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At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Assessment of hepatitis B virus DNA stability in serum by the Chiron Quantiplex branched-DNA assay.

Quantification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum is used to establish eligibility for treatment and to monitor therapeutic response. With the trend toward centralized testing, defining the conditions that preserve sample integrity is of paramount importance. We therefore evaluated the stability of HBV DNA in 26 previously frozen (PF) and 5 fresh, never previously frozen serum specimens. PF specimens, covering a 3-log10 HBV DNA dynamic range, were thawed and stored at -70, 4, 23, 37, and 45 degrees C (+/-1.5 degrees C) for 0, 24, 72, and 120 h (+/-2 h) and were refrozen at -70 degrees C prior to testing. Five fresh specimens were split into two groups. Both group FG1 and group FG2 specimens were handled as described above; however, group FG1 specimens were subsequently maintained at 4 degrees C and were never frozen prior to testing. Linear regression analysis of PF specimens demonstrated no significant HBV DNA degradation at < or =4 degrees C over 5 days; however, HBV DNA levels decreased by 1.8, 3.4, and 20% per day at 23, 37, and 45 degrees C, respectively. Three independent statistical methods confirmed that the probability of specimen failure, defined as a loss of 20% or more of HBV DNA and/or coagulation of serum, was lowest at < or =4 degrees C and increased with temperature. Because only 10 to 20% of individual patient specimens demonstrated losses of HBV DNA of > or =20% at 23 or 37 degrees C, sufficient numbers of serum specimens must be evaluated to determine overall statistical trends. In conclusion, HBV DNA integrity in separated serum specimens is preserved for at least 5 days when the specimens are stored at -70 or 4 degrees C.

DNA, Viral↗
PubMed1992

Attitudes and concerns amongst laboratory staff regarding handling of HIV positive biological specimens.

AIMS: to ascertain attitudes and concerns of laboratory staff towards handling of HIV positive biological samples. METHOD: an anonymous questionnaire regarding various aspects of biological sample handling was distributed to laboratory staff from the Wellington Area Health Board laboratories. RESULTS: of a total of 133 laboratory staff (response rate: 56.4%), five were seriously considering leaving, and another ten would have chosen another career if given prior information in regard to handling HIV positive biological samples. Of the responders, 22.8% and 38.3% considered that their employer does not provide adequate safety measures and education respectively in regard to HIV. CONCLUSIONS: handling of HIV positive biological samples does not greatly contribute to attrition amongst laboratory staff. Given the concern of laboratory staff for safety and education in regard to HIV, a continuous in-service educational programme would be desirable.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2003

Technical considerations for the performance of Nucleic acid Amplification Technology (NAT). The NAT Task Force Group.

The complexity of Nucleic acid Amplification Technology (NAT(1)), comprising sample preparation, amplification and detection methods, requires specific design considerations for both the laboratory and the procedures utilized in such testing. The purpose of this paper is to establish technical considerations for the performance of NAT. These include the collection, handling and assay of specimens and the design of laboratories to routinely and reliably detect low levels of nucleic acid sequences. The sensitivity of NAT due to the exponential amplification of nucleic acids makes contamination a major concern from specimen collection to sample detection. Therefore, laboratories need to be designed to prevent and control contamination through adequate equipment and appropriate workflow. These technical considerations should provide a basis for establishing a robust and reproducible NAT system.

Humans↗