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Objectives: In the field of Laboratory Medicine, the evolution of knowledge and the innovation of technologies are the basis of analytical and diagnostic progress, leading to the development of new solutions based on innovative technologies. However, these advances must be accompanied by evidence of appropriateness, diagnostic effectiveness, and organizational efficiency, considering the test's first impact on patient outcomes., Methods: The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a valid management tool to support Laboratory Medicine professionals in assessing technologies and which is the most appropriate to adopt. This study is an illustrative case of the application of HTA, exploiting the EUnetHTA Core Model, on two analyzers able to determine the glycated hemoglobin (Hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c), the Capillarys 2 Flex piercing analyzer and the HLC-723G11 analyzer in the Laboratory Medicine Service of the IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, IT). The main focus is related to potential differences in methods, organizational aspects, and clinical effectiveness of these approaches for measuring HbA1c., Results: The EUnetHTA Core Model has proven to be the optimal method for HTA in the field of Laboratory Medicine, as it allows to highlight both the peculiarities of the methods on which the analyzers are based and the clinical efficacy of the laboratory test on specific patient populations, considering individual variations in treatment responses, assessing the potential benefits for individual patients or small groups., Conclusions: This granular analysis helps provide insights into the effectiveness and value of healthcare interventions at the patient level, contributing to evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice and healthcare policy.

Traumatic brain injury is a significant global health issue, affecting approximately 69 million people annually. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management, and biomarkers provide a promising approach to identifying traumatic brain injury in various settings. This study investigates the perceived usefulness of biomarker testing in two distinct contexts: emergency departments and sports settings. Comprehensive interviews were conducted among healthcare professionals in emergency departments and sports-related medical staff. The interviews assessed their perceptions of the diagnostic accuracy, practicality, and overall value of traumatic brain injury biomarker testing. The findings indicate that the perceived usefulness of biomarker testing is high among professionals in both settings. However, significant differences emerged in the perceived barriers to implementation, with emergency department staff citing logistical issues and sports professionals expressing cost concerns. Addressing identified barriers could enhance the adoption and effectiveness of these tests, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Future research should focus on optimizing testing protocols and reducing implementation challenges. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of mild traumatic brain injury biomarkers within the framework of value-based health care, focusing on diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) and its variants have a pivotal role in melanin synthesis. However, MC1R has been associated to non-pigmentary pathways related to DNA-repair activities and inflammation. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview about the role of MC1R in the skin. Specifically, after summarizing the current knowledge about MC1R structure and polymorphisms, we report data concerning the correlation between MC1R, phenotypic traits, skin aging, other diseases and skin cancers and their risk assessment through genetic testing.