Use of fibrin glue in lower blepharoplasties.

This prospective study investigates the long-term appearance of the scar following closure of lower blepharoplasty incisions with the fibrin adhesive Tissucol compared with the usual subciliary suturing. Eighteen eyelids closed with fibrin adhesive were compared with 12 eyelids where a 5-0 running suture was used for closure and to 10 eyelids that did not undergo surgery. The measurement team consisted of a panel, blind to patients and technique, that scored the scar morphology on a scale of 1-4. The Dunn test showed no difference between the group treated with the tissue adhesive and the group with conventional subciliary closure. There was a difference between the Tissucol treated group and the control group (P < 0.01). The surgical technique and the advantages in lower lid incision closure are discussed.

The use of skull bone in maxillofacial reconstruction and its potential use in orthopedic surgery.

The calvarium provides a source of bone grafts that are widely applied in maxillofacial surgery, with minimal donor-site morbidity and less resorption than endochondral grafts. A technique of harvesting monocortical bone is described and possible indications in orthopedic surgery are proposed. Thus, we suggest that skull bone can be used in orthopedic surgery in some instances, resulting in less donor-site morbidity than when autogenous bone from other sources is used.

LPTP's (Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program) educational assistance program (EAP)--a review.

The Educational Assistance Program (EAP) of the Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program (LPTP) in Ontario, Canada, provides at-the-bench in-service education to the technological staff in smaller, remote or rural hospital laboratories. This service is provided to laboratories which have either been identified by LPTP as experiencing problems or on direct request. The tutorials are conducted by experienced volunteer technologists. LPTP carries out mandatory testing and proficiency evaluation in Ontario. Funded by the Ministry of Health of Ontario, EAP is offered voluntarily and without charge as part of LPTP's educational component of external quality assessment. Preliminary post-tutorial proficiency testing results show improved performance and recipient evaluation forms express an enthusiastic response. Both support continuation of this unique program.

Reliability of white blood cell counting.

The Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program has successfully operated mandatory proficiency testing for 13 years in Ontario, Canada, using committees of volunteer peers. This is an alternative to gubernatorial proficiency testing. Using white blood cell (WBC) count determinations as a focus, we present our results. Ninety-six percent of participants attained WBC count results within +/- 10% of an all-methods mean and 77% attained results within +/- 5%. Ninety-six percent displayed satisfactory precision. Details of the program, ie, testing material, computer analysis, reference results, and scope of committee action, are discussed. In 1975, clinical expectations for WBC count determinations greatly exceeded most laboratories' capabilities. By 1987, participants were able to produce reliable, clinically useful WBC count results. The paramount reason for this improvement is the transition from manual to automated counting methods resulting from the stimulus of proficiency testing and the concomitant education.