The concentration of the conjugated bile acid, cholylglycine, in serum is a sensitive and specific indicator of hepatic function. We describe a convenient, specific, and precise radioimmunoassay for cholylglycine, in which 125I-labeled cholylglycyltyrosine is used as tracer. In addition, a blocking agent in the buffer system eliminates binding of bile acids to serum albumin. Therefore no extraction is required. We found no interference by (a) abnormal concentrations of albumin or gamma-globulin, (b) lipemic sera, (c) hemolyzed sera, (d) anticoagulants, or (e) various commonly used drugs. The reference interval for fasting subjects is estimated to be 0.0 to 0.6 mg/L. Our clinical studies show that serum cholylglycine concentrations are usually abnormal in most hepatobiliary diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, and pediatric liver diseases.

Methods, Intervention, & Analysis: Assist staff to provide care that accommodates HCT patients with geriatric specific needs with education materials as well as identify and utilize a geriatric assessment tool to determine if the patient would benefit from a formal geriatric assessment. The geriatric NP would perform the assessment and provide specific recommendations in order to provide the best possible care to the older adults being treated with HCT. Findings & Interpretation: Patient education material was revised in order to meet the needs of the older adult and has been implemented on the HCT inpatient unit. The RN staff will be educated to complete a functional assessment on all admissions that are greater than 65 years old and what criteria would deem a patient appropriate for a consultation from the geriatric nurse practitioner. Discussion & Implications: Considering the specific needs of the older adult can lead to better outcomes and ensure age appropriate care is provided to this patient population.

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A43were used. Of these, 27 studies used telephone and text reminders. Four used educational materials and books while another four used blister packing. Three studies used interactive voice response system, two studies used letters and faxes, and another two studies used pill boxes. Improvement in medication adherence was found in all studies. The largest change in medication adherence was observed through the use of telephone and text reminders. CONCLUSIONS: Medication adherence is a problem that pharmacists are addressing through health care reform legislation. It's important for pharmacists/researchers to educate about effective adherence tools in order to improve quality of care to patients and society.