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Results for “MASS SCREENING TECHNICS”

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PubMed1987

Light scanning versus mammography in breast cancer detection.

Transillumination light scanning of the breast was compared with screen-film mammography in a prospective study of 1,110 women referred to an outpatient imaging department. Each method was interpreted independently of the other but with knowledge of physical examination findings. Of 24 biopsy-proved cancers, 14 (58%) were detected with light scanning and 21 (88%) with mammography. The 77 false-positive light scan examinations were attributed to technical factors and the inability of light scanning to distinguish malignant from benign conditions on the basis of imaging features. Of the ten false-negative light scan examinations, two were retrospectively reclassified as positive, but light scans in the other eight cases remained normal in appearance. The authors conclude that transillumination light scanning is not competitive with mammography as a screening method for breast cancer detection. furthermore, they were unable to identify a select subpopulation of women who might benefit from light scanning as an adjunct to mammography.

Biopsy↗

PubMed1990

Accuracy of screening for cervical cancer in Taiwan, 1974-1984.

The cervical cancer screening program in Taiwan was carried out in two phases. This study attempted to estimate the specificity, predictive value, and cancer detection rate of screening for cervical cancer in Taiwan, 1974-1984. They were 99.30%, 46.28%, and 0.60% respectively for Phase I screening (1974-1978) and 99.44%, 50.14% and 0.57% respectively for Phase II screening (1979-1984). It was found consistently that the suspicious rate for women screened for the first time in Taiwan was around 1.30%. Some issues of laboratory errors (or technical errors) in the screening were discussed by screening year and by geographic area respectively. A problem in the cytologic laboratory which produced some technical errors resulting in high false negative results was identified. In order to correct the above laboratory errors, an intensive and obligatory training program including lecture and laboratory sessions was set up and a quality control protocol was established, in which 10% random samples were selected and re-read by the supervisor, and consistency was established and monitored. Besides, subjectivity of cytopathologists was also considered and discussed. Standardization and quality control of the cytopathological laboratory is the most important issue in the accuracy of screening for cervical cancer.

Chi-Square Distribution↗

PubMed2002

Technical quality control practices in mammography screening programs in 22 countries.

OBJECTIVE: To assess current technical quality control (QC) practices within breast cancer screening or surveillance programs internationally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The International Breast Cancer Screening Network (IBSN) conducted an extensive survey of quality assurance (QA) activities in developed countries known to have population-based breast cancer screening or surveillance programs in place. Twenty-three countries were sent questionnaires that included items about QA and QC requirements at screening sites, the minimum frequencies of QC test performance, and the personnel responsible for performing QC tests. RESULTS: All 23 countries in the IBSN completed general information on their QA practices. Twenty-two countries responded with complete details on their technical QC practices. The responses indicated a pattern of consistently high-quality control practices among population-based breast cancer screening and surveillance programs. Most programs performed the great majority of QC tests. Variations were observed in the performance frequencies of QC tests and in the personnel responsible for performing QC tests. CONCLUSION: QC practices among population-based breast cancer screening and surveillance programs are highly evolved, with the great majority of responding countries following prescribed QC protocols. Further research is needed on appropriate performance frequencies for mammography QC tests.

Accreditation↗

PubMed2005

[Breast cancer screening programme: a media campaign for isolated or marginalised women].

The six counties in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region are all well-equipped to offer widespread breast cancer screening programmes. The regional technical committee for breast cancer screening has entrusted the regional health education committee (CRES) with the task of organsing an incentive campaign targeted at reaching disenfranchised or isolated women. With the collaboration of all its partners, the CRES proposed three examples of interventions: training sessions for a variety of health care professionals, publishing communication tools, and creating partnerships with the press. Financed by the state, this campaign essentially relies upon partnership mobilisation, social solidarity, interpersonal communication and the most popular and easily accessible information channels among this population group.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Glandularity and mean glandular dose determined for individual women at four regional breast cancer screening units in the Netherlands.

The nationwide breast cancer screening programme using mammography has been in full operation in The Netherlands since 1997. There is concern that the mean glandular doses due to mammography might be differing between different regions of the country due to differences in glandularity and compressed breast thickness. To investigate regional differences, glandularity, compressed breast thickness and mean glandular dose were determined for individual breasts during screening at mammography units at four locations in The Netherlands. Differences in glandularity were observed, which could be related qualitatively to differences in age of the participants at the different locations. Mean glandular dose depends on compressed breast thickness, glandularity and technical conditions of screening. The lowest average value of the mean glandular dose was found for the unit in Amsterdam. This is most likely due to the use of the Mo/Rh anode/filter combination at this unit, in addition to the Mo/Mo combination. At the other three units, almost exclusively the Mo/Mo anode/filter combination was used. Differences in mean glandular dose averaged per unit could be related mainly to differences in tube-current exposure-time product values. Consequently, it is concluded that differences in mean glandular dose at different units are marginal.

Aged↗

PubMed1988

A pilot study of the use of placental cord blood samples in monitoring for mutational events.

A pilot study exploring the examination of placental cord blood samples for mutant proteins with one-dimensional electrophoretic techniques is described. Although technical advances are such that the techniques employed in this study are now partially superceded, the practical problems encountered in this study would be typical of any monitoring program of this type. No mutations altering electrophoretic mobility among a battery of 51 different locus products were encountered in a total of 277,747 locus tests. When these data are combined with similar data from other studies, the mutation rate for electromorphs becomes 0.34 X 10(-5)/locus/generation.

Blood Proteins↗

PubMed2005

Presence of chlorinated paraffins in sediments from the North and Baltic Seas.

Chloroparaffins (CPs) were determined in sediments collected from the North and Baltic Seas during monitoring campaigns in 2001-2003. Electron ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used for a first screening. It allowed the simultaneous determination of short (SCCP) and medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCP). SCCP+MCCP concentrations between 5 and 499 ng/g dry weight were found. In general, Baltic Sea sediments were more highly contaminated by CPs than the North Sea was. However, concentrations related to the total organic carbon content were on the same order of magnitude due to the higher organic content in the Baltic Sea. Additional information about the congener and homologue pattern was obtained for selected samples from the Baltic Sea by high-resolution gas chromatography combined with negative ion chemical ionization and low-resolution mass spectrometry, Concentrations in the North Sea were in general too low for this approach. In the Baltic Sea, MCCP concentrations were 1.7-2.4 times higher than for SCCPs. Lower chlorinated C(13) and C(14) compounds were the main CP compounds. The CP congener and homologue patterns showed similarities with technical SCCP and MCCP mixtures when compared using principal component analysis.

Baltic States↗

PubMed2006

[Assessment of mammographic units in Poland in the view of current requirements of radiation protection regulations].

The aim of mammography examination is to discover as soon as possible any structural changes in a breast tissue. Every X-ray examination exposure the patient to the radiation as it takes place in mamnography images might be a cause of cancer. In this publication the dynamics growth of mammnography units number in Poland in years 1995,1997 and 2002 has been analyzed. The distribution of mammography units in Poland has been examined. The places of mammography units exploitation in regard to the type of health service institution has been determined. In this publication the manufacturers and the age of mammography units as a prerequisite to determine whether the specified mammography unit complies with the actual requirements in radiation protection regulations have been taken into consideration. The mammography laboratory equipment for providing quality control and the method of developing X-ray films has been also analyzed. It has been ascertained that about 25 % of mammography units do not comply with current technical requirements and they should be withdrawn from exploitation. However, it should be pointed out that there were only 554 mammography units in Poland at the end of year 2002. Their unequal distribution do not provide satisfactory availability to examinations for patients. As a result of this, the principal method of withdrawing them from exploitation should be replacing the time-worn the X-ray apparatuses with the new ones.

Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation↗

PubMed2001

Detection and identification of human bronchoalveolar lavage proteins using narrow-range immobilized pH gradient DryStrip and the paper bridge sample application method.

The use of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis as a tool for the investigation of human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) has been hampered by technical difficulties. In the last decade attempts have been made to establish a two-dimensional (2-D) protein map of BALF samples, resulting in the identification of a number of proteins present in BALF. In this study, we report an improved sample handling and separation protocol for investigation of human BALF proteins. The sample has been analyzed by employing a number of strategies, including the 'paper bridge' sample application method in combination with narrow range immobilized pH gradient (IPG) DryStrips, followed by comparison to the corresponding plasma map. Using peptide mass fingerprinting, we have identified 49 proteins in the narrow pH range 4.5-5.2 from an individual healthy BALF sample. Furthermore, we identified 17 BALF proteins, not detected in plasma. Twelve of these proteins have, to our knowledge, not previously been described in the BALF 2-D map. The mapping of BALF proteins with inclusion of those at low concentration increases the possibility to subsequently screen patient material for disease markers.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗

PubMed1993

Improving diabetes care for American Indians.

In 1986, a diabetes control program was implemented in the Billings area of the IHS. Baseline health-care practices in the program were described using a structured audit. The program included adoption of the IHS Minimum Standards of Care for diabetes, technical assistance, and professional and patient education. A second audit was performed in 1988. Care practices improved significantly for all facilities in 7 of 10 parameters measured. Facilities that implemented key program activities showed more overall improvement in screening practices, education, and immunization than those that did not organize diabetes care. Factors associated with improved care practices include establishment of a coordinated, multidisciplinary diabetes team with regular meetings, acceptance of standards of care by the medical staff, use of flow sheets by multiple providers, and diabetes-related professional and patient education sessions.

Diabetes Mellitus↗

PubMed1983

Cystic fibrosis--its biochemical detection.

We examine critically the biochemical methods capable of detecting and monitoring the end-organ disease processes in patients with cystic fibrosis. Although the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is never justified on the basis of the sweat salt test alone, the original filter-paper technic (Gibson-Cooke, Pediatrics 23:545-549, 1959) for determining Na+ and Cl- concentrations in sweat remains the most discriminating method. We discuss the contributions for neonatal screening of the so-called cystic fibrosis protein, associated decreased enzymic activities in the homo- and heterozygous state, and immunoreactive trypsin. Because evidence of either intestinal malabsorption or a pancreatic lesion must be sought, we review the use and interpretation of some tests of pancreatic dysfunction (meconium albumin, duodenal juice components, serum pancreatic isoamylase, and trypsinogen), both in establishing and in confirming the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1992

Comparison of epidemiological data on congenital hypothyroidism in Europe with those of other parts in the world.

The actual worldwide incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is based on the results of screening in parts of the world where screening is mandatory, i.e. most of Europe, USA, Canada, Cuba, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. In other parts of the world, some indications are given by the results of pilot studies. In Europe, mean overall incidence (1985-1990) for the countries included in our inquiry is 1/3801--in each country for the same period: Austria 1/3,930, Belgium 1/3,750, Czechoslovakia 1/6,037, Denmark 1/3,777, Finland 1/3,969, France 1/4,132, FRG 1/3,827, Greece 1/3,314, Hungary 1/5,632, Israel 1/3,152, Italy 1/3,150, The Netherlands 1/3,723, Norway 1/3,069, Portugal 1/3,139, Spain 1/3,216, Switzerland 1/3,913, UK 1/3,398 and Turkey (pilot study 1989-1992) 1/2,943. In comparison, the figures for the USA for the whole country are similar for the mean overall incidence (1988-1990): 1/4,119. But large variations exist between the states, the reasons of which are perhaps related either to technical problems or to the ethnic background in each state. In Canada and Japan, modifications of screening procedures have led to similar figures for the last years in our possess, Canada (1986-1988) 1/3,884 and Japan (1990) 1/3,856. The figures (mean overall incidence) for Cuba (1987-1991) 1/2,325, for Australia (1985-1990) 1/1/3,331 and for New Zealand (1987-1990) 1/4,496 are quite comparable. So in these countries where the screening is established, no great variations are noted as in certain parts of the world with pilot studies: Argentine (Buenos Aires; 1985-1990) 1/4,407, Chile (1991-1992) 1/2,514, Brazil (Porto Alegre; 1987-1991) 1/4,429.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Congenital Hypothyroidism↗

PubMed1992

[Comparative sensitivity of different solid-phase immunoassays for detecting HBsAg and anti-HCV in blood].

The sensitivities of seven methods of enzyme-immunoassay for HBsAg detection, as well as of twelve immunoassays for detecting antibody to HCV, were compared, in an attempt to evaluate the need for an official technical validation of such methods prior to its commercialization in Spain. Significant differences were seen for the sensitivities of these methods, which may influence the proficiency of blood bank screening for HBsAg and anti-HCV for preventing cases of post-transfusional viral hepatitis. As a conclusion, it is recommended to establish legal regulations for pre-marketing validation of such assays in Spain, as well as to take the results obtained in these evaluation studies as the basis for selecting those tests which may be more convenient for screening purposes at the blood banks.

Blood Banks↗

PubMed2006

Towards a proposition of a diagnostic (dose) reference level for mammographic acquisitions in breast screening measurements in Belgium.

A diagnostic reference level (DRL) is a dose level for a typical X-ray examination of a group of patients with standard body sizes and for broadly defined types of equipment. These levels are expected not to be exceeded for standard procedures when good and normal practice regarding diagnostic and technical performance is applied. In this paper, we have calculated DRLs for screening mammography in Belgium. The 95th percentile of the mean average glandular dose is 2.46 mGy. The DRL based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) measurements was 2.08 mGy. Correlation coefficient (R) between doses from patient studies and phantom studies was 0.90, with an average underestimation of the phantom measurements of 15% for systems that use only Mo/Mo anode/filter. For the centres that use other anode/filters, there is not enough scientific evidence that a single phantom measurement of a standard PMMA block is representative for the patient dose.

Belgium↗

PubMed1993

[Prenatal screening for Down's syndrome: a simplified method].

Prenatal screening for Down's syndrome (DS) can be achieved by combining maternal age risks and maternal serum additional parameters (AFP, HCG, uE3) by computer assisted statistical analysis. Nevertheless this measure of risk is far from broad and practical application in Italy, due to cultural and organization difficulties. So we suggest a different technical approach, the age specific risk being multiplied by the HCG/AFP likelihood ratio. HCG and AFP can be tested by an automated Elisa assay, and calculations performed by a simple method, excluding computer and software package use. About 100 pregnancies were evaluated both by a modified version of the Wald test and the method described hereafter. Using the automated HCG and AFP Elisa Testing and Crossley statistical calculation a higher False Positive Rate was observed. On the other hand no different Detection Rate was observed for the two tests. On a retrospective study we found that 5 sera from affected pregnancies were correctly identified both by the modified Wald test and the other method. It is concluded that, despite different False Positive Rates, the choice of which test to use depends on evaluation of local resources, one test being easier-to-perform and more sensitive, the other one probably being more specific but more difficult to perform.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Papanicolaou smear: can we make a good test better? Technical and interpretive challenges for the practitioner.

The Papanicolaou smear has proven to be an excellent screening test for cervical cancer and has resulted in a significant decrease in mortality from invasive cervical cancer. A relatively high false-negative rate of Pap smears might cause failure to diagnose preinvasive disease, especially when coupled with an increased screening interval. This review focuses on the causes of and methods to reduce the number of false-negative Pap smears. In addition, we address the clinical significance of ambiguous Pap smear diagnoses, such as atypical squamous/glandular cells of undetermined significance, and suggest a scheme for management of patients with these diagnoses. Although efforts to reduce false-negative Pap smears are important, the most effective way of reducing mortality from invasive cervical cancer is universal, organized, population-based screening of all women.

False Negative Reactions↗

PubMed1993

[The value of the AMBER system in demonstrating intrathoracic space-occupying lesions. A comparative ROC study of the AMBER and conventional technics for postero-anterior views of the thorax. Advanced Multiple Beam Equalization Radiography].

Since October 1991 the AMBER technique has been used for the diagnosis of chest diseases in about 4,000 patients. The ability of this technique, compared with conventional methods, for demonstrating intrathoracic masses on p.a. views has been assessed. Amongst the patients there were 43 with coin lesions, 18 with hilar and 33 with mediastinal masses. ROC analysis showed the AMBER technique to be superior in demonstrating coin lesions (AMBER 0.92, conventional 0.85) and mediastinal masses (AMBER 0.89, conventional 0.73). There was a small, statistically not significant, disadvantage in the AMBER technique for demonstrating hilar masses (AMBER 0.80, conventional 0.84).

Chi-Square Distribution↗

PubMed2002

Proteomics: drug target discovery on an industrial scale.

The discovery of targets that are sufficiently robust to yield marketable therapeutics is an enormous challenge. Through the years, several approaches have been used with varying degrees of success. These include target-independent screening of tumor-derived cell lines (disease-dependent), reductionist approaches to identifying crucial elements of disease-affected pathways, disease-independent screening of homologs of previously drugged targets, disease-dependent 'global' examination of gene transcript levels, and disease-dependent global examination of protein expression levels. These endeavors have been enabled by several major advancements in technology, most recently, the sequencing of the human genome. This review identifies the technical issues to be addressed for industrial-scale protein-based discovery in the identification of targets for therapeutic (or diagnostic) intervention. Such approaches aim to direct discovery in a way that increases the probability of robust target identification, and decreases the probability of failure owing to variable expression in this emerging field.

Algorithms↗