Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Oct 1997
Comparative StudyChanges in emergency department turnaround time performance from 1990 to 1993. A comparison of two College of American Pathologists Q-probes studies.
To compare the results of a 1990 College of American Pathologists Q-Probes Emergency Department (ED) turnaround time (TAT) study with a similar study done in 1993 and to identify factors associated with TAT improvement. ⋯ Laboratories improved their control of ED TAT from 1990 to 1993 and reduced the number of TAT events exceeding 70 minutes. Internally set TAT goals, however, were not met most of the time.
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Sep 1997
Eosinophilia detected by automated blood cell counting in ambulatory North American outpatients. Incidence and clinical significance.
To audit a cohort of ambulatory outpatients with eosinophilia detected on automated blood cell counting. Specific objectives included the determination of whether the eosinophilia had been anticipated, the etiology of the eosinophilia, the clinical follow-up and investigations performed on patients with eosinophilia, and the effect of the detection of eosinophilia on patient management and ultimate clinical outcome. ⋯ The vast majority of eosinophilias detected in ambulatory outpatients are associated with allergic processes. An extensive investigation of eosinophilia in ambulatory North American outpatients does not appear to be warranted unless specifically indicated by the results of the history and physical examination.
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Aug 1997
Case ReportsDisseminated toxoplasmosis. Unusual presentations in the immunocompromised host.
Owing to the increasing number of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and immunosuppressed transplant patients, disseminated Toxoplasma gondii has emerged as a potentially fatal pathogen. Common presentations include encephalitis, pneumonia, and myocarditis. The objective of this report is to describe the clinical course, histologic features, and outcome in two immunocompromised patients with disseminated toxoplasmosis presenting with parasitemia and panniculitis. ⋯ Disseminated toxoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immunocompromised patients with culture-negative sepsis syndrome, particularly if combined with neurologic, respiratory, or unexplained skin lesions. Examination of Wright's-stained peripheral blood smears or antitoxoplasma immunoperoxidase studies of skin biopsies may be diagnostic and allow rapid initiation of antibiotic therapy. Autopsy findings contributed to both of our cases by documenting the wide-spread heavy parasite burden and demonstrating numerous diagnostic T gondii cyst forms.