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The EFLM Task and Finish Group Urinalysis has updated the ECLM European Urinalysis Guidelines (2000) on urinalysis and urine bacterial culture, to improve accuracy of these examinations in European clinical laboratories, and to support diagnostic industry to develop new technologies. Graded recommendations were built in the following areas: Strategies of urine testing are described to patients with complicated or uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI), and high or low-risk to kidney disease. Patient preparation, and urine collection are supported with two quality indicators: contamination rate (cultures), and density of urine (chemistry, particles). Measurements of both urine albumin and α1-microglobulin are recommended for sensitive detection of kidney disease in high-risk patients. Performance specifications are given for urine protein measurements and quality control of multiproperty strip tests. Procedures for microscopy are reviewed for diagnostic urine particles, including urine bacteria. Technologies in automated particle counting and visual microscopy are updated with advice how to verify new instruments with the reference microscopy. Chromogenic agar is recommended as primary medium in urine cultures. Limits of significant growth are reviewed, with an optimised workflow for routine specimens, using leukocyturia to reduce less important antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Automation in bacteriology is encouraged to shorten turn-around times. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is applicable for rapid identification of uropathogens. Aerococcus urinae, A. sanguinicola and Actinotignum schaalii are taken into the list of uropathogens. A reference examination procedure was developed for urine bacterial cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early detection of gynecological cancers, which is critical for improving patient survival rates, is challenging because of the vague early symptoms and the diagnostic limitations of current approaches. This comprehensive review delves into the game-changing potential of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, a noninvasive technology used to transform the landscape of cancer diagnosis in gynecology. By collecting the distinctive vibrational frequencies of chemical bonds inside tissue samples, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provides a 'molecular fingerprint' that outperforms existing diagnostic approaches. We highlight significant advances in this field, particularly the identification of discrete biomarker bands in the mid- and near-IR spectra. Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids exhibited different absorption patterns. These spectral signatures not only serve to distinguish between malignant and benign diseases, but also provide additional information regarding the cellular changes associated with cancer. To underscore the practical consequences of these findings, we examined studies in which IR spectroscopy demonstrated exceptional diagnostic accuracy. This review supports the use of IR spectroscopy in normal clinical practice, emphasizing its capacity to detect and comprehend the intricate molecular underpinnings of gynecological cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Hematological diseases, due to their complex nature and diverse manifestations, pose significant diagnostic challenges in healthcare. The pressing need for early and accurate diagnosis has driven the exploration of novel diagnostic techniques. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, renowned for its noninvasive, rapid, and cost-effective characteristics, has emerged as a promising adjunct in hematological diagnostics. This review delves into the transformative role of IR spectroscopy and highlights its applications in detecting and diagnosing various blood-related ailments. We discuss groundbreaking research findings and real-world applications while providing a balanced view of the potential and limitations of the technique. By integrating advanced technology with clinical needs, we offer insights into how IR spectroscopy may herald a new era of hematological disease diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive diagnostic technique capturing molecular vibrations, offers significant advancements in skin cancer diagnostics. This review delineates the ascent of Raman spectroscopy from classical methodologies to the forefront of modern technology, emphasizing its precision in differentiating between malignant and benign skin tissues. Our study offers a detailed examination of distinct Raman spectroscopic signatures found in skin cancer, concentrating specifically on squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma, across both in vitro and in vivo research. The discussion extends to future possibilities, spotlighting enhancements in portable Raman instruments, the adoption of machine learning for spectral data refinement, and the merging of Raman imaging with other diagnostic techniques. The review culminates by contemplating the broader implications of these advancements, suggesting a trajectory that may significantly optimize the accuracy and efficiency of skin cancer diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-standardized procedures in the pre-analytical phase of urine diagnostics is of utmost importance to obtain reliable results. We investigated the effect of different urine collection methods and the associated urine transfer tubes on urine test strip and particle results. In total, 146 selected urine samples were subdivided into three different collection containers and subsequently transferred into its accompanying transfer tube (BD, Greiner, Sarstedt vacuum and Sarstedt aspiration). As reference, the original urine sample was directly measured on the analyser. Both chemical test strip analysis (Sysmex UC-3500) and fluorescence flow cytometry particle analysis (Sysmex UF-5000) were performed on all samples. No statistically significant differences in test strip results were found between the studied transfer methods. On the contrary, transfer of urine samples to the secondary tubes affected their particle counts. Clinically significant reductions in counts of renal tubular epithelial cells and hyaline casts were observed using the BD and Greiner transfer tubes and in counts of pathological casts using the BD, Greiner and Sarstedt vacuum tubes. The results of this study indicate that the use of urine transfer tubes may impact counts of fragile urine particles. Clinical laboratories need to be aware about the variation that urine collection methods can induce on urine particle counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter discusses a case of interference in urinary particle counts using automated urinary fluorescence flow cytometry (UFFC) due to the presence of lipid droplets. The interference was identified in a urine sample from a patient who had used sesame oil as a lubrication agent during catheterization. Manual microscopy confirmed the presence of white blood cells but did not show an increased red blood cell or crystal count. Physicochemical analysis using infrared spectroscopy and surface tension analysis confirmed the presence of lipids in the urine sample. The authors suggest combining urinary particle analysis with urinary test strip analysis and implementing intelligent verification rules to reduce errors in automated urinary particle analysis. They also recommend avoiding the use of urethral lubricants like sesame oil before UFFC analysis. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Chloride measurement is crucial for calculating the anion gap. Bicarbonate can interfere with chloride measurements; however, there is no information on the specific types of electrodes affected or the changes in bicarbonate non-selectivity over time. We evaluated the interference of bicarbonate on chloride measurements using different electrodes and the stability of this interference over time. Methods: The effect of bicarbonate on chloride measured with electrodes of various manufacturers was assessed. When non-selectivity toward bicarbonate was observed, the stability of this interference during the electrode’s lifetime was explored. The impact of the bicarbonate concentration on the calibrator was also evaluated. Results: Non-selectivity was observed for electrodes using quaternary ammonium salts (Beckman Coulter, Siemens, and Roche), with overestimated or underestimated chloride values observed at high or low bicarbonate concentrations, respectively. The degree of selectivity varied among electrodes. With the Roche electrode, interference became more pronounced over time, whereas the Siemens electrode appeared to gain selectivity during its lifetime. For the Roche system, adjusting the calibrator’s bicarbonate concentration from 30 mmol/L to 20–24 mmol/L reduced the number of samples with unacceptable bias (>3%) from 77.3% to 12.6%. Lot-to-lot variations in the calibrator bicarbonate concentration increased the uncertainty of chloride measurements. Conclusions: The extent of bicarbonate-induced error varied accor [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]