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Proinflammatory adipocytokine profile and decreased percentage of nTreg cells suggest their implication in the inflammatory response in RRMS regardless of corticosteroid therapy. The correlation between leptin and the MFC of the transcription factor Foxp3 in nTreg cells in patients with RRMS suggests its inhibitory effect on FoxP3 expression.

Evaluation of CSF pleocytosis is routinely determined by microscopic examination. To shorten TAT automated methods are used. The aim of this study was to compare the automatic and microscopic methods in the evaluation of pleocytosis and the differentiation of white blood cells in CSF. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from 89 patients. The examination was performed microscopically using the Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber and flow cytometry. There were no significant differences in group A (Pleocytosis <5 cells/μL) and B (Pleocytosis 5-600 cells/μL) in the WBC parameter. In group B, a statistical difference was found in PMN and MN parameters between these two methods (p <0.01). Negative bias for the PMN parameter and positive for the MN parameter were found in group B. The results showed that the determination of cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis by an automatic and microscopic methods are comparable. Qualitative changes in white blood cells limited these differentiation by flow cytometry method, so microscopic examination is mandatory

The aim of this study is to present the most important issues related to the functioning of the quality management system. The article presents an approach to quality management as one of the ways to oversee the functioning and development of a healthcare organization. The basic principles of each quality management system and the benefits resulting from their introduction in relation to healthcare entities are presented. Quality management systems, such as accreditation in healthcare and certification in compliance with ISO standards are discussed.

The sample stability information provided by the manufacturers is not always confirmed in practice. The electrolyte concentration is one of the most frequently requested laboratory tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) concentration in sample collected in S-Monovette tubes containing clotting activator and a separator gel.<br>Material and methods. Determination of electrolyte concentration was performed immediately after centrifugation of samples and after 48 and 96 hours of samples storage. The examination was performed using biochemical analyzer AU 480 equipped in ion-selective electrodes (ISE) – indirect potentiometry.<br>Results. The analysis of the results was carried out in relation to normal and pathological values (low and high). There were no significant changes in the concentration of electrolytes examined after 48 and 96 hours of samples storage for normal and low– pathological values. Only in samples with hyperkalemia, the concentration of potassium exceeded the limit of allowable error after 96 hours of samples storage.<br>Conclusions: It is possible to determine sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations up to 96 hours from the collection of samples, in the case of laboratory tests performed using primary samples, with a clotting activator and a separator gel. Only in specimens with hyperkalemia, the potassium concentration can be determined up to 48 hours.