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At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Report of survey: pregnancy outcomes in medical laboratory technologists.

A survey was published and distributed in the CSLT Bulletin. Completed surveys were returned anonymously by mail. Of the surveys returned (n = 2002), 16 were not usable due to incomplete information. Spontaneous abortion (SA) occurred in 19.9% of the total responders' pregnancies. Technologists not employed during pregnancy had a lower rate of SA (13.2%) compared to those working full-time (19.9%) (p < 0.001). Including all types of early (< 28 wk) pregnancy terminations (except induced abortion) the non-employed group had a 17% incidence of fetal loss compared to 23% in the group employed full-time (p < 0.001). The differences in SA rate could not be accounted for by mother's age at pregnancy nor previous obstetric history. The incidence of cesarean section was higher in the full-time employed group (16%) compared to the non-employed group of technologists (9.9%) (p < 0.001). There were 141 reported birth defects representing an overall incidence in responders of 4.8%, comparable to literature values for the general population (6.0%). The incidence of specific birth defects was not different in the working group.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed2001

[Is the general practice laboratory medically and economically valuable?].

UNLABELLED: Between 1998 and 2000 we evaluated the office-based laboratory activities of general practitioners. The aim was to clarify whether there is a medical and economic benefit of these activities. METHODS: The study was performed in four parts: I. A cross-sectional study with a random sample of general practitioners of the German and French speaking part of Switzerland. II. A prospective evaluation of the office-based laboratory activities of 56 GP's. III. A cross-sectional study of the preference of 837 patients in 52 of GP's offices. IV. A consensus panel with nine experts using the RAND method. RESULTS: 1999 there were 55.4 Million laboratory tests ordered by GP's (excl. pediaters) of which 78.9% were analysed in the office-based laboratory. The probability of a second visit is reduced by 60%, if all of the tests could be performed in the office-based laboratory. 85% of the patients appreciate the possibility to discuss the test results within the same consulation. In the consensus panel, 43 tests were proposed of which only bicarbonate, chloride and urea were assessed as not useful for the office based laboratory. CONCLUSION: The office-based laboratory is a well embodied institution in Switzerland. It's predominant advantage is the possibility of point of care testing. It allows a quick management of the patient and avoids unnecessary second consultations.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[External quality control in the medical laboratory: evaluation of 12 ring trials 1994-1996].

The regulations for reimbursement of laboratory tests provide that such tests will be paid for by social insurance institutions only if the laboratories participate in internal and external quality control schemes. Twelve surveys of the external quality assessment scheme of MQ Zürich (Association for Medical Quality Control) were evaluated. We analyzed the imprecision and inaccuracy of the participant results depending on the analytical system or methods used. Furthermore, the number of participants who met the quality criteria published by FKGRAL (Expert Committee for Overall Revision of Analysis List) was determined. The deviations from the internationally recommended or reference methods respectively were within +/-33% for the metabolites and enzymes if native plasma was used as control sample. If lyophilized samples were used, 5 deviations observed were > +/-33% (maximum +99%). For hematologic parameters the deviations were in the range of +/-10%. The CV's were 5.7-17.6% for wet chemistry methods used by the participants and 4.5-15.1% for the other methods. (Cobas Ready, Ektachem, Reflotron, Vision). For hematologic parameters we found CV's between 4.5 and 14.0%. 69-83% of the participants using wet chemistry methods met the FKGRAL criteria, while 86-98% of participants using one of the other system obtained adequate results. The corresponding figure for the hematologic parameters was 83-93%. The nature of the control samples (native samples or lyophilizate) did not influence the number of participants who successfully passed the survey. The study showed that the surveys are an adequate tool for determining participants with inadequate analytical performance, and in many cases the survey results make it possible to propose the necessary educative measures.

Blood Chemical Analysis↗
PubMed1998

Studies on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Due to Laboratory Medical Analysis.

We encountered 64 patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia between April 1993 and March 1994. Mean patient age was 54 years. There were 46 males and 18 females. Underlying diseases mainly consisted of traffic accident (10 patients), valvular heart disease (5 patients), chronic renal failure (5 patients), leukemia (5 patients), pneumonia (3 patients), and malignant lymphoma (3 patients). The common clinical laboratory findings of MRSA bacteremia included decreses in total protein, albumin and hemoglobin as well as increases in white blood cells (neutrophils) and C reactive protein. In particular, an increase in C reactive protein by 10 mg/dl or more may be useful for diagnosing bacteremia. Laboratory findings were compared between surviving and non-surviving patients. There were significant differences in albumin, cholesterol, bilirubin, creatinine, and CRP. In 18 patients (28.1%), bacteremia was caused by infection due to contamination of central venous catheters. Since medical treatment with intra-vascular devices may cause bacteremia, sufficient caution is needed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1980

[Description of a computer system for the emergency medical laboratory (author's transl)].

An original computer system is described, which produces lists of specimens received, work sheets for the technicians and patient reports. The computer system functions continually around the clock and can be operated by laboratory staff. Patients reports are edited in usual units and in SI units, which decreases problems associated with the introduction of the SI system. The inclusion of a preventive quality control increases the quality of the results. Cumulative storage of biological and clinical data makes it possible to perform statistical calculations, and to determine physiological and pathological variations of biochemical components.

Computers↗
PubMed1989

Addition of non-pharmacological methods of treatment in patients on antihypertensive drugs: results of previous medication, laboratory tests and life quality.

Four hundred patients from eight health centres were recruited for this 2-year study on the possible replacement of antihypertensive drugs by non-pharmacological therapy. All the patients were given a device to measure their blood pressure at home and had monthly checks at a health centre. Two hundred patients on antihypertensive drugs (G1) started additional non-pharmacological therapy after 1 year in the study, while the rest (G2) had used it from the beginning. Antihypertensive drugs were withdrawn according to predetermined criteria. The drop-out rate was 1.5% each year. Medication was withdrawn completely from 42.7% of G1, and in 21.5% it was withheld for at least 18 months. The corresponding figures for G2 were 46.4% and 25.5% respectively. Most of the medication withdrawal in G1 occurred during the first year, when the group's management consisted solely of blood pressure measurements at home and frequent visits to the health centre. Serum triglycerides decreased on non-pharmacological treatment in both sexes in both groups. Life quality improved, particularly for the group (n = 173) that had the drugs withdrawn.

Adult↗