The pre-analytical, analytical and biological sources of variation were estimated for serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations, as measured with a new commercially available procedure. There were no significant differences between the concentrations of lipoprotein(a) measured in EDTA plasma and serum. The analyte is stable in specimens stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, or up to three m...

Unlike other vitamins, the vitamin D concentration in blood varies cyclically over the course of the year in relation to genetic (gender, ethnicity, polymorphisms) and environmental factors (sunlight exposure, diet, food-related or direct vitamin D supplementation, skin pigmentation). Although the major diagnostics manufacturers have recently developed improved automated 25-hydroxy vitamin D im...

Results of plasma microparticles (MPs) measurements reported in the literature vary widely. This is clearly not only related to the lack of well-standardised MP assays, but also to variations in pre-analytical conditions. In this review we will discuss the pre-analytical variables related to plasma and MP preparation which may affect MP analysis. Additionally we will address several analytical ...

Previous medico-legal autopsy diagnoses after sportrelated deaths in our personal experience in Durban included cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, Marfan’s syndrome and ruptured cerebral berry aneurysms. It is regrettable that autopsies were not performed in the above cases. Whether they should have been considered natural or unnatural may be debatable, but postmortem examinations could h...

The soluble form of CD40L (CD40 ligand), a pro-atherogenic mediator, has emerged as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for cardiovascular events. However, as platelets can shed CD40L upon activation, accurate measurement has proved challenging. The present study addresses the controversy regarding the appropriate specimen and preparation for laboratory evaluation of blood sCD40L (soluble CD40L)...

Ensuring quality has become a daily requirement in laboratories. In haemostasis, even more than in other disciplines of biology, quality is determined by a pre-analytical step that encompasses all procedures, starting with the formulation of the medical question, and includes patient preparation, sample collection, handling, transportation, processing, and storage until time of analysis. This s...