Cutting cancer waiting times: streamlining cervical lymph node biopsy.

BACKGROUND Patients with enlarged lymph nodes present to a number of different specialties and diagnosis is often made following a biopsy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to establish department waiting times for cervical lymph node biopsy, and compare these to the cancer services guidelines. METHODS A retrospective audit was carried out to record patient waiting times (defined as the number of days from referral to biopsy) between May and December 2010. A proforma for referral was introduced. In addition, appointments for biopsies were arranged by a co-ordinator. A prospective re-audit was carried out from March to September 2011. RESULTS The first audit showed that national guidelines were not met; there was a median waiting time of 74 days (interquartile range, 47-113). Re-audit demonstrated a significant reduction in waiting times using the proforma; the median waiting time had decreased to 18 days (interquartile range, 9-22). CONCLUSION A proforma for lymph node biopsy and a designated co-ordinator streamlined the service, significantly reducing waiting times. Together, these can aid referral for meeting guidelines and improve patient care

Determination of radioactivity levels in Akhisar, Gordes, Golmarmara and Sindirgi regions, Western Turkey

WOS: 000330780800008In this study, radioactivity measurements in the environment of Akhisar, Golmarmara, Gordes and Sindirgi regions in Western Turkey were investigated in order to evaluate the implications of any excess radioactivity in the environment of geological formation. The radioactivity concentrations of K-40, U-238 and Th-232 radionuclides in the soil samples were measured by a NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometer system, and the radium activity concentrations in the water samples were also analyzed by an ZnS(Ag) alpha counter by the collector chamber method. The radioactivity of K-40, U-238 and Th-232 in soils ranged 2.80-2,347.77, 9.90-256.19 and 9.66-106.53 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The activity of Ra-226 in the water samples ranged from 0.03 Bq L-1 (0.89pCi/L) to 0.80 Bq L-1 (21.58pCi/L). In addition, the external terrestrial gamma dose rate in air (nGy h(-1)), annual effective dose rate (mSv year(-1)) and radium equivalent activity (Bq kg(-1)) were calculated and compared with international standard values.Celal Bayar University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (BAP)Celal Bayar University [2010/10]In this study, Celal Bayar University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (BAP) No. 2010/10 with the Project is supported