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Latest Artery Conversations

CyanoKit - Hydroxycobalamin
SEP.08.2017

I would like to gather feedback about reporting results on samples collected from patients administered the Cyanokit drug, hydroxycobalamin. The Cyanokit is used as an antidote for treatment of suspected cyanide poisoning when patients are exposed to smoke inhalation most commonly from house fires. Hydroxycobalamin turns plasma and urine a "fruit punch" colour. Contribute

LDL Reference Interval
SEP.08.2017

INCEP guidelines state LDL Less than 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) - Optimal. 100-129 mg/dL (2.59-3.34 mmol/L) - Near optimal, above optimal. 130-159 mg/dL (3.37-4.12 mmol/L) - Borderline high. It does not define LDL reference intervals according to age. Some labs are using the reference range for LDL <20 years - <110 mg/dL,  >=20 years - <130 mg/dl. In other labs only one cutoff <100 mg/dl is used. I would like the opinion of arterians as to what should be the reference interval set. Collaborate by answering online

Can different sample types share a lab space?
SEP.01.2017

I am unaware of any regulations requiring different specimen types to be tested in separate rooms (aside from those required to be done under a hood).  We currently have fecal occult blood, urine pregnancy, rapid strep, and serum for mono all done on the same bench.  On another bench we have a mix of fFN, serum and urine osmo, ESR, FDP, and platelet function.  You'd have to be a pretty messy tech to cross-contaminate these specimens.  But this is the core lab, I know that microbiology and any kind of genetic testing have much stricter requirements.? Read the whole conversation

Molecule of the Month

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This molecule shows significant progress to aid people with what was once called "the royal disease". Can you guess both of them correctly?

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