engleski

Implications of variable preanalytical procedures for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Croatia

Background: Preanalytical sample handling is of utmost importance for the accurate glucose results in screening and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The effect of in vitro glycolysis should be minimised by immediate cooling of blood samples for glucose analysis and plasma separation from the cells within 30 min from sampling. An effective glycolysis inhibitor is recommended for any delayed processing. The aim of this study was to evaluate current practice regarding preanalytical steps of glucose measurement in Croatian laboratories. Materials and methods: A structured, anonymous survey has been conducted among the participants of the Croatian Chambers of Medical Biochemists' continuous education course „The role of laboratory in diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus“ in September 2011. The survey considered: type of primary sample, use of glycolysis inhibitors, sampling location, sample storage conditions and average time of plasma separation after venipuncture. Results: A total of 56 participants (32%, 30%, 11% and 11% from the primary, county- and teaching- hospitals, and private laboratories, respectively) were included in the survey. Venous serum was the most prevalent primary sample type (62%), and glycolysis inhibitors were used in 22% of the laboratories. Laboratory only, and combined laboratory and family physician's office were equally reported (43%) as the sampling location. Plasma/serum separation within 30 min is performed in 34% of the laboratories, whereas delayed processing (30-60 min, 1-2 h and >2 h) was reported by 37%, 20% and 9% of the laboratories, respectively. Conclusions: Preanalytical procedure for glucose measurement in Croatia urgently needs improvement and harmonization.

glucose; preanalytics; diabetes; diagnosis; Croatia

2. nagrada Znanstvenog odbora kongresa