Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)-Induced Thrombocytopenia is a fairly rare in vitro immunological mediated phenomenon characterized by a spuriously low platelet count on automated analyzers secondary to antiplatelet autoantibodies which cause platelets to aggregate in specimens ant coagulated with EDTA. The aggregations of platelets result in a false increase in leukocytes as giant platelets are counted as lymphocytes. Failure to detect this EDTA-Induced Thrombocytopenia could result in unnecessary laboratory investigations and superfluous interventions. EDTA-induced thrombocytopenia is sometimes prevented by other anticoagulants such as sodium citrate or heparin. In this article we reported a case of a 23-year-old female with EDTA-induced thrombocytopenia and a falsely increased leukocyte count confirmed by the use of a citrated tube and a peripheral smear without platelet aggregation.

Historical Background"Direct to consumer laboratory testing also known as direct access testing (DAT), permits consumers to order laboratory tests directly from a laboratory without necessarily having to work with their healthcare provide [1]". As early as the 1950s the public was introduced to the concept of being directly involved in their healthcare, and this was accomplished with the availability of over the counter (OTC) urine glucose and ketone tests. Healthcare has shifted from being physicianfocused to being consumer-focused, DAT is one manifestation of this shift and it has been steadily growing since its establishment in the 1950s. "The market for direct-to consumer (DTC) health services continues to grow rapidly with former patients converting to customers for the opportunity to purchase varied diagnostic tests without the involvement of their clinician [2]." The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) has also developed the Consumer Information Webpage (CIW), in 1999, to meet the enquiring needs of consumers, as many desired detailed explanations of their test results. The page is monitored by a team of trained volunteers who respond to the concerns and questions of patients or consumers.Patient care is the term used to refer to the services provided by members of the health profession geared towards the improvement or betterment of the patient. The concept of direct to consumer laboratory testing offers many benefits as it relates to patient care. The process of acquiring knowledge Short Communication

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The unripe fruit of the ackee tree (Blighia Sapida), contains significantly high concentrations of the hypoglycin (L-αamino-β -[methylene cyclopropyl] propionic acid) a toxin implicated in over 5000 deaths worldwide.Methylenecyclopropane acetyl CoA (MCPA-CoA) a metabolite of hypoglycin A, inhibits several coenzyme A dehydrogenases which are essential for gluconeogenesis resulting in depletion of glucose reserves and the inability of cells to regenerate glucose; eventually leading to hypoglycaemia. This study aimed at reviewing literature on the hypoglycin A toxicity, add to the body of tests already established by the WHO in detecting hypoglycin toxicity based on the patterns we have observed and to provide physicians with a simple panel of tests that will aid in the speedy detection of hypoglycin A toxicity for more timing therapeutic intervention. This review covers the description, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation.In addition, data on patients diagnosed with hypoglycin A toxicity was collected and analysed for significant trends.Analysis of data determined that 86%, 97% and 79% of patients demonstrated significant increase in phosphorous (95% CI of 1.74-2.73), anion gap (95% CI 24.26-29.05) and AST (95% CI 37.97-73.06) respectively. On the other hand, 95%, and 92% of patients demonstrated significant decrease in bicarbonate (95% CI of 13.02-16.56) and Lymphocytes count 95% CI of 7.49-12.81 respectively. Significantly low random plasma glucose levels, in conjunction with elevated levels of Phosphorus, Anion gap, and AST, as well as decreased levels of bicarbonate, and an absolute lymphocyte count could prove an effective screening for Hypoglcyin A toxicity in affected regions.

Introduction: Haemoglobin estimation is one of the most frequently investigated laboratory tests as it is the primary predictor of anaemia. Anaemia is a major public health concern in places all around the world as it is known to adversely impact energy levels. Aims and objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of anaemia based on haemoglobin measurement among University students who participated in routine medical examinations 2009-2011.Method: Two hundred and seventy-two cases were included in a convenient sampling. Blood was collected in the standard K 3 EDTA purple top tubes. Samples were thoroughly mixed and haemoglobin estimation was done using the HemoQue Haemoglobin System. Commercial controls were run with each batch.Results: Commercial controls results showed 1.1559 % coefficient of variation. Mean age and haemoglobin concentration of all students were 23.011 ± 2.919 years (range 17-36), and 13.209 ± 1.356 g/dl (range 7.6 -19.7), respectively. The mean haemoglobin for males and females was 14.19 and 12.51 respectively, t = 9.297(p =0.0001) Anaemia prevalence was lower in males than females (19.4%; n = 113 vs 32.7%; n = 159 respectively.