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Biomedical subjects

J M Jou

Publications and source records attributed to J M Jou.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Assaying the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as a mitogen of immature cells in fetal blood cultures.

Based on the presence of immature cells in fetal blood, and in an attempt to shorten the cytogenetic reporting time, three simultaneous one-day culture regimes were established in 23 fetal blood samples: (a) the standard phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocytes culture, (b) a culture using the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as an alternative mitogen, and (c) an unstimulated culture. Diagnostic success rates achieved by these three methods were as follows: 43 per cent (95 per cent CI: 23-64) (GM-CSF), 30 per cent (95 per cent CI: 12-49) (PHA) and 9 per cent (unstimulated). These three regimes were also assayed in three-day cultures giving 100 per cent diagnostic success rate for the PHA and GM-CSF, and 62 per cent (95 per cent CI: 41-83) for the unstimulated. A moderate correlation was found between the initial concentration of cultured erythroblasts and the metaphase count in one-day GM-CSF-stimulated (r=0.43, p=0.01) and unstimulated (r=0.35, p=0.05) cultures, suggesting that erythroblasts may be in part responsible for the mitotic index observed in these two regime cultures. In conclusion, our experience suggests that immature cells in fetal blood may be successfully cultured for diagnostic purposes.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1998

[Dengue: a re-emerging disease. A clinical and epidemiological study in 57 Spanish travelers].

Dengue infection is nowadays considered a re-emergent disease. It has a worldwide tropical and subtropical distribution. The dengue virus in a member of the flavivirus family composed by 4 different serotypes. The virus is transmitted by mosquitos of the Aedes genus. With the increment of travels to the endemic areas, dengue is now observed frequently in our country. We analyzed 57 patients, 30 with imported dengue (ID) and 27 with dengue fever suffered during the trip (DDT). This series is compared with other published ones and a review of the subject is presented. Patients with ID followed a protocol as a febril syndrome returning from the tropics. Dengue was diagnosed through a compatible clinico-epidemiological history, the absence of other ferbil illness and positivity of specific serology. All patients had travelled to endemic areas (Central America 28 cases, Indian subcontinent 15, South-East Asia 10, South America 2, West Africa one, and Pacific one). The following were the most important clinical characteristics: fever and asthenia (100%), headache (98%), mialgia (84%), arthralgia (72%), morbilliform rash (61%) and retroocular pain (65%). For ID cases, the most helpful analitical results were: leucopenia (70%), reactive lymphocytes in peripheral blood smear (70%), thrombocytopenia (70%), and increased hepatic enzymes ALAT (53%), ASAT (63%) and LDH (100% in the 7 patients tested for this enzyme). Dengue must be included in differential diagnosis of fever in patients coming back to travels to tropical areas.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Platelet count and mean platelet volume in the Spanish population].

BACKGROUND: Platelet counts between 150 x 10(9)/l and 400 x 10(9)/l are considered as normal in the adult population. However in Spain it is not unusual to find lower counts in healthy people. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We have studied platelet counts in 1,430 prospective healthy platelet donors. In 93 we measured mean platelet volume (MPV) in a blood sample collected in citrate (1:4 v/v) in order to avoid the platelet swelling induced by EDTA. Complete blood counts were performed on a Bayer-Technicon H*1. A reference range of 95% was calculated for platelet count and MPV, and the relationship between platelet count and sex, age, hemoglobin and MPV was studied. RESULTS: Mean (SD) platelet count (in x 10(9)/l) in men (195 [42]; n = 1,053) is lower (p < or = 0.0005) than in women (213 [47]; n = 377). The reference range in men is 123-295, in women 137-319 and in both 125 to 300. The mean (SD) for MPV (in fl) is 9.6 (0.7) (no significant differences between sexes) and the reference range is 7.8-11. There is an inverse linear relationship between the circulating platelets and their MPV measured in citrate at high concentration (r = -0.282, p = 0.006, n = 93) and in EDTA (r = -0.364, p < or = 0.0005, n = 1,430) and also between platelet count and Hb levels (r = -0.166, p < or = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: The mean of platelet count in women is higher than in males in a sample of Spanish population. There is an inverse linear relationship between platelet count and their MPV measures measured in citrate at high concentration and in EDTA. The reference range for platelet count seems to be lower than in other populations of North European origin.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Evaluation of the Coulter MAXM. Differential leukocyte count and left-shift alarm].

PURPOSE: To assess the reliability of the differential leucocyte count (DLC) and the left shift flagging (LSF) system provided by the Coulter MAXM (MAXM) haematology analyzer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 380 blood specimens (drawn with tri-K EDTA as anticoagulant) were studied. RESULTS: By using the reference method (NCCLS H20-A), 50 out of the 380 blood specimens presented abnormal DLC (bands > 6%). Of from these, in 39 (80%) the MAXM displayed LSF of "bands 1 or 2". In 118 left shift flagged specimens (MAXM) with normal manual DLC, 87 (74%) had the "bands 1" alarm and 31 (26%) the "bands 2" alarm. Accordingly if the LSF "bands 1" is overlooked, the percentage of FP decreases from 36% to 10% but the percentage of false negatives (FN) increases from 22% to 58%. In order to improve the appreciation of LSF by decreasing the need of manual revisions, the visual examination of the leucocyte distribution scattergram (LDS), also provided by the MAXM, was conveniently evaluated. This study was performed on 190 blood specimens from which the MAXM displayed a normal DLC in 122 (64%), the LSF of "bands" in 44 (23%) and the LSF of "bands 2" in 24 (12.6%). Of from the 122 specimens with normal DLC, four were FN, of from the 44 specimens with "bands 1" LSF, 37 were FP and of from the 24 specimens with "bands 2" LSF, 16 were FP. The visual appreciation of the LDS showed in the majority of samples with "bands 1" and "bands 2" a definitely different shape consisting in a sharper image up to the top of the picture when compared to samples with normal DLC (without flags). According to this criteria, all the 122 specimens with normal DLC displayed a normal LDS and all the 24 specimens with "bands 2" flag displayed abnormal LDS. Of from the 44 specimens with "bands 1" flag, 26 (59%) showed an abnormal LDS and 18 (41%) a normal LDS. It is noteworthy that of from the 26 specimens with abnormal LDS only 7 were true positive (TP), whereas the 18 specimens with normal LDS all showed a normal DLC according to the reference method. These data allow us to conclude that manual revision was required in 26 out of 68 specimens with "bands 1" and abnormal LDS (13% of the total) and in all the 24 specimens with "bands 2" flag. Therefore by using the information provided by the LDS the need of manual revision decreases to 73% of the total sample with LSF. CONCLUSION: Our results give further support to the idea that th VCS method used by the Coulter MAXM provides a high quality DLC with specific left shift detection.

Automation↗
PubMed1996

Evaluation of the Abbott Cell-DYN 3500 hematology analyzer in university hospital.

The Abbott (R) Cell-Dyn 3500 (Abbott CD 3500, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Mountain View, CA) is a fully automated hematology analyzer capable of providing a complete blood count (CBC) profile, including a five-part differential leukocyte count (DLC) and flagging system in this study. The CBC profile and DLC flagging system of the Abbott CD 3500 were evaluated according to the HA-20 protocol of the National Committee for Clinical and Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) and compared to the Technicon H*2 blood analyzer currently used in the authors' laboratory. Linearity, carryover, precision, and stability were all within the limits established by the manufacturer. No significant break-downs were found during the evaluation period. Evaluation of DLC indicated an excellent correlation with the manual reference method for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils (r = 0.916, 0.936, 0.967, respectively), a good correlation for monocytes (r = 0.811) and a poor correlation for basophils (r = 0.224). Overall flagging for morphologic abnormalities displayed higher sensitivity (85%) than specificity (67%), with a false-positive ratio of 33%. In general, these results are in accordance with those obtained by other authors in the same period of time.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed1996

[Standardization Committee for Haematology. External Quality Assurance Program for General Hematology. Evaluation of the 1994 results].

UNLABELLED: Since 1994, the Standardisation Committee for Haematology publishes yearly the results of its external quality assurance programme (EQAPH), after it has been improved and even integrated in the Health Services of some autonomous communities. METHODS: Four hundred and seventy-three laboratories take part in EQAPH. The evaluation of the haematological records is carried out every year from the results of two whole blood samples. Two samples of lyophillised plasma are sent every month to participant laboratories in order to assess prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and fibrinogen. Samples are sent every three months for antithrombin III (AT-III) determination. According to the types of autoanalysers used, 9 groups have been established: Group I (Technicon H* and H-6000), group II (Technicon H*2 and H*3), group III (Coulter MaxM, STKS, Cobas Argos and Cell-Dyn 3000/3500), group IV (Coulter STKR), group V (Coulter JS/JT), group VI (Coulter S/T, Cobas Helios/Minos), group VII (Sysmex E/NE), group VIII (Sysmex K-1000), and group IX (other semi-automated counters). Three groups are established for general coagulation tests and two others for AT-III. The value of the mean of all results (consensus mean) and of each particular group (group mean) are used as statistical methods. The results are expressed as: (1) coefficient of variation, % (CV); (2) deviation index (DI); DI values attained with respect to the same group (or method) or all groups (or methods) allowed us to classify the results in four categories: excellent (0 < DI < 0.5), good (0.5 < DI < 1.0), satisfactory (1.0 < DI < 2.0), and out of acceptable limits (ID > 2.0); (3) Youden graphs or graphic representations of DI calculated from the analysis of the control specimens. RESULTS: Group I yielded lesser values for leucocyte count (0.221) and higher for MCH (0.833). Group II showed high DI values for PCV (0.933) and MCV (1.146). Group III had lower values for red cell count (0.097), haemoglobin concentration (0.133) and MCH (0.91). Group IV showed lower platelet count. Group V had higher haemoglobin concentration values. Group VI yielded higher DI in the platelet count and group VII in the white cell count. Group VII showed the lowest DI for MCV and MHC. Group IX had high values for red cell count and MCH. In the coagulation field, group I had higher values for PT and AT-III. Group II showed higher DI values for PTT and fibrinogen. The highest CV values were seen in groups VIII and IX. The lowest values were present in group II for haemoglobin, IV for MCH, in V for PCV and MCV, in VII for red cell count and MCH, in VII for white cell count and in VII for platelet count. The coagulation tests showed lower CV values than cytometry, the lowest being for PT in group I and PTT and fibrinogenein group II. With regard to the influence of acceptable results on adverse ones within this group, the percentage of laboratories with mean DI over 2 were calculated. Thus, the laboratories achieved 43.5% of values within acceptable limits for platelet count and 56.7% for white cell count. Regarding the PCV, out of 47.9% of the laboratories, only 1.0% showed high deviation of some results. In the coagulation parameters, of the 37.2 in this group for AT-III, 32.4% showed a mean DI over 2. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in External Quality Assurance programmes contributes to the comparability of the results provided by different laboratories, thus increasing their accuracy and improving the quality of patient care.

Blood Cell Count↗
PubMed1996

Reticulocytes in haematological disorders.

The increased precision of flow cytometric techniques permits the recognition of small differences even in the low or normal range of the reticulocyte count. Moreover, measurement of the RNA content of reticulocytes makes possible the identification of the youngest highly fluorescent macroreticulocytes (HFR) prematurely delivered from bone marrow in conditions of increased erythropoietic stimulation. The aim of this study was the definition, using the dedicated flow cytometers Sysmex R-1000 or R-3000 (Toa Medical Electronics Ltd, Kobe, Japan), of reticulocyte absolute number and HFR percentage in patients with haematological disorders prior to any treatment. Analysis of 54 healthy subjects and 100 untreated patients with five types of haematological disease is presented. In haemolytic anaemias (15 cases) both the reticulocyte count and HFR were greatly increased and the reticulocyte count was inversely correlated with Hb level, as in the reference population. In polycythaemia vera (20 cases) reticulocytes were moderately increased and directly correlated with Hb. In dyserythropoietic syndromes (20 cases) reticulocytes were low and HFR moderately increased; HFR showed an inverse correlation with Hb. In acute myeloid leukaemia (30 cases) reticulocytes were low and HFR increased; reticulocytes correlated with both HFR and Hb. In acute lymphoid leukaemia (15 cases), while the reticulocyte count did not differ from the reference group, the HFR was increased. These results provide reference values for the evaluation of reticulocyte counts and HFR in haematological diseases. From a physiopathological standpoint, they suggest that in anaemic patients the reticulocyte count directly reflects effective bone marrow erythrocyte production, while the proportion of circulating HFR more closely reflects the intensity of erythropoietic stimulation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Automated reticulocyte counting for monitoring patients on chemotherapy for acute leukaemias and malignant lymphomas.

Flow cytometric reticulocyte counting including their maturation fractions was performed with a Sysmex R-3000 automated analyser during follow-up after induction and/or consolidation with combination chemotherapy in patients with acute leukaemias (AL, n = 39; 58 courses) and malignant lymphomas (ML, n = 21; 29 courses). The ML patients received granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in addition after chemotherapy. During the leucopenic phase only reticulocytes of low fluorescence ratio (LFR) at extremely low concentration (< 10 x 10(9)/l) were found. After a median interval of 17 days (range 8-43), the middle fluorescence fraction (MFR) began to rise, preceding high fluorescence ratio (HFR) reticulocytes by a median of 1 day in AL patients with complete or partial remission. In ML patients, MFR and HFR reticulocytes appeared more often simultaneously after a median interval of only 11 days (range 8-15) and increased faster during the first week of marrow recovery showing a pattern different from AL. Granulocytes passed the critical limit of 0.5 x 10(9)/l at a median of 5 days after appearance of MFR reticulocytes in AL but in ML on the same day as MFR and HFR (day 0). The absolute reticulocyte concentration reached the lower limit of the reference range after about 10 days in AL. Thus, finding MFR and, to a lesser extent, HFR at very low cell concentrations, may serve as sensitive early indicators of marrow recovery after chemotherapy and are much more sensitive parameters than the absolute reticulocyte concentration. The higher median values for reticulocytes (total, HFR and MFR) after G-CSF therapy suggests that G-CSF is not lineage specific and may also stimulate erythroid precursor cells.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

[Evaluation of 3 automatic systems for measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate].

PURPOSE: To evaluate three automated devices for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (VES-MATIC 60, Menarini(R); SEDISCAN Becton-Dickinson(R) y SEDIMATIC, Ral(R)) by comparison with the Westergren method (WM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1576 whole blood samples (VM: 694, SC: 316 and SM: 566) from patients of the Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona were included in this study. In all the specimens, the ESR was determined following the ICSH recommendations (WM). The Student's t test for paired data and linear regression analysis were used for inaccuracy study. Reproducibility was assessed after five measurements of three different samples and establishing the coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: Significant correlation was found between the systems studied and th WM. Moreover, for ESR > 21 mm/h (groups II, III and IV) the results provided by VM system were not significantly different from those of WM. Finally, all the systems presented a good reproducibility, although the lower values of CV were obtained with the VM method. CONCLUSIONS: The automatic systems for measurements of the ESR demonstrate important advantages and, from this analysis, we concluded that the VM could be the alternative method to conventional Westergren for the ESR determination.

Automation↗
PubMed1995

Characteristics and performance of the external quality assessment scheme (EQAS) for haematology in Spain. Ten years of experience.

The external quality assessment scheme for haematology (EQAS-H) in Spain started in 1984 with 56 laboratories, being 473 in 1994. Participants come from public health services (70%) and from private laboratories (30%). Surveys are performed monthly or quarterly depending on the tests and on each occasion the following samples are prepared and sent by the professional organizing team: human (HIV/HBsAg free) or equine whole blood for cell counts (erythrocytes and leucocyte), platelet suspensions for platelet counts, lyophilized plasmas for prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (F) and antithrombin III (ATIII), and blood films for cell morphology and reticulocyte counts. In 1992 a new scheme on oral anticoagulant treatment control (OATC) has been established jointly by the Spanish Haematology Association (AEHH) and the Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (SETH). After preparation, the control material is sent to participants in the scheme where the requested tests are performed and the results reported back to the organizer (Haematology Laboratory Department of Hospital Clínic i Provincial) for statistical analysis. For evaluating the results, laboratories are divided into four to eight groups depending on the methodologies used. Individual results are assessed against a consensus value (mean) and a deviation index (DI) from the mean, and the coefficient of variation (CV), Youden plots and other statistical information are provided for all results and groups of each parameter. More than 80% of laboratories responded regularly (up to 6 trials) for blood counts and haemoglobin and compared to the previous year (1984), the values of CV(%) improved significantly for RBC count (from 3.3 to 2.2%), haemoglobin (from 2.7 to 2.1%) and platelet count (from 22.6 to 16.3%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hematologic Tests↗
PubMed1994

Effects of chronic normovolemic anemia on gastric microcirculation and ethanol-induced gastric damage in rats.

The effects of chronic normovolemic anemia on gastric microcirculation and gastric mucosal susceptibility to ethanol-induced gastric damage were investigated in anesthetized rats. Blood exchange by a plasma expander during four consecutive days rendered the animals anemic with a 34% decrease in the baseline hematocrit but without affecting blood volume. Chronic anemia induced a decrease in whole blood viscosity, an increase in gastric mucosal blood flow measured by hydrogen gas clearance, a decrease in gastric vascular resistance, and a decrease in gastric hemoglobin content without changes in the gastric oxygen content, the latter two parameters being measured by reflectance spectrophotometry. Gastric mucosal blood flow was lowered by intragastric administration of 100% ethanol in both anemic and control rats, but the final blood flow was significantly higher in anemic than in control animals. Macroscopic gastric damage induced by ethanol administration was significantly lower in anemic than in control rats. We conclude that chronic normovolemic anemia increases gastric mucosal blood flow and leads a protecting mechanism against gastric mucosal damage induced by absolute ethanol.

Anemia↗
PubMed1994

[Evaluation of the reproducibility of automated monocyte counting using flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies].

PURPOSE: To compare the results of the monocyte count provided by autoanalysers with those attained with flow cytometry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six blood samples (EDTA-K3) from the emergency laboratory were studied. The automatic percentage of monocytes attained by four autoanalysers, STKS (Coulter-IZASA), Technicon H*2 (Bayer Diagnostics), Cell-Dyn-3000 (Abbott Diagnostics) and NE-8000 (TOA-Sysmex) was confronted with that provided by the flow cytometry analysis performed with a FACScan (Becton-Dickinson) using monoclonal antibodies of myeloid-monocytic lineage (CD14, CD16). The morphologic observation of the blood smear in accordance with the H20-A protocol of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) was used as a reference method. Descriptive statistics plus linear regression analysis, along with the Student's t test for paired data were used for the statistical evaluation of the results. RESULTS: Significant correlation was found between the systems under study and the flow cytometry method: Technicon H*2 (y = 1.79 +/- 0.61x; r = 0.91, p < 0.0001), Coulter STKS (y = 0.61 +/- 0.93X; r = 0.89, p < 0.0001), Cell-Dyn 3000 (y = 0.88 + 0.64x; r = 0.78, p < 0.0001) and Sysmex NE-8000 (y = 4.60 +/- 0.33x; r = 0.52, p < 0.0001). When comparing the percentage of monocytes by means of the Student's t test it was found that Coulter STKS provided the closest results with regard to flow cytometry (13.78 +/- 9.27 vs 14.19 +/- 8.88, p = 0.49), while the closest findings with respect to the reference method were given by Technicon H*2 (9.29 +/- 4.78 vs 9.71 +/- 4.77, p = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: From this analysis, it was concluded that flow cytometry could be an alternative method to conventional optic observation in the evaluation of the differential count of leucocytes, including monocytes.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1991

Characteristics of the external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for haematology in Spain.

Ensuring reliable results of the tests which are performed in large haematology laboratories is essential because of the problems resulting from the use of complex automated instruments and the ever increasing workload. The Spanish Haematology EQA Scheme started in 1984 with 56 laboratories, a number which rose to 332 in 1989. The general scheme follows the guidelines established by the International Committee for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) with participants from Public Health (57.9%) and Private (42.1%) laboratories. Surveys are performed monthly and on each occasion the following samples are prepared and sent by the Organizing Center (Haematology Laboratory Department, Hospital Clinic i Provincial of the University of Barcelona): whole blood for full blood counts (FBC), platelet suspensions (or equine total blood) and lyophilized plasma for prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and fibrinogen (F). After preparation, control materials are sent to participant laboratories where the requested tests are performed and the results reported back to the Organizing Center for statistical analysis. For result evaluation, laboratories are divided into four to eight groups depending on the methodologies used. Individuals results are assessed against a consensus value (mean) deviation index (DI) from the mean, coefficient of variation (CV) and Youden diagram for all results and groups of each parameter. Between 58.3 and 74.5% of laboratories responded. For WBC, the CV improved from 17 to 7%, for platelets from 34.4 to 24.3%. For coagulation tests CV was 18.1% for PT, 16% for PTT, and 26% for fibrinogen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMed1991

[Evaluation of the Sysmex NE-8000 analyzer according to the norms of the International Committee for Standardization in Hematology].

The Sysmex NE-8000 blood autoanalyser determines the values of red cells and platelets by impedance method and the differential leucocyte count (DLC) by means of radiofrequency plus two independent channels for eosinophils and basophils. The system is provided with a sampler capable of holding 100 closed tubes and its working velocity is about 120 samples per hour. The results of its evaluation are presented in this report. The parameters systematically provided by this cell counter include blood cell counts (plus haemoglobin rate, haematocrit and red cell indices), DLC platelet indices and volumetric distribution curves of red cells and platelets. The machine is provided with alarms on each of the above parameters for any suspicion of pathology. The accuracy analysis was performed with regard to the Technicon H*1 system and the conventional methods recommended by the ICSH. Precision, carry-over, linearity and effective velocity were evaluated in accordance to ICSH standards, and when assessing the DLC the number of visual revisions and the percentage of false positives and negatives were taken into account, and hence the sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of the machine. The accuracy of the parameters analysed was acceptable, except for MCHC and monocyte and eosinophil counts. A fair precision was found except for the monocyte count, along with excellent linearity except for high white-cell count. Less than 1.5% carry-over was observed, except for the leucocyte count. The number of necessary revisions of the DLC was somewhat higher than expected, the false negatives being below 11%. Sensitivity, specificity and efficiency were over 75%, except for hospital patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Cell Count↗
PubMed1990

[Initial evaluation of the Technicon H*2 blood analyzer: speed and quality of results].

The major differences of the autoanalyser Technicon H*2 with regard to the H*1, booth manufactured by the same firm, are the former's higher working speed, over one hundred samples per hour, its hydraulic changes and a new type of samples. This system provides cell counts, leucocyte differential count (LDC) and distribution graphs for cell volume, haemoglobin, platelets and leucocytes. Its accuracy was studied with regard to H*1 and reference methods, along with the precision, linearity, carry-over, necessary LDC revisions and LDC sensitivity, specificity and efficiency. Very good accuracy (r greater than 0.9) was found when except comparing H*2 with the other machine and the reference methods, except for MCHCH and basophil count. The linearity of results was good (r greater than 0.998) and the percentage of carry-over was less than 5% in all cases. Twenty one per cent of hospital patients (HP) and 8% of outpatients (OP) needed revision of LDC. False negative LDC appeared in 0.4% of HP and in 0.3% of OP. LDC sensitivity, specificity in H*2 have solved the problems of H*1, improving the performances and working velocity of the system.

Blood Cell Count↗
PubMed1989

[Evaluation of the first program of external quality control in hematology of the Spanish Hematology and Hemotherapy Association. Experience of 1 year's activity].

The External Quality Control Programme in Haematology (EQCP-H) comprises a monthly remittance of two whole-blood control samples for evaluating red cell count (RBC), white cell count (WBC), platelet count (PC), haematocrit (HT), haemoglobin rate (HB) and red cell indices (MCV, MHC, MCHC), as well as lyophilized plasma for prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and fibrinogen (F) determination. The participant laboratories were classified for each determination in accordance with the methods used. The evaluation was made on the basis of 1986 data, the number of participants being 230, from Public Health (54%) and private 46%) laboratories. A mean (means) or target value, along with the standard deviation (SD), was obtained for the results received in the Organising Centre for each parameter. In order to find deviation of individual results with respect to means, a deviation index (DI) was calculated with regard to the whole group and to those laboratories using the same methods. The graphic evaluation of the results was plotted on a Youden diagram. The active participation was 58.3 +/- 5.7%, ranging from 33% (PC) to 74% (RBC, HB, HT and MCV). Upon evaluating the whole programme, stress was laid on the global variation coefficient (VC%) attained for each parameter and those pertaining to the analytical systems employed, grouped in accordance with the methodological principles. Global VC% ranged between 3.6% (HB) and 31.9% (PTT), and the values corresponding to the analytical procedure used were below 4% for RBC, HB, MCV and MCHC in automatic systems and also for HB and MCV in semiautomatic systems. Although the working period of EQPC-H is too short to draw definitive conclusions on the improvement it may induce in the methodological quality, the high VC% values found for WBC, PC and manual determination of HB, along with the unacceptable values for PT, PTT and F, should be stressed.

Hematologic Tests↗