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The Essence: The Best of August 2019

By Anne-Margaret Olsson posted 09-06-2019 13:32

  
The Artery is a great resource for all AACC members—a place where you can ask your questions and receive prompt, detailed responses. This past month was a very active month on the Artery, with many solutions shared. Read on for our editor’s picks of the best discussions on the Artery in August.

Immunoglobulins
Initiated by @Liliana D Agostino, BSc, MSc

In an immunofixation electrophoresis for a patient with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an additional band appeared with beta mobility characterized as immunoglobin G without kappa and lambda chains. Several respondents think this might be evidence for gamma heavy chain disease, with one respondent suggesting that immunotyping could confirm if the patient has this disorder.


NRCC (TC) Certification
Initiated by @Morgan George

Can individuals with National Registry of Certified Chemists - Toxicological Chemist (NRCC (TC)) certifications oversee forensic toxicology labs? Two respondents said that NRCC (TC) certification likely does not cover forensic toxicology to an appreciable extent, while a third person countered that this certification might serve as qualification, but it depends on the lab’s accrediting agency requirements and the original poster’s knowledge of forensic lab procedures. Most respondents suggested that the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) would provide a stronger certification for this type of work.


Post-meeting Wrap-up
Initiated by @Danyel Tacker, PhD, DABCC, FAACC

After the 71st AACC Annual Scientific Meeting, Artery members were asked what their favorite sessions were and why, and for three take-aways from the meeting. One member responded that the session speakers were inspirational, while another member favored a roundtable discussion on tackling infectious diseases. Focusing on patients, rather than compliance, and the clinical utility of serum free light chains were just two of the take-aways people mentioned in the discussion.


Physician Concern Mismatch FT4 and TSH
Initiated by @Yusra Othman, PhD, DABCC, FAACC

After switching platforms, one lab is receiving complaints that their FT4 assay is not in concordance with TSH, the dose adjustment of thyroxine, and patients’ clinical presentation. A couple respondents suggest that information in AACC’s Laboratory Medicine Practice Guideline on thyroid disease could help solve this issue. Another respondent suggests ensuring that the institution’s preanalytical processes are correct before investigating other aspects of the new FT4 test.
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