de carbono es un gas altamente tóxico que se origina principalmente por la combustión incompleta de combustibles fósiles. La intoxicación presenta síntomas inespecíficos que solapan otras patologías y por lo tanto es indispensable la confirmación mediante la medición de la carboxihemoglobina en sangre. El laboratorio incorporó la determinación en el informe del estado ácido base a partir de octubre del 2018, debido a que previamente el médico debía solicitarla frente a la sospecha de una intoxicación. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar si esta medida implementada por el laboratorio contribuyó a mejorar el diagnóstico de intoxicación por CO, analizar las características de los pacientes con COHb mayor o igual a 5% y definir un valor de reporte inmediato para la COHb. El 46% de los casos con COHb mayor o igual a 5% no se relacionaban con una intoxicación y/o exposición a CO. De los casos de intoxicación se encontró que el 77% fueron diagnosticados a partir de la sospecha médica y un 23% por hallazgo del laboratorio. Se concluyó que es de mucha utilidad el rol del laboratorio en detectar aquellos casos que no fueron evidentes clínicamente. Existen ciertas patologías como las oncológicas o la enfermedad de Wilson donde se vieron valores elevados de COHb sin presentar intoxicación y se definió finalmente, como valor de reporte inmediato 7% para la COHb. (AU)

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that originates mainly from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Intoxication causes nonspecific symptoms that overlap with other conditions and, therefore, confirmation by measuring blood carboxyhemoglobin is essential. The laboratory incorporated the measurement in the acid-base status report as of October 2018, as it was previously required to be requested by the physician in case of suspected intoxication. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this measure implemented by the laboratory contributed to the improvement of the diagnosis of CO intoxication, to analyze the characteristics of patients with COHb greater than or equal to 5% and to define an immediate reporting value for COHb. Overall, 46% of the cases with COHb greater than or equal to 5% were not related to CO poisoning and/or exposure. Of the cases of intoxication, 77% were diagnosed based on medical suspicion and 23% on laboratory findings. It was concluded that the laboratory has a useful role in detecting cases that were not clinically evident. There are certain diseases including different types of cancer or Wilson's disease where elevated COHb values were seen without intoxication and finally, 7% for COHb was defined as the immediate reporting value (AU)

Una experiencia de siete años en el laboratorio de Micología del Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan / A seven-year experience in the Mycology Laboratory of Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan

En noviembre del año 2015 nos incorporamos al Laboratorio de Micología del Servicio de Microbiología del Hospital Garrahan. En este breve resumen queremos compartir los avances logrados a través de nuestra experiencia durante siete años de trabajo profesional. Debido a los diagnósticos realizados y su complejidad, consideramos que el Hospital Garrahan, sus pacientes y la comunidad toda necesitan contar con un laboratorio de Micología que responda a sus necesidades. Creemos haber iniciado un camino que esperamos continúe y culmine con la creación de la Unidad de Micología (AU)

In November 2015 we joined the Mycology Laboratory of the Microbiology Service of the Hospital Garrahan. In this brief summary we want to share the advances achieved through our experience during seven years of professional work. Due to the diagnosis made and their complexity, we believe that the Hospital Garrahan, its patients and the entire community, need to have a Mycology laboratory that responds to their requirements. We believe we have started a path that we hope will continue and culminate with the creation of the Mycology Unit (AU)

CXCL13 in laboratory diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis-the performance of the recomBead and ReaScan CXCL13 assays in human cerebrospinal fluid samples.

The chemokine CXCL13 is used as complement to serology in the diagnostics of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). We evaluated and compared the semi-quantitative, cassette-based ReaScan CXCL13 assay with the quantitative recomBead CXCL13 assay using a collection of 209 cerebrospinal fluid samples. The categorical agreement between results interpreted as negative, grey zone, and positive by the two methods was 87%. The diagnostic sensitivity was higher using the recomBead assay, whereas specificity was higher using ReaScan. Few manual steps, and a short turn-around time with no batching of samples makes the ReaScan CXCL13 assay an attractive complement to serology in the diagnostics of LNB.

Real-time next-generation sequencing on shell-vial culture to contribute to diagnosis of lymphatic tuberculosis: a case report.

Lymph node tuberculosis is a of limited clinical suspicion form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. After 15 days incubation in a cellular culture and directly from the supernatant, 11 minutes of Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing provided a preliminary result of an antibiotic-susceptible M. tuberculosis Indo-Oceanic lineage strain. Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing is a promising tool for optimising the laboratory diagnosis of lymph node tuberculosis.

Body fluid matrix effect evaluation on the Hitachi Labospect 008 system.

BACKGROUND: Non-standard body fluids (NSBFs) can provide essential clinical information otherwise unobtainable with conventional biological specimens. However, as most commercial chemistry reagents are only validated for serum, plasma, and urine by manufacturers, individual laboratories have to validate testing with NSBF to comply with regulatory standards. However, the heightened level of oversight and uncertainty of validation requirements to comply with regulatory standards pose a significant challenge for NSBF testing in clinical laboratories. METHODS: 28 combinations of high-volume chemistry tests requested on NSBF with established clinical utility were selected from retrospective data analysis. Specimens were analyzed with both closed and open channel chemistry reagents on a LABOSPECT 008AS platform (Hitachi High-Tech Co., Tokyo, Japan). Recovery studies were performed using a high concentration serum sample and 5 clinical NSBF samples at varying concentrations for each analyte. Acceptable performance limits were defined as 100 ± 10% of expected recovery. RESULTS: The average percent recovery ranged from 94.5% to 106.6% depending on the analyte/NSBF combination evaluated, and for each of the 28 combinations, the average percent recovery was within the predefined acceptable limits of ± 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The recovery results from this study on the LABOSPECT 008AS platform demonstrates that any systematic matrix interference of high-volume chemistry testing on NSBF samples is well within the defined limits of acceptability. This work also demonstrates recovery studies performed by an individual laboratory are practial and it is feasible to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements for accuracy of chemistry testing on NSBF samples.

Laboratory and Field Evaluation of the Crystal VC-O1 Cholera Rapid Diagnostic Test.

Cholera is a severe acute, highly transmissible diarrheal disease which affects many low- and middle-income countries. Outbreaks of cholera are confirmed using microbiological culture, and additional cases during the outbreak are generally identified based on clinical case definitions, rather than laboratory confirmation. Many low-resource areas where cholera occurs lack the capacity to perform culture in an expeditious manner. A simple, reliable, and low-cost rapid diagnostic test (RDT) would improve identification of cases allowing rapid response to outbreaks. Several commercial RDTs are available for cholera testing with two lines to detect either serotypes O1 and O139; however, issues with sensitivity and specificity have not been optimal with these bivalent tests. Here, we report an evaluation of a new commercially available cholera dipstick test which detects only serotype O1. In both laboratory and field studies in Kenya, we demonstrate high sensitivity (97.5%), specificity (100%), and positive predictive value (100%) of this new RDT targeting only serogroup O1. This is the first field evaluation for the new Crystal VC-O1 RDT; however, with these high-performance metrics, this RDT could significantly improve cholera outbreak detection and improve surveillance for better understanding of cholera disease burden.

The Alzheimer's Association international guidelines for handling of cerebrospinal fluid for routine clinical measurements of amyloid ß and tau.

The core cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers amyloid beta (Aß42 and Aß40), total tau, and phosphorylated tau, have been extensively clinically validated, with very high diagnostic performance for AD, including the early phases of the disease. However, between-center differences in pre-analytical procedures may contribute to variability in measurements across laboratories. To resolve this issue, a workgroup was led by the Alzheimer's Association with experts from both academia and industry. The aim of the group was to develop a simplified and standardized pre-analytical protocol for CSF collection and handling before analysis for routine clinical use, and ultimately to ensure high diagnostic performance and minimize patient misclassification rates. Widespread application of the protocol would help minimize variability in measurements, which would facilitate the implementation of unified cut-off levels across laboratories, and foster the use of CSF biomarkers in AD diagnostics for the benefit of the patients.

Biosensors as a future diagnostic approach for COVID-19.

Biosensors are important devices in clinical diagnostics, food processing, and environmental monitoring for detecting various analytes, especially viruses. These biosensors provide rapid and effective instruments for qualitative and quantitative detection of infectious diseases in real-time. Here, we report the development of biosensors based on various techniques. Additionally, we will explain the mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of the most common biosensors that are currently used for viral detection, which could be optical (e.g., surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)) and electrochemical biosensors. Based on that, this review recommends methods for efficient, simple, low-cost, and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agent of COVID-19) that employ the two types of biosensors depending on attaching hemoglobin ß-chain and binding of specific antibodies with SARS-CoV-2 antigens, respectively.

Epidemiology of bloodstream Candida species in a Spanish tertiary care hospital as a guide for implementation of T2MR (T2CANDIDA®) for rapid diagnosis of candidemia.

The aim of this work was to study the epidemiology of candidemia in our hospital in order to determine whether the T2MR system might be a useful tool for early diagnosis of candidemia in selected units. We perform a retrospective review of all candidemia episodes registered in the last 12 years in selected units of our hospital in adult and pediatric patients. Candida species and antifungal susceptibility patterns were registered. A total of 686 isolates were registered, of which 625 were infections due to the five most common species of Candida. C. albicans (45.6%) and C. parapsilosis (33.1%) were the predominant species found in our institution. In adults these species were closely followed by C. glabrata (12-21%) in all units. While in pediatric medical and intensive care units (PICU), these species were followed by other uncommon yeasts. Resistance rates to triazoles were low in C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. In C. glabrata and C. tropicalis the resistance rates to fluconazole ranged from 10.86 to 6.67%. Resistance rates for echinocandins were very low and all strains were susceptible to amphotericin B. T2Candida® might be useful to guide antifungal targeted treatment and discontinuation of antifungal empirical treatment in those units where the five most common Candida species represent more than the ninety percent of the isolates. The selection of medical and surgical units should be based on local epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility patterns. Incidence should be taken into account in order to make clinical decisions based on negative results. LAY ABSTRACT: T2Candida® might be useful selectively in clinical units according to their local epidemiology, antifungal resistance patterns, and incidence of candidemia. It optimizes the clinical value of positive results supporting decisions about targeted therapies or discontinuations based on negative results.

A novel rapid detection for SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 antigens using human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a newly emerging human infectious disease. Because no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines are available to treat COVID-19, early diagnostics, isolation, and prevention are crucial for containing the outbreak. Molecular diagnostics using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are the current gold standard for detection. However, viral RNAs are much less stable during transport and storage than proteins such as antigens and antibodies. Consequently, false-negative RT-PCR results can occur due to inadequate collection of clinical specimens or poor handling of a specimen during testing. Although antigen immunoassays are stable diagnostics for detection of past infection, infection progress, and transmission dynamics, no matched antibody pair for immunoassay of SARS-CoV-2 antigens has yet been reported. In this study, we designed and developed a novel rapid detection method for SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 (S1) protein using the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2, which can form matched pairs with commercially available antibodies. ACE2 and S1-mAb were paired with each other for capture and detection in a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) that did not cross-react with SARS-CoV Spike 1 or MERS-CoV Spike 1 protein. The SARS-CoV-2 S1 (<5 ng of recombinant proteins/reaction) was detected by the ACE2-based LFIA. The limit of detection of our ACE2-LFIA was 1.86 × 105 copies/mL in the clinical specimen of COVID-19 Patients without no cross-reactivity for nasal swabs from healthy subjects. This is the first study to detect SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen using an LFIA with matched pair consisting of ACE2 and antibody. Our findings will be helpful to detect the S1 antigen of SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19 patients.

Interlaboratory evaluation of Mucorales PCR assays for testing serum specimens: A study by the fungal PCR Initiative and the Modimucor study group.

Interlaboratory evaluations of Mucorales qPCR assays were developed to assess the reproducibility and performance of methods currently used. The participants comprised 12 laboratories from French university hospitals (nine of them participating in the Modimucor study) and 11 laboratories participating in the Fungal PCR Initiative. For panel 1, three sera were each spiked with DNA from three different species (Rhizomucor pusillus, Lichtheimia corymbifera, Rhizopus oryzae). For panel 2, six sera with three concentrations of R. pusillus and L. corymbifera (1, 10, and 100 genomes/ml) were prepared. Each panel included a blind negative-control serum. A form was distributed with each panel to collect results and required technical information, including DNA extraction method, sample volume used, DNA elution volume, qPCR method, qPCR template input volume, qPCR total reaction volume, qPCR platform, and qPCR reagents used. For panel 1, assessing 18 different protocols, qualitative results (positive or negative) were correct in 97% of cases (70/72). A very low interlaboratory variability in Cq values (SD = 1.89 cycles) were observed. For panel 2 assessing 26 different protocols, the detection rates were high (77-100%) for 5/6 of spiked serum. There was a significant association between the qPCR platform and performance. However, certain technical steps and optimal combinations of factors may also impact performance. The good reproducibility and performance demonstrated in this study support the use of Mucorales qPCR as part of the diagnostic strategy for mucormycosis.

How should diagnostic kits development adapt quickly in COVID 19-like pandemic models? Pros and cons of sensory platforms used in COVID-19 sensing.

As COVID-19 has reached pandemic status and the number of cases continues to grow, widespread availability of diagnostic testing is critical in helping identify and control the emergence of this rapidly spreading and serious illness. However, a lacking in making a quick reaction to the threat and starting early development of diagnostic sensing tools has had an important impact globally. In this regard, here we will review critically the current developed diagnostic tools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and compare the different types through the discussion of their pros and cons such as nucleic acid detection tests (including PCR and CRISPR), antibody and protein-based diagnosis tests. In addition, potential technologies that are under development such as on-site diagnosis platforms, lateral flow, and portable PCR units are discussed. Data collection and epidemiological analysis could also be an interesting factor to incorporate with the emerging technologies especially with the wide access to smartphones. Lastly, a SWOT analysis and perspectives on how the development of novel sensory platforms should be treated by the different decision-makers are analyzed.

Methylene Blue for the Treatment of Health Conditions: a Scoping Review

HIGHLIGHTS This scoping review summarizes the findings of clinical trials using methylene blue (MB) for the treatment of various health conditions. This research method allowed mapping main findings, clarifying research topics, and identifying gaps in the literature.

Abstract studies evaluating effective drugs for health conditions are of crucial importance for public health. Methylene blue (MB) is an accessible synthetic drug that presents low toxicity and has been used in several health areas due to its effectiveness. Objective: this scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of relevant research regarding the use of MB for the treatment of health conditions. Methods: a five-stage framework Arksey and O'maley scoping review was conducted. The literature was searched in Cochrane Library database using Mesh term "methylene blue". Data were collected by two independent reviewers and submitted to descriptive synthesis. Results: The search resulted in 429 records, from which 16 were included after exclusion criteria were applied. The therapeutic use of MB was identified for acute conditions (malaria and septic shock), chronic conditions (discogenic back pain, bipolar disorder, refractory neuropathic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder), and postoperative care (vasoplegic syndrome, and pain after haemorrhoidectomy, lumbar discectomy, and traumatic thoracolumbar fixation). Conclusion: there is much evidence emerging from clinical trials about the therapeutic use of MB for acute, chronic, and postoperative conditions; however, many gaps were identified, which open further avenues for future research.

[How did the private labs fit onto COVID-19 crisis?] / Comment les laboratoires de biologie médicale privés français se sont adaptés à la crise de la COVID-19 ?

Confronted with the COVID-19 crisis, healthcare professionals have had to tackle an epidemic crisis of a huge magnitude for which they were not prepared. Medical laboratories have been on the front line, from collecting samples to performing the analysis required to diagnose this new pathology. Responding to the needs and to the urgency of the situation, the authorities relied on the network of private laboratories. In France, private laboratory medicine represents 70% of overall activity, and with a network of more than 4,000 local laboratories, private laboratory medicine has been the cornerstone of the « screen-trace-isolate ¼ strategy. This article gives feedback from private laboratory medicine professionals, directly involved in the reorganization carried out at the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical stages, during the crisis from March to October 2020.

Risk factors for negative T-SPOT.TB assay results in patients with confirmed active tuberculosis: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The interferon-γ release assays as potent adjunct tools for the quick detection of TB in high burden countries is feasible. In this retrospective study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for negative T-SPOT results in confirmed active tuberculosis. METHODOLOGY: We consecutively enrolled 1,021 patients who were positive for acid-fast bacilli smear staining or culture-confirmed mycobacterial infection and simultaneously tested with the T-SPOT.TB assay. All of the included specimens were used to discriminate the Mycobacterium species using the biochip assay. We collected basic clinical characteristics and laboratory results for further analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1,021 patients enrolled in the study, 89 patients were identified as having nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Ninety-nine patients were excluded from the analysis because of indeterminate T-SPOT.TB results, while the remaining 833 patients were identified as having Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In total, 159 patients had false-negative T-SPOT.TB results (19.1% of 833). The concordance rate between the T-SPOT.TB results and final diagnoses in females was always lower than that in males. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female sex (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.19, 2.7; p = 0.006), age (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01, 1.03; p = 0.003), acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear-negative (OR 5.45; 95% CI 3.62, 8.19; p < 0.001), HIV coinfection (OR 6.83; 95% CI 2.73, 17.10; p < 0.001) were associated with negative T-SPOT.TB result. CONCLUSIONS: Female is another independent risk factor of negative T-SPOT.TB results, besides to elder, HIV co-infection, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear-negative who are suspected of having active TB infection.