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Biomedical subjects

A R Forrest

Publications and source records attributed to A R Forrest.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

The cyanide poisoning necropsy: an appraisal of risk factors.

Blood cyanide concentrations were measured in samples obtained from a pathologist before and after carrying out a necropsy on the body of a victim of cyanide poisoning. There was no significant increase in his blood cyanide concentration after carrying out the procedure. It is suggested that an important factor in determining the risk to those carrying out necropsies of the bodies of victims of cyanide poisoning is the amount of cyanide remaining in the stomach. There are several ways in which the theoretical risk inherent in carrying out such necropsies could be reduced, such as the use of a full face respirator, or the removal, intact, of the upper gastrointestinal tract to a fume cupboard for examination.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Assessment of the Glycotronic C blood glucose meter.

The performance of the Glycotronic C blood glucose meter, a pocket sized glucose strip meter, was assessed on the ward and in the laboratory. Theoretically there is a relation between blood glucose concentration, plasma glucose concentration and haematocrit when glucose is measured using conventional methods. The Glycotronic C meter would yield results about 20% greater than those of a conventional instrument when used to measure plasma glucose and about 15% less than a conventional instrument when used to measure the blood glucose concentration of a neonate. The Glycotronic C is easy to use and gives an acceptable performance for near patient use; it compares well with its current British competitors.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1989

New direct method for measuring red cell lithium.

A new direct method for the measurement of red cell lithium was compared with the indirect method. Good correlation (r = 0.97) was found and the coefficients of variation of the direct and indirect methods were 3.9% and 5.5%, respectively. In the direct method red cells suspended in choline chloride were centrifuged through dibutyl phthalate, which removes plasma adherent to the cells. A haemolysate is made of the sedimented red cells. The lithium concentration of this was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. There are many conflicting reports about the value of red cell lithium, and methodological problems have been proposed as a reason for this. It is suggested that the simpler, more precise direct method described here should be used in future.

Erythrocytes↗
PubMed1989

Adverse effects of the use of unusual phenethylamine compounds sold as illicit amphetamine.

A 40-year-old man, who had regularly taken illicit amphetamine by intra-nasal inhalation for several years without ill effects, was admitted to hospital with signs of massive adrenergic overstimulation shortly after inhaling material which he had purchased in the belief that it was amphetamine. The administration of the beta-blocker practolol produced a paradoxical increase in blood pressure. After his discharge from hospital he suffered disabling feelings of anxiety for several weeks. Analysis of a sample of the material showed it to contain p-methyl amphetamine and N, p-dimethyl amphetamine.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

TOXBASE: a microcomputer database for post mortem toxicology.

A cheap microcomputer program for the storage, retrieval, and analysis of the results of toxicological investigations on samples obtained at necropsy was devised. The program was written using FoxBASE+, a dBase III clone, which is both cheaper and faster than other comparable software. The hardware requirements are an IBM PC compatible microcomputer, preferably with both hard and floppy disc drives, and a suitable printer. The system was found to be particularly useful when preparing reports for coroners and in retrieving data for administrators concerned with aspects of work in the laboratory. The system is flexible and can be readily adapted to other uses.

Autopsy↗
PubMed1988

Laboratory assessment of three reflectance meters designed for self monitoring of blood glucose concentrations.

Three monitors designed for self monitoring of blood glucose concentrations by diabetic patients were evaluated in a laboratory. All three assessments correlated positively with a laboratory reference method based on glucose oxidase. Coefficients of variation at all levels tested were less than 10% for each monitor. Stability of the colour development of each stick was assessed and the effects of changes in blood spot volume and incubation time were examined. Twelve ward nurses were each asked to measure two blood samples and the results obtained showed wide variability. Overall, our findings suggest that each of the three monitors tested is suitable for use in monitoring capillary blood glucose concentrations by those who are properly trained.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1987

Carbon monoxide concentrations in infant deaths.

Carboxyhaemoglobin measured in 50 infant deaths showed no significant difference between home and hospital deaths nor between explained and unexplained deaths. Carbon monoxide toxicity is unlikely to have an important role in the pathogenesis of sudden infant deaths. The generally low carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations are probably due to endogenous production.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning↗