2018

We would like to ask you to request quantitative CMV-PCR instead of CMV-pp65 antigen from 01.01.2019. The required sample quantity of 3 ml EDTA-blood.

Evaluation criteria: < 100 IU/ml (detection limit)

Pre analytically this method is less susceptible to faults. It also has a higher sensitivity and reproducibility for the demonstration of CMV reactivation, especially for immunosuppressed patients or leukopenic patients. The high sensitivity of quantitative CMV-PCR is the method of choice for CMV monitoring under immunosuppression or after organ transplants. CMV-dna can be detected in the blood already up to 4 weeks prior to the onset of a CMV associated disease, so that any necessary therapy can be started as early as possible.

On the other hand, if there is no virus demonstration by PCR, a CMV-associated disease can be almost ruled out.

Your contact in our laboratory:

Dr. Sylvia Schön Tel. +49 5222 8076-159
Dr. rer. nat. Robert Kulis-Horn Tel. +49 5222 8076-209

Extension of the assays on offer for the testing of neural antibodies

Dear colleagues,

Labor Krone already offers a broad spectrum of assays for the analysis of neural antibodies. For instance, there are panels available for the testing of relevant antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitides, polyneuropathies or myasthenic syndromes.

In addition to this, diagnostics for MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein)-antibodies by live-cell assay is carried out at Labor Krone now. MOG-antibodies are important indicators on suspicion of ADEM (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis), NMO/NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders) or myelitis. Labor Krone has the benefit of using the live-cell assay, a highly sensitive method, developed by Prof Dr Markus Reindl (University of Innsbruck). All assays concerning neural antibodies will be evaluated and individually interpreted by Dr Corinna Bien (Neurologist, assistant physician for laboratory medicine) and Prof Dr Christian Bien (Head physician of the Epilepsy Centre Bethel, Bielefeld, Germany). For any questions regarding results, please contact our specialist advisory service during our telephone consultation hours, weekdays from 11.00 a. m. to 12.00 p. m., +49 5222 8076-300.

For the analysis of MOG-antibodies we recommend to test the serum. CSF may be tested additionally, if desired. Approximately one milliliter is required of each material. The samples can be send by mail without cooling requirements any day of the week. Analyses are usually carried out twice a week. In case of positive findings, an endpoint titration is regularly performed.

You’ll find general information relating to the analysis of neural antibodies at Labor Krone online. For any questions regarding antibody-requests or for ordering the request form Formtype 18, please contact us on the following telephone number +49 5222 8076-259 or send an E-Mail to neuroak@laborkrone.de. To order shipping material please call +49 5222 8076-444.

In 2017 our laboratory noticed an increase in requests for malaria testing. We concluded, that the amount of cases with suspicion of malaria has risen and therefore necessitates relevant laboratory diagnostics. We always strive to carry out malaria diagnostic requests as quick and best as possible to avoid any delay in determining diagnosis. To achieve this, we rely on your support.

On suspicion of malaria could you please take an additional EDTA-monovette (for rapid analysis, “thick drop” and blood smear) on top of the tubes for the “normal” parameters (i.e. blood count). May we ask that this additional monovette is put in the green single-use polybag with the remark “malaria” and the respective request form. By doing this, the malaria request will be spotted immediately on material arrival and evaluation started without any delay. Already prepared green polybags can be requested at our shipping department, contact details as below.

As the diagnosis malaria is potentially life-threatening may we ask that a telephone number is given, so that positive findings can be communicated with you at once.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, should you have any questions.

Microbiology

Dr. med. Patricia Wehmeier Phone: +49 5222 8076-324
Nadine Weise Phone: +49 5222 8076-312
Andreas Groß Phone: +49 5222 8076-317

Shipping department Phone: +49 5222 8076-444

Dear colleagues,

from the 1^st January 2018, the Ärztearbeitsgemeinschaft OWL e.V. and the MVZ Labor Krone are converting the coagulation analytics from the STAGO analyses systems to Siemens analyses systems. The following table provides an overview of the converted parameters with the changed reference ranges:

Validation of the new test methods did not show signs of any significant deviation of test results in comparison to the previously used method.

In the aPTT evaluation in individual cases, with a heparin concentration in the normal therapeutic range, slightly shorter PTT values than before have to be expected.

Please note the changed cutoff (< 440 ng/mL) in D-dimers (FSP) for the exclusion of a thromboembolic event. Furthermore, extremely increased D-dimers (FSP) will only be shown as > 8000 ng/mL in the future.

Should you have any further questions please contact Dr. Thomas Eller on tel. +49 5222 8076-289.