What parameters can be measured in normal and pathological control?
The following parameters can be measured as controls: Uric acid, Albumin, AST/TGO, ALT/TGP, Amylase, Direct bilirubin, Total bilirubin, Calcium, Chlorides, Cholesterol, Creatinine, CPK, Alkaline phosphatase, Gamma GT, Iron, Phosphorus, Glucose oxidase, HDL cholesterol, Lactate dehydrogenase, Lactate, Lipase, Magnesium, Total protein, Triglycerides, Urea, Na+, K+ and Cl-.
What are the advantages of calibrating biochemical reagents compared to using a fixed factor?
Calibration makes it possible to adjust biochemical reagents according to the specific characteristics of each batch of reagent, resulting in more accurate and reliable analyses. In addition, by performing calibration, it is possible to identify and correct any systematic errors that may be present in the analyzer used.
How often should the kits be calibrated?
The kits should be calibrated whenever there is a batch change or if the controls do not perform well in the dosage results.
How can we dose samples that exceed the linearity limit of a kit?
If a sample exceeds the linearity limit of a kit, to enable accurate dosing, it must be diluted with a suitable diluent, such as saline or water, in the appropriate proportion. Dilution will reduce the concentration of the sample to a level within the kit's linear range, enabling accurate dosing. Make sure you choose a compatible diluent and consider the dilution factor when interpreting the results.
What does gap volume mean in the biochemical analyzer and what impact does this volume have on the kit's yield?
Analyzers usually consume additional volumes of reagent with each pipetting (for safety reasons in the event of aspiration of bubbles or instabilities in the pipetting modules). This safety volume is known as the "GAP volume". Due to this additional volume, the theoretical calculation (kit volume / volume per test) made to determine how many tests the kit is capable of performing will not be entirely faithful to the number of tests performed in practice.
How stable are the controls and multi-parameter calibrators on the Biochemistry line?
Unopened products are stable until the expiration date stated on the label. After reconstitution, they are stable for 7 days if stored between 2 - 8°C in a well-sealed vial and protected from light, except for the Direct Bilirubin, Total Bilirubin and Alkaline Phosphatase analytes which are stable for 2 days if stored between 2 - 8°C. All analytes, with the exception of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, are stable for 28 days when stored at -20°C, in an airtight container and protected from light. We recommend separating the calibrator and controls into aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Can the Chlorine kit be used for CSF dosages?
Yes, as long as the sensitivity and linearity limits of the test are complied with.
What is the procedure for measuring and calculating the concentration of Creatinine in urine?
To measure Creatinine in urine, it is not necessary to pre-treat the sample, just dilute it in a ratio of 1:25. In a simple urine sample, multiply the result found on the equipment by the dilution factor (x25). In the case of a 24-hour urine sample, the result provided by the equipment must be converted from mg/dL to g/L, multiplied by the dilution factor (x25) and multiplied by the urinary volume (L), which is the volume of urine collected in 24 hours.
Calculation: Creat. Sample (g/L) x dilution factor x Volume (L)
Which Ebram products can be used for urinary dosages?
Uric Acid, Amylase, Creatinine, Calcium, Chlorides, Phosphorus, Glucose, Magnesium, Urea and Proteinuria.
How do you calibrate biochemistry analytes that don't have a standard included in the kits?
Ebram markets a multi-parameter calibrator, called Quimicalib - Calibrator, which can be used for most biochemical tests, except for the HDL Cholesterol, Chloride and Proteinuria kits which have standards included in all presentations, and for the CKMB kit which is calibrated using a fixed factor.
What is the main difference between the general and bulk biochemistry kits?
The general line kits have a reduced volume of reagent, perfect for smaller routines, and come with a standard solution (except enzymes) which is used for calibrating assays and performing manual techniques. The bulk line kits, which do not include standard solutions, have a larger volume of reagent, a lower cost per ml and the same quality.
What are the main features of Ebram's Biochemistry program?
We have different packaging to meet the needs of laboratories of all sizes, liquid and ready-to-use reagents with advanced stabilization technology and high linearity. Most of our products are mono-reagents, i.e. a single reagent that does not require the preparation of the working reagent.
Due to the high enzyme concentration, the volume of reagent per test is reduced, saving money, and its ions are prepared in such a way that they are less affected by external interferents and contaminants (drag-free).
How stable are Ebram's hematological controls?
Once opened, Ebracontrol 3 Parts will remain stable for 21 days, provided it is stored with the lid properly closed and kept at a temperature of 2-8°C. As for Ebracontrol 5 Parts and Ebracontrol 5 Parts (ABT), their stability is 8 days, provided they are stored with the lids properly closed and kept in a temperature range of 2-8°C.
Can Ebram hematology controls be used on equipment that is not marketed by Ebram?
Yes. Ebram has 3-part and 5-part controls. The 3-part control is compatible with the following Beckman Coulter equipment: models ST, STKR, STKS, MAXM, MD 8, MD 16, MD II, ACT 8, ACT 10 and ACT Diff, Abbott CD equipment: models 1400, 1600, 1700 and 1800 and also Micros 45, Micros 60, SDH 20, Mindray 2300, 2800, 3000 and 3200. The 5-part control is compatible with DH-53, DH-71, DF-50, DF-51, DF-52, DF-53, UN-71, UN-73, UN-76 and DH-73 devices. We also offer another presentation of the 5-part control, compatible with Cell Dyn 3500 and Cell Dyn 3700 units.
When changing hematology reagents for the Ebram line, is it possible to use another brand's diluent with the Ebram lysate or vice versa?
Ebram does not recommend mixing reagents from other brands with Ebram reagents. In order to guarantee the quality of the results, the customer must use the same brand of reagent (diluent+lysant+detergent) in the hematology counter.
What is the function of Bovine Albumin 22%?
Bovine Albumin 22% plays an important role when added to the medium of antigen-antibody reactions. Its presence enhances this reaction, providing several fundamental advantages, such as:
- It facilitates the detection of IgG antibodies that are bound to red blood cells. In the absence of albumin, these antibodies would be more difficult to identify during the Antiglobulin phase.
- It helps to reduce the time needed for incubation. This optimizes the testing process, allowing for faster and more efficient results.
- It increases the sensitivity of the test, making it more capable of detecting antibodies, even at low concentrations, providing more accurate results.
Bovine Albumin 22% is recommended for the following tests: Pre-Transfusion Compatibility and Research and Titration of Blocking Antibodies.
What is the difference between monoclonal and polyclonal serums?
A monoclonal serum is produced from a single strain of antibody-producing cells. These antibodies are highly specific, recognizing and binding to a single antigen in a precise and targeted way. A polyclonal serum, on the other hand, is produced from multiple lineages of antibody-producing cells. This results in a mixture of antibodies with different specificities, capable of binding to different parts of the antigen.
Can Anti-Human Serum be used as a Coombs Serum? What is the difference between them?
Anti-human serum and Coombs' serum have the same indications for use, which is to carry out cross tests, research for irregular antibodies (Indirect Coombs') and Direct Coombs'. The difference lies in the composition of the reagents: anti-human serum is a combination of antibodies produced in immunized animals with specific human antibodies, including immunoglobulin (IgG) and the C3d fraction of complement. Coombs' serum, on the other hand, is monospecific, i.e. it is only specific for detecting IgG antibodies.
One of the advantages of anti-human serum is its ability to detect a wider variety of antibodies in red blood cells, because by combining the specificities for IgG and C3d we increase the sensitivity and specificity of the test. This is especially useful for identifying cases in which complement is activated, even when IgG levels may be low, reducing the risk of false negatives and providing additional information about the immune response.
Does the Ebram RH Control determine the RH factor?
No. Anti-D Serum is the serum used to detect the presence or absence of the D antigen, i.e. determination of the RH factor. The RH Control is a control test that should always be carried out in parallel with all the tests that use Anti-D Serum - Ebram, in order to detect false positive reactions caused by "rouleaux", cold agglutinins or autoantibodies.
What precautions should be taken during the packaging and transportation of serology products?
Products should be stored and transported in an upright position to avoid leakage and the formation of particles in the latex reagent. With regard to the Les Latex product, it is crucial to avoid direct contact with ice or any condition that could cause the latex reagent to freeze, as this could result in the formation of particles in the product.
What are the sample restrictions for the Latex RF test?
The test must be carried out on serum samples. These samples can be stored for up to 24 hours at 2-8°C, or for up to 3 months at -20°C. Samples with strong lipemia, hemolysis or bacterial contamination should not be used. In addition, it is important not to use plasma samples, as fibrinogen can cause non-specific agglutination.
What is the performance of the Ebram Immunohematology products?
| Product | Presentation | Income |
| Anti-A Serum | 10mL | 200 tests |
| Anti-B serum | 10mL | 200 tests |
| Anti-AB serum | 10mL | 200 tests |
| Anti-D serum | 10mL | 200 tests |
| Rh control | 10mL | 200 tests |
| Bovine Albumin 22% | 10mL | 100 tests |
| Anti-Human Serum | 10mL | 100 tests |
What is the difference between the Fr Waaler Rose and Fr Latex kit?
Fr Waaler Rose and Fr Latex are serological tests used to detect autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The Fr Waaler Rose uses sheep red blood cells sensitized with rabbit serum IgG antibodies, resulting in a slight agglutination and the formation of a central halo when the patient's serum reacts with the sensitized red blood cells. The Latex Fr uses polystyrene latex particles adhered with human IgG antibodies, which leads to agglutination visible to the naked eye when the patient's serum reacts with the latex particles.
Why are there two presentations of PCR Latex, ASO Latex and FR Latex?
Ebram sells two presentations of these products: the complete kit (latex reagent + positive control + negative control, spatulas and PVC plate) and just the latex reagent as an economical option. These two presentations allow customers to purchase the presentation that best suits their needs.
Are there any Ebram products that require a license for controlled products from the federal police, civil police, army or Ibama?
No, there are no products in Ebram's range of reagents that require a license for controlled products.
Are the results of the immunochromatography pregnancy test reliable?
Immunochromatography pregnancy tests are reliable. However, as with any diagnostic test, there are certain factors that can interfere with the results, such as performing the test improperly and reading the results incorrectly. In addition, as it is a screening method, there may be some interfering factors that can cause a false result, such as: gestational and non-gestational trophoblastic diseases, low hCG concentration, ectopic pregnancy, drug use, pituitary gonadotropins such as LH and FSH, menopause, heterophile antibodies, anti-convulsant medication, anti-parkinsonism, hypnotics, tranquilizers and anti-acne medication.
I did the pregnancy test and a strong line appeared and another lighter line, is the result positive or negative?
The result is positive, after 5 minutes if there is only one colored line the test is negative, but if there are two lines, no matter how intense the color, the test is positive. A low concentration of hCG can result in a faint line in the region of the test line after a long period of time, so don't interpret the result after 5 minutes.
What are the most common errors that can occur when performing the hCG test?
Do not respect the limit line indicated on the pregnancy strip;
Do not respect the time specified in the instructions for use;
For code 607 - Inside the hCG tubes there is a silica gel to control humidity, so for the best performance of the hCG strips, the tube should remain closed after removing the strip for testing.
Is the procedure for carrying out the rapid tests the same regardless of the sample being used?
No. In order to carry out the tests correctly, it is necessary to read the instructions for use, as the volume of sample to be used and the need to use diluent may vary according to the type of sample to be tested.
What do the sensitivity and specificity values in rapid tests mean?
Sensitivity is the ability of a test to provide a positive result in patients who actually have the disease being investigated. Specificity is the ability of the same test to provide a negative result in non-diseased individuals.
What is the difference between the Dengue NS1 and Dengue IgG/IgM test?
NS1 is a marker of the acute phase of infection, even before the appearance of IgM and IgG class antibodies. It can already be found in the serum 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, and is also found in primary and secondary infections. IgM antibodies are found in around 80% of patients on the fifth day and around 99% of patients on the tenth day after contact with the virus and can persist in the circulation for up to three months and specific IgG antibodies become detectable days after the appearance of IgM. Their levels rise to a plateau and generally remain detectable for the rest of their lives.
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