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Clinical Rheumatology Feb 2013This study aims to compare different methods of monosodium urate crystal (MSU) detection in synovial fluid (SF) and the effect of sample storage and handling on crystal... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
This study aims to compare different methods of monosodium urate crystal (MSU) detection in synovial fluid (SF) and the effect of sample storage and handling on crystal detection. A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism conference abstracts of 2010 and 2011. Studies that compared a method for detecting MSU crystals in SF with polarised light microscopy (PLM) or compared various SF storage and handling factors with the detection of MSU crystals as an outcome were included. Twelve studies out of 247 identified references were included in the review. Seven studies compared different methods of MSU crystal detection in SF with PLM. Due to study heterogeneity, methodological limitations and risk of bias, no firm conclusions could be drawn from the available data. Five studies examining SF storage and handling factors were identified. A reduction in MSU crystal concentration was observed over time at room temperature that was not seen in refrigerated samples. The use of anticoagulation as a storage medium provided no benefit. Dried cytospin preparations appeared to be a suitable medium for long-term storage and delayed crystal analysis for at least 12 months. The existing data do not provide a compelling argument for the replacement of PLM as the current standard. SF sample storage and handling have an effect on MSU crystals and may impact on the reliability of analysis.
Topics: Chemistry, Clinical; Crystallization; Gout; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Specimen Handling; Synovial Fluid; Uric Acid
PubMed: 23138881
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-012-2107-0 -
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Aug 2023A novel microsampling device called Volumetric Absorptive microsampling (VAMS), developed in 2014, appears to have resolved the sample inhomogeneity inherent to dried...
METHODS
A novel microsampling device called Volumetric Absorptive microsampling (VAMS), developed in 2014, appears to have resolved the sample inhomogeneity inherent to dried blood spots, with improved precision in the volume of sample collected for measuring drug concentration. A literature search was conducted to identify several analytical and pharmacokinetic studies that have used VAMS in recent years.
RESULTS
The key factors for proper experimental design and optimization of the extraction of drugs and metabolites of interest from the device were summarized. This review focuses on VAMS and elaborates on bioanalytical factors, method validation steps, and scope of this technique in clinical practice.
CONCLUSIONS
The promising microsampling method VAMS is especially suited for conducting pharmacokinetic studies with very small volumes of blood, especially in special patient populations. Clinical validation of every VAMS assay must be conducted prior to the routine practical implementation of this method.
Topics: Humans; Blood Specimen Collection; Dried Blood Spot Testing
PubMed: 36917733
DOI: 10.1097/FTD.0000000000001083 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2009Impaction grafting is a technique to restore bone loss both in the femur and the acetabulum during revision hip arthroplasty surgery. Initially impaction grafting was... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Impaction grafting is a technique to restore bone loss both in the femur and the acetabulum during revision hip arthroplasty surgery. Initially impaction grafting was undertaken using fresh frozen femoral head allografts that were milled to create morselized bone pieces that could be impacted to create a neo-cancellous bone bed prior to cementation of the new implant. Results of medium and long term outcome studies have shown variable results using this technique. Currently both processed and non-processed allograft bone are used and the purpose of this review was to analyse the evidence for both.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the clinical effectiveness of processed (freeze dried or irradiated) bone in comparison to fresh frozen (unprocessed) bone.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1985 to 2008), EMBASE (1985 to 2008), CINAHL(1985 to 2008) and the National Research Register. Additional sources were also searched. Handsearching of relevant journals and conference abstracts was also undertaken. Searches were complete to 31 August 2008.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials that compared different types of bone for impaction grafting.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three hundred and sixty references were identified from the searches. Following detailed eligibility screening, three hundred and fifty nine references did not meet the eligibility criteria. Further details are required about one trial in order to determine it's eligibility.
MAIN RESULTS
No trials were identified that met the criteria for inclusion in the review.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Good quality randomised controlled trials are required in this area so that a surgeon's choice of bone graft can be informed by evidence rather than personal preference.
Topics: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Bone Transplantation; Humans; Reoperation; Specimen Handling; Transplantation, Homologous
PubMed: 19821362
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006351.pub2 -
Preventive Veterinary Medicine Nov 2019BackgroundDetection and characterization of viral RNA pathogens from fieldwork are challenging due to the instability of the RNA molecule. FTA cards® have proved useful...
BackgroundDetection and characterization of viral RNA pathogens from fieldwork are challenging due to the instability of the RNA molecule. FTA cards® have proved useful for sample storage and latter identification of pathogens with importance for agricultural, animal and human health: however, for optimal handling, processing, and biosafety measures are not well-established. ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to summarize the reported effectiveness of FTA cards® for storage and transport of viral RNA, as well as the conditions for their handling and use in downstream processes. Finally, the biosafety measures required to protect researchers and clinical lab workers are considered. MethodsWe performed a systematic review following the PRISMA statement. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus and Web of Science using the keywords "FTA cards" AND "RNA". Articles were screened by title and abstract, and after examination of inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant information was extracted. The quality of the studies was assessed, and the evidence was qualitatively summarized. ResultsA total of 175 records were retrieved, and 11 additional documents were found by checking references of the eligible articles. A total of 47 articles were included. Samples from animals accounted for 38.3% of the publications, which identified viruses that cause disease in poultry, wild birds, suids, or bovids. Three different methods for RNA extraction were reported. Other factors that vary across reports include the size of RNA amplicon, storage temperature, and duration of storage. Only fourteen articles tested the inactivation of the virus on the FTA card®, and in one case, the virus remained infective. ConclusionFTA cards® could be a suitable option for RNA virus storage and transport for fieldwork in areas where proper conditions for RNA preservation are difficult to achieve. Three different protocols have been used for RNA detection from this matrix. Biospecimens in the form of dried blood spots should be considered potentially infectious unless specifically treated to inactivate viral pathogens.
Topics: Animal Diseases; Animals; RNA, Viral; Specimen Handling
PubMed: 31607414
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104772