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RDW: Definition and importance in blood test

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  RDW, acronym for Red Cell Distribution Width, is an index of erythrocyte anisocytosis and which represents the heterogeneity of distribution of the size of red blood cells. This size variation is called anisocytosis, and the value considered normal in adults and children varies between 11.6 and 14.5%. The RDW index is generally used to detect different types of anemia, because in the automated blood count, it represents the presence of anisocytosis or variation in the size of erythrocytes. Such an alteration can occur for several reasons, from anemia to the presence of chronic diseases, leukemia and use of medications. According to Bessman, et.al.; RDW may contribute to the differentiation between microcytic and hypochromic anemias. The evaluation should be done in conjunction with other indices such as MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin), MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) and RDW. Various hematology analyzers such as the Erba 3/5 PDA s...

Importance of Controls and Calibrators in a clinical analysis laboratory

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  Clinical analysis laboratories are a fundamental part of a health unit, as they directly contribute to the medical team to deliver reliable results for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of patients' diseases. The participation of a laboratory in the diagnosis is a process initiated from the pre-analytical phase. This involves preparation of the patient, collection and transport of the material to the laboratory unit; analytical phase, which begins with the processing of collected samples, according to the reliable results of its internal quality control (CIQ), verification of reagents and instruments, and finally the post-analytical phase, which consists of releasing the final report. Quality Control program The results of the CIQ (Internal Quality Control), expressed in biochemistry equipment, for example, need to be evaluated daily, to analyze the performance of the analytical system. However, in order not to have an examination result with an unacc...

Biochemical liver markers

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  Liver function tests (also known as a liver panel) are blood tests that measure different enzymes, proteins, and other substances made by the liver. These tests check the overall health of your liver. Transasia offers a wide menu of test parameters in convenient pack sizes in powder and liquid stable formats as well as system packs for Erba range of fully automated analyzers. The use of serum biochemical tests plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. However, an isolated test provides limited information, which must be evaluated in the context of the patient's history and clinical condition. Biochemical liver tests consist of markers of hepatocellular injury (aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase), liver metabolism tests (bilirubins), and liver synthetic function tests (serum albumin and prothrombin time [PT]).   Hepatic injury markers The liver contains a high concentration of enzymes, some of which are present in serum i...

Overcome electrolytic analysis challenges with maintenance-free biosensor technology

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  Find out how to increase the accuracy and reduce the processing time of your routine electrolyte Electrolyte analyzers are routinely used in medical diagnostics to examine physiological conditions within the body. Hospitals and clinical laboratories, as well as treatment sites, rely on electrolyte analyzers to measure the concentration of different ions in the blood, providing important information about the body's electrolyte balance that can be used to detect metabolic imbalances, assess kidney and heart disease and contribute to the early detection of human diseases. However, despite their widespread use, electrolyte analyzers operating with traditional electrode technology are subject to a multitude of challenges, with the need for periodic replacement of electrodes, in particular. In this interview, we speak with Sourav Saha, Product Manager – Critical Care, to learn more about the issues facing clinical labs performing electrolyte analysis and how Erba EC 90, st...

Bringing viral hepatitis out of the shadows!

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  WHO aims to achieve hepatitis elimination by 2030. But to get there, there is an urgent need to bring hepatitis care closer to communities. And for that to happen, WHO recommends early diagnosis to identify people who may be at an increased risk of infection Hepatitis, as we all know is an inflammation of the liver and can be caused due to alcohol abuse, medications, and certain medical conditions. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus and is a matter of concern as it can lead to severe disease and liver cancer. Elimination of viral hepatitis – a global concern Did you know that viral hepatitis is three times more deadly than HIV and nine times more than malaria? It’s no wonder then that WHO is focusing its efforts to diagnosis, treat and prevent chronic viral hepatitis by bringing hepatitis care closer to the primary health facilities so that people get better access to early diagnosis and treatment. WHO aims to achieve hepatitis elimination by 2030. To get there, ...

Catalyzing growth of the Indian diagnostic and medtech sector through enabling policies

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  The enabling role being played by the Government to bring preventive healthcare into focus has been notable, especially over the last two years.  The sun seems to be shining bright on the Indian diagnostic and medtech industry with the recent growth prospects that are giving an impetus and opening up a pleothera of opportunities for the Indian manufacturers and diagnostic service providers. The current scenario   Diagnostics is an essential part of the preventive healthcare. And in a country that houses 21% of the world’s disease burden, the importance of reliable, affordable and quality diagnostics cannot be ignored. Let’s not forget, a healthy working population contributes to strong economic development. A healthy country is a happy country. The good news, the domestic diagnostic industry, estimated at USD 9 bn (around INR 675 bn) is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~15% over the next 5 years. While there have been many growth enablers, the government’s role needs a spe...