SYNOPSIS A modified nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT) is described which is suitable for routine application in the haematology or bacteriology laboratory and which provides a rapid aid to the diagnosis of bacterial infection.Hitherto published methods have recommended the use of heparinized whole blood samples for the performance ofthe NBT test. However, we have demonstrated that the use ofthe sucrose polymer Ficoll permits the test to be carried out on buffy coats prepared from venous blood anticoagulated in sequestrene (EDTA).The mean percentage of NBT-positive neutrophils in 60 healthy control subjects was 6-1. The mean percentage of NBT-positive neutrophils in 56 patients with confirmed or presumed bacterial infection was 34-2. Scores within the normal range were observed in 13 patients in this group.

No abstract

No abstract

A case is presented of a young adult male diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia who was treated with busulphan and cyclophosphamide, but not total body irradiation, with subsequent bone marrow transplantation. After surviving for 5 years, he and his wife experienced a period of infertility. Interestingly, the problem was found to be with the female partner and the man's sperm evaluation seemed normal. A successful pregnancy ensued following the surgical removal of a large endometrioma and treating a luteal phase deficiency. Though this may be the fifth case of proven parentage in cases of bone marrow conditioning and bone marrow transplantation in a male for control of leukaemia, we believe it is the first documented case showing a normal semen analysis despite treatment. Further studies are needed to see if chemical conditioning with busulphan and cyclophosphamide preserve the chances of sperm production better than total body irradiation.