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  1. Article ; Online: Hyperparathyroidism Jaw Tumor Syndrome, an Unforeseen Diagnosis.

    Zama, Asande / Kruger, Elsie C / Zemlin, Annalise E / Conradie, Magda

    JCEM case reports

    2024  Volume 2, Issue 3, Page(s) luae020

    Abstract: Asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is often missed in developing nations due to limited formal healthcare exposure and biochemical screening programs. Many patients are thus only diagnosed once symptomatic. We present a 32-year-old female ... ...

    Abstract Asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is often missed in developing nations due to limited formal healthcare exposure and biochemical screening programs. Many patients are thus only diagnosed once symptomatic. We present a 32-year-old female who developed bony protrusions in her jaw during pregnancy, resulting in a stillbirth. Three months later, during a dental consultation for worsening toothache, jaw abnormalities were detected. Radiological studies revealed bilateral mandibular radiolucent lesions, and bone biopsy confirmed histological features consistent with a brown tumor. These findings raised concerns about underlying PHPT, which was confirmed with a markedly elevated parathyroid hormone level in the presence of significant hypercalcemia. Further examination revealed impaired renal function, normal urine calcium excretion, and bilateral nephrocalcinosis. Low bone mineral density was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and conventional radiology identified additional low-density bony lesions in keeping with brown tumors. A parathyroid MIBI confirmed the presence of a singular parathyroid adenoma. A vague but possible family history, the patient's young age, and the severe renal and skeletal involvement prompted genetic testing. A cell division cycle 73 (
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-03-04
    Publishing country England
    Document type Case Reports
    ISSN 2755-1520
    ISSN (online) 2755-1520
    DOI 10.1210/jcemcr/luae020
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: Challenges Associated with the Effective Implementation of New Laboratory Tests-The International Experience.

    St John, Andrew / Price, Christopher P / Hopstaken, Rogier / McGinley, Patrick / Melanson, Stacy / O'Kane, Maurice / Zemlin, Annalise E

    Clinical chemistry

    2024  

    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-03-26
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 80102-1
    ISSN 1530-8561 ; 0009-9147
    ISSN (online) 1530-8561
    ISSN 0009-9147
    DOI 10.1093/clinchem/hvae036
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  3. Article: Audit of amylase and lipase requests in suspected acute pancreatitis and cost implications, South Africa.

    Cook, Annie E / Jalavu, Thumeka P / Zemlin, Annalise E

    African journal of laboratory medicine

    2022  Volume 11, Issue 1, Page(s) 1834

    Abstract: Background: The internationally accepted criteria for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) requires two of the three following features to be present: characteristic abdominal pain, elevated serum amylase and/or lipase enzymes, or consistent imaging ...

    Abstract Background: The internationally accepted criteria for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) requires two of the three following features to be present: characteristic abdominal pain, elevated serum amylase and/or lipase enzymes, or consistent imaging results. However, sensitivity and specificity can vary depending on the population and cut-off values used.
    Objective: This study evaluated the suitability of amylase and lipase as first-line diagnostic biomarkers of suspected AP for the local population served by Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa.
    Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted in June 2019 using all amylase and/or lipase request data from December 2018. Patient clinical data were included in sensitivity and specificity analyses of amylase, lipase or dual requests for diagnosis of AP. Cost per test data were obtained from the National Health Laboratory Service and used to calculate the total cost of the tests and potential savings.
    Results: Sensitivity for lipase was 90.0% compared to 50.0% for amylase. Specificity was similar for singular measurements of lipase and amylase. Dual measurement of amylase and lipase showed no improvement in sensitivity (83.3%) and only a minor increase in specificity (97.4%) compared with measurement of lipase alone. The estimated savings was R2522.85 ($174.98 USD), with a potential annual cost saving of R84 423.74 ($5855.69 USD).
    Conclusion: Lipase was shown to be a more sensitive biomarker compared to amylase for the screening of AP, providing evidence for laboratories to educate local staff and promote improved requesting practices by clinicians. Additionally, preventing unnecessary dual requests may reduce costs.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-09-26
    Publishing country South Africa
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2708535-1
    ISSN 2225-2010 ; 2225-2002
    ISSN (online) 2225-2010
    ISSN 2225-2002
    DOI 10.4102/ajlm.v11i1.1834
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  4. Article ; Online: The impact of laboratory staff training workshops on coagulation specimen rejection rates.

    du Toit, Marcel / Chapanduka, Zivanai C / Zemlin, Annalise E

    PloS one

    2022  Volume 17, Issue 6, Page(s) e0268764

    Abstract: Background: Pre-analytical variables can have a significant adverse impact on the quality and credibility of coagulation test results. Therefore, correct and consistent identification of pre-analytical variables that compromise coagulation specimen ... ...

    Abstract Background: Pre-analytical variables can have a significant adverse impact on the quality and credibility of coagulation test results. Therefore, correct and consistent identification of pre-analytical variables that compromise coagulation specimen quality is of paramount importance. Lack of standardization and heterogeneity among laboratory staff when assessing coagulation specimens can lead to inconsistent identification of these variables. Failure to recognize such pre-analytical variables results in the analysis of poor quality specimens and the authorization of spurious test results.
    Objectives: To determine the impact of a laboratory staff training workshop on coagulation specimen rejection rates and to ascertain the level of knowledge of laboratory personnel concerning coagulation specimen rejection criteria before and after the workshop.
    Methods: A retrospective three-month audit was performed with rejection data of incorrect blood to additive ratio, clotted, aged and haemolysed specimens collected. Training workshops and evaluation sessions were subsequently presented. A revised standard operating procedure delineating coagulation specimen rejection criteria was implemented and a repeat three-month audit was conducted.
    Results: In total, 13 162 coagulation specimens were received during the initial audit with 1 104 specimens (8.39%) rejected. Following the workshops, the rejection rate increased by 3.49% to 11.88% with 12 743 coagulation specimens received and 1 514 specimens rejected. Evaluation sessions performed before and after the workshops revealed that 95.2% of attendees attained improved knowledge.
    Conclusion: This study demonstrated the pivotal importance of regular laboratory staff training. The increase in specimen rejection following the workshops signifies their success in educating laboratory personnel regarding the correct identification of pre-analytical variables. Since most pre-analytical variables occur outside the laboratory, educational workshops need to be extended to non-laboratory personnel responsible for specimen collection and transport.
    MeSH term(s) Aged ; Blood Coagulation ; Blood Specimen Collection/methods ; Humans ; Laboratories ; Retrospective Studies ; Specimen Handling
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-06-03
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2267670-3
    ISSN 1932-6203 ; 1932-6203
    ISSN (online) 1932-6203
    ISSN 1932-6203
    DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0268764
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  5. Article: Errors in the Extra-Analytical Phases of Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Testing.

    Zemlin, Annalise E

    Indian journal of clinical biochemistry : IJCB

    2017  Volume 33, Issue 2, Page(s) 154–162

    Abstract: The total testing process consists of various phases from the pre-preanalytical to the post-postanalytical phase, the so-called brain-to-brain loop. With improvements in analytical techniques and efficient quality control programmes, most laboratory ... ...

    Abstract The total testing process consists of various phases from the pre-preanalytical to the post-postanalytical phase, the so-called brain-to-brain loop. With improvements in analytical techniques and efficient quality control programmes, most laboratory errors now occur in the extra-analytical phases. There has been recent interest in these errors with numerous publications highlighting their effect on service delivery, patient care and cost. This interest has led to the formation of various working groups whose mission is to develop standardized quality indicators which can be used to measure the performance of service of these phases. This will eventually lead to the development of external quality assessment schemes to monitor these phases in agreement with ISO15189:2012 recommendations. This review focuses on potential errors in the extra-analytical phases of clinical chemistry laboratory testing, some of the studies performed to assess the severity and impact of these errors and processes that are in place to address these errors. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of these errors for the requesting clinician.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2017-05-05
    Publishing country India
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1033583-3
    ISSN 0974-0422 ; 0970-1915
    ISSN (online) 0974-0422
    ISSN 0970-1915
    DOI 10.1007/s12291-017-0657-2
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  6. Article ; Online: Performance of glucagon stimulation test in diagnosing central adrenal insufficiency in children when utilising the Roche Elecsys

    Zöllner, Ekkehard Werner / Lombard, Carl J / Zemlin, Annalise E

    Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM

    2022  Volume 35, Issue 10, Page(s) 1272–1277

    Abstract: Objectives: The glucagon stimulation test (GST) is used for the simultaneous assessment of central adrenal insufficiency (CAI) and growth hormone deficiency. The new Roche cortisol II (C II) assay was recently introduced, confounding interpretation of ... ...

    Abstract Objectives: The glucagon stimulation test (GST) is used for the simultaneous assessment of central adrenal insufficiency (CAI) and growth hormone deficiency. The new Roche cortisol II (C II) assay was recently introduced, confounding interpretation of the GST. The performance of the GST in diagnosing central adrenal insufficiency (CAI), utilising the C II assay, was therefore compared with that of the overnight metyrapone test (ONMTPT).
    Methods: A diagnostic accuracy study was performed by retrospectively analysing folders and laboratory records of 25 children and adolescents investigated for hypopituitarism with the GST and the ONMTPT between September 2016 and December 2019. The peak serum cortisol (C) of the GST, the post-metyrapone serum 11-deoxycortisol and adrenocorticotropin levels of the ONMTPT were recorded. Diagnostic performance of the GST at a previously suggested cut-off of 374 nmol/L was evaluated.
    Results: Seventeen boys and 8 girls, aged 1.7-16.3 years (median 7.3 years) were identified. The sensitivity of the post-GST C-level at 374 nmol/L was 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17-0.69), specificity 0.64 (95% CI 0.39-0.84), positive predictive value 0.44 (95% CI 0.19-0.73), negative predictive value 0.60 (95% CI 0.36-0.80), accuracy 0.54 (95% CI 0.35-0.72), positive likelihood ratio (+LR) 0.93 (95% CI 0.49-1.77) and negative LR 1.12 (95% CI 0.40-3.15). The area under the receiver of operating characteristics (ROC) curve was 0.379 (95% CI 0.142-0.615).
    Conclusions: This study suggests that the GST at any C II cut-off cannot replace the ONMTPT as a diagnostic test for CAI in children. Findings should be confirmed in a larger study.
    MeSH term(s) Adolescent ; Adrenal Insufficiency/diagnosis ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; Child ; Cortodoxone ; Female ; Glucagon ; Growth Hormone ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System ; Male ; Metyrapone ; Pilot Projects ; Pituitary-Adrenal System ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity
    Chemical Substances Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (9002-60-2) ; Growth Hormone (9002-72-6) ; Glucagon (9007-92-5) ; Cortodoxone (WDT5SLP0HQ) ; Hydrocortisone (WI4X0X7BPJ) ; Metyrapone (ZS9KD92H6V)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-09-06
    Publishing country Germany
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1231070-0
    ISSN 2191-0251 ; 0334-018X
    ISSN (online) 2191-0251
    ISSN 0334-018X
    DOI 10.1515/jpem-2022-0252
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article ; Online: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the renin-angiotensin system: A closer look at angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

    Zemlin, Annalise E / Wiese, Owen J

    Annals of clinical biochemistry

    2020  Volume 57, Issue 5, Page(s) 339–350

    Abstract: Since the first cases of atypical pneumonia linked to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China, were described in late December 2019, the global landscape has changed radically. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a ... ...

    Abstract Since the first cases of atypical pneumonia linked to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China, were described in late December 2019, the global landscape has changed radically. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and at the time of writing this review, just over three million individuals have been infected with more than 200,000 deaths globally. Numerous countries are in 'lockdown', social distancing is the new norm, even the most advanced healthcare systems are under pressure, and a global economic recession seems inevitable. A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the aetiological agent. From experience with previous coronavirus epidemics, namely the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2004 and 2012 respectively, it was postulated that the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor is a possible port of cell entry. ACE2 is part of the renin-angiotensin system and is also associated with lung and cardiovascular disorders and inflammation. Recent studies have confirmed that ACE2 is the port of entry for SARS-CoV-2. Male sex, advanced age and a number of associated comorbidities have been identified as risk factors for infection with COVID-19. Many high-risk COVID-19 patients with comorbidities are on ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, and this has sparked debate about whether to continue these treatment regimes. Attention has also shifted to ACE2 being a target for future therapies or vaccines against COVID-19. In this review, we discuss COVID-19 and its complex relationship with ACE2.
    MeSH term(s) Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Animals ; Betacoronavirus/drug effects ; Betacoronavirus/immunology ; Betacoronavirus/metabolism ; COVID-19 ; Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy ; Coronavirus Infections/immunology ; Coronavirus Infections/metabolism ; Humans ; Pandemics ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/immunology ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism ; Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy ; Pneumonia, Viral/immunology ; Pneumonia, Viral/metabolism ; Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects ; Renin-Angiotensin System/physiology ; SARS-CoV-2
    Chemical Substances Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A (EC 3.4.15.1) ; ACE2 protein, human (EC 3.4.17.23) ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (EC 3.4.17.23)
    Keywords covid19
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-06-02
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 390309-6
    ISSN 1758-1001 ; 0004-5632
    ISSN (online) 1758-1001
    ISSN 0004-5632
    DOI 10.1177/0004563220928361
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  8. Article ; Online: Survey and situation analysis of personal, employer-related, and environmental factors affecting participation in continuous professional development (CPD) programs of laboratory professionals in Africa.

    Ndlovu, Nqobile / Mataka, Anafi / Lombard, Carl / Erasmus, Rajiv T / Zemlin, Annalise E

    American journal of clinical pathology

    2023  Volume 161, Issue 4, Page(s) 360–368

    Abstract: Objectives: To determine the level and evaluate factors affecting the participation of laboratory professionals in continuous professional development (CPD) programs in eastern and southern Africa.: Methods: A survey was conducted among laboratory ... ...

    Abstract Objectives: To determine the level and evaluate factors affecting the participation of laboratory professionals in continuous professional development (CPD) programs in eastern and southern Africa.
    Methods: A survey was conducted among laboratory professionals from 14 countries. The CPD participation was defined as low if it was fewer than 2 CPD trainings in the past 2 years. Associations between categorical variables were tested for significance using Fisher exact test.
    Results: Of the expected 400, 283 (70% response rate) individuals participated in the survey. Of these, 153 (54%) had low CPD participation and 199 (70%) were aware of CPD educational activities in their respective country. Those with diploma certificates attended more CPD programs (P < .001) than those with undergraduate and master's degrees. Awareness of CPD programs was associated with a higher level of CPD participation (P = .0001). Job satisfaction was significantly associated with high levels of CPD participation (P = .02). Other factors associated with high level of participation in CPD programs included affordability (P = .03), funding by employer (P = .0005), and awareness of legal CPD requirements (P = .002).
    Conclusions: The CPD programs are considered useful to an individual's professional development, although there was low participation. It is recommended that different formats and platforms be used to expand CPD programs.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Africa ; Education, Medical, Continuing ; Clinical Competence ; Surveys and Questionnaires
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-11-30
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2944-0
    ISSN 1943-7722 ; 0002-9173
    ISSN (online) 1943-7722
    ISSN 0002-9173
    DOI 10.1093/ajcp/aqad154
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  9. Article ; Online: A guide to conducting systematic reviews of clinical laboratory tests.

    Don-Wauchope, Andrew C / Rodriguez-Capote, Karina / Assaad, Ramy Samir / Bhargava, Seema / Zemlin, Annalise E

    Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine

    2023  Volume 62, Issue 2, Page(s) 218–233

    Abstract: Clinical laboratory professionals have an instrumental role in supporting clinical decision making with the optimal use of laboratory testing for screening, risk stratification, diagnostic, prognostic, treatment selection and monitoring of different ... ...

    Abstract Clinical laboratory professionals have an instrumental role in supporting clinical decision making with the optimal use of laboratory testing for screening, risk stratification, diagnostic, prognostic, treatment selection and monitoring of different states of health and disease. Delivering evidence-based laboratory medicine relies on review of available data and literature. The information derived, supports many national policies to improve patient care through clinical practice guidelines or best practice recommendations. The quality, validity and bias of this literature is variable. Hence, there is a need to collate similar studies and data and analyse them critically. Systematic review, thus, becomes the most important source of evidence. A systematic review, unlike a scoping or narrative review, involves a thorough understanding of the procedure involved and a stepwise methodology. There are nuances that need some consideration for laboratory medicine systematic reviews. The purpose of this article is to describe the process of performing a systematic review in the field of laboratory medicine, describing the available methodologies, tools and software packages that can be used to facilitate this process.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Evidence-Based Medicine/methods ; Laboratories ; Patient Selection ; Prognosis ; Systematic Reviews as Topic
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-08-04
    Publishing country Germany
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1418007-8
    ISSN 1437-4331 ; 1434-6621 ; 1437-8523
    ISSN (online) 1437-4331
    ISSN 1434-6621 ; 1437-8523
    DOI 10.1515/cclm-2023-0333
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  10. Article: Serum-free light chain test utilisation at a South African academic laboratory and comparison with serum protein electrophoresis results.

    Banderker, Razia B / Fazel, Fatima B / Zemlin, Annalise E / Khine, Aye-Aye / Jalavu, Thumeka P

    African journal of laboratory medicine

    2023  Volume 12, Issue 1, Page(s) 2201

    Abstract: Background: Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation electrophoresis were traditionally utilised for the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies. The quantitative serum-free light chain (SFLC) assay is ... ...

    Abstract Background: Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation electrophoresis were traditionally utilised for the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies. The quantitative serum-free light chain (SFLC) assay is reportedly more sensitive and has been introduced to recent clinical guidelines.
    Objective: This study aimed to investigate SFLC test utilisation and describe SPE findings in patients with abnormal SFLC ratios.
    Methods: A retrospective audit of SFLC analyses was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa, from May 2018 to April 2020. Agreement between abnormal SFLC ratios and SPE results was determined in a sub-group of patients screened for monoclonal gammopathies. Serum-free light chains were analysed using Freelite
    Results: Of the 1425 patients included in the audit, 741 (52%) had abnormal SFLC ratios; 636 (45%) had increased and 105 (7%) had decreased SFLC ratios. In a sub-group analysis of 117 new patients with an abnormal SFLC ratio, 57 had a monoclonal protein (M-protein) on SPE (49%), and 60 (51%) did not. Four out of 60 patients without M-protein had a plasma cell dyscrasia, while renal impairment or inflammatory response accounted for the rest. Of the 57 patients with a M-protein and abnormal SFLC ratio, 41 (72%) had a plasma cell dyscrasia, seven (12%) had lymphomas and nine patients (16%) were unclassifiable.
    Conclusion: Serum-free light chains should be requested when there is a high index of clinical suspicion. Neither SFLC nor SPE should be performed in isolation when screening patients for monoclonal gammopathy, to ensure that no patient is missed.
    What this study adds: The study adds to the evidence on SFLC test utilisation. Serum protein electrophoresis alone may miss cases of light chain myeloma, while SFLC performed in isolation may produce false positive results in the setting of inflammatory disorders or renal impairment, leading to unnecessary further investigation.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-11-24
    Publishing country South Africa
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2708535-1
    ISSN 2225-2010 ; 2225-2002
    ISSN (online) 2225-2010
    ISSN 2225-2002
    DOI 10.4102/ajlm.v12i1.2201
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