Comparative Study of Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Levels in Pregnant Women Using Glucometer and Laboratory Glucose Oxidase Methods

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is a medical test utilized mostly to resolve border results involving glucose concentrations. This study is aimed at establishing an existence of relationship of OGTT glucose concentrations between glucose oxidase and glucometer methods. Blood samples were collected from hundred (100) pregnant women with risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus. The glucose concentrations were assayed using glucose oxidase and glucometer methods. The results were analyzed using student t-test and Pearson correlation. The results established a significant increase (P< 0.05) of some of components of OGTT in glucometer method as compared to glucose oxidase method. A correlational study established a correlationship at only the fasting levels of the assay. The findings revealed that results from glucometer seem to be higher when compared to glucose oxidase method. Hence, glucometer should be restricted to only medical screening and not clinical use. Also users of glucometers should be educated on the inaccuracies surrounding the use of glucometer

Premarital Screening of HIV, Haemoglobin Genotype, ABO and Rhesus Blood Group among Intending Couples in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Background Premarital screening is fast gaining ground as a prerequisite for the solemnization of holy matrimony by many faith-based organizations in Nigeria, yet there is no literature on the subject in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Methods One hundred and five (105) premarital heterosexual couples (105 males and105 females) were screened for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), haemoglobin genotypes, and ABO and Rhesus blood groups using standard laboratory procedures. Results The prevalence of HIV in this study was found to be 1.0%. The frequencies of the HbAA (74%), HbAS (24%), HbAC (1.5%), HbSS(0.5%) while that of ABO and Rh blood groups were: group A (21%), B (25%), AB (6.0%), 0 (48%), Rh ‘D’ positive (97%) and Rh ‘D’ negative (3.0%). The distribution of these variables between the sexes was statistically significant (χ2=25.68, p<0.01). The frequencies of the haemoglobin genotype combinations of the intending couples were as follows: HbAA/AA (55%), AA/AS (33%),  AS/AS (8.0%), AA/AC (2.0%), AS/AC(1.0%) and AS/SS (1.0%) . This distribution pattern was also found to be highly statistically significant (χ 2 = 24.459, p < 0.0001). The mean age of the participants was 31.91 ± 4.80years for male and 26.105 ± 4.29 years for female (t = 3.272, p < 0.05). Conclusion This study observed a low prevalence of HIV among the premarital couples and a relatively high frequency of HbAS/AS couples. The ABO and Rh blood groups were found to be stable and consistent with previous reports. For the prevention of hereditary blood diseases, haemolytic disease of the newborn and transmission of HIV to offspring, premarital testing should be encouraged. Keywords: Human immunodeficiency Virus(HIV), Haemoglobin Genotype, ABO And Rhesus Blood Group

Distribution of Abo, Rhesus Blood Groups and Haemoglobin Variants among Residents of Yenagoa and Environs, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: ABO, Rhesus blood groups and Haemoglobin variants are known to vary from one population to another. This study therefore sought to study the frequency of these indices among residents of Yenagoa and Environ, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Objectives: The study was designed for the purpose of updating information on the prevalence of abnormal haemoglobin variants, ABO, Rh blood groups and serve as a platform for instituting genetic counseling services with a view to reducing haemoglobinopathies. Methods:Standard electrophoretic and haemagglutination techniques were employed in testing the blood samples. Results: Of the 5,183 residents screened, 73.32% were HbAA, 25.03% HbAS, 0.28%  AC, 1.3%  SS, 0.06%  SC. 20.30% were of blood group A, 22.70% group B, 3.0% group AB and 54% group O. 95.5% were Rh.D positive while 4.5% were Rh D negative. Analysis of the residents population revealed that 2702(52.1%) were females while 2481 (48.9%) were males. The age range is between 1–60 years. Conclusion: Knowledge of the distribution of ABO, Rh blood groups and haemoglobin variants in any population is useful in health care planning, medical diagnosis and targeting the population that need counseling. If such information is well managed it can make a difference in the quality of decisions that individuals will make especially as it concerns marriage, blood transfusion and other medical demands. Keywords:  haemoglobin variants, ABO, Rhesus blood group, Yenagoa, Nigeria.

Effects of Storage Duration and Temperature on Some Most Frequent Routine Biochemical Parameters

Storage of samples at a given temperature for future Laboratory investigation is a routine due to several technical constraints. This study was designed to determine the effect, reliability and accuracy of studied biochemical parameters upon prolonged sample storage at a given temperature. A total of hundred apparently healthy subjects of equal sex difference were recruited for the study. As case may be, either  plasma or serum extracted from the blood of the subjects were stored at -20 16??/m:t>">  and laboratory analysis carried out on day 1, day 2, day 20 and day 30 respectively for total protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL, aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase using WHO approved methods. The results of the biochemical parameters showed that the mean concentrations of total protein and albumin were significantly higher (P<0.05) after storage for 30days.The baseline value of the aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase activity exhibited a significant decrease (P <0.05) after day 30. Also a significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL on day 30. In conclusion samples for clinical purpose should be analyzed within two days, whereas that for research should not exceed 20 days to ensure reliability and accuracy. Keywords: Storage time, temperature, biochemicals, proteins, lipids, enzyme