Implementation of the N - terminal proB-type Natriuretic Peptide Test in National Guidelines for Diagnosis of Heart Failure in Croatia

Aim. In this article we aimed to analyze the implications of using new method of determination N - terminal proB - type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) biomarker for rapid diagnosis in Emergency Room of acute heart failure and for prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcome. Methods. Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay is sandwich principle test with two monoclonal NT-proBNP-specific antibodies. PreciControl Cardiac II level 1 and level 2 with values of 150 ng/L and 4930 ng/L were analyzed by Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay on Roche Cobas e411, in triplicate for five consecutive days in purpose for calculating within laboratory precision, according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) protocol. Results. According to CLSI protocol we calculated standard deviation and coefficient of variation for repeatability, intermediate precision and within laboratory precision from control results. Calculated coefficient of variation for the within laboratory precision for level 1 was 4,48% and for level 2 was 4,15%. Conclusion. Despite very good curative cardiology, Croatia is still among the countries with high cardiovascular risks and mortality. Through the mutual dialogue and activities between leaders of Croatian Cardiac Society, Croatian Society of Hypertension and Society of Family Physicians, the consensus for the development of the Croatian Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Heart Failure (HF) has been reached

How compliant are technicians with universal safety measures in medical laboratories in Croatia?

Introduction: This pilot study aimed to investigate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance to the code of conduct (rules defined in institutional, governmental and professional guidelines) among laboratory technicians in Croatian medical laboratories. In addition, we explored the differences in compliance between participants of different age groups, laboratory ownership and accreditation status. Materials and methods: An anonymous and voluntary survey with 15 questions was conducted among Croatian medical laboratory technicians (N = 217). The questions were divided into two groups: demographic characteristics and the use of PPE. The questions of the second part were graded according to the Likert scale (1-4) and an overall score, shown as median and range (min-max), was calculated for each participant. Differences between the overall scores were tested for each group of participants. Results: The majority of participants always wear protective clothes at work, 38.7% of them always wear gloves in daily routine, more than 30.0% consume food and almost half of them drink beverages at workplace. A significantly lower overall score was found for participants working in public compared to private laboratories (36 (16-40) vs. 40 (31-40), P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in overall scores for participants of different age groups (P = 0.456) and laboratory accreditation status (P = 0.081). Conclusion: A considerable percentage of laboratory technicians in Croatian medical laboratories do not comply with safety measures. Lack of compliance is observed in all personnel regardless laboratory accreditation and participants’ age. However, those working in private laboratories adhere more to the code of conduct