Performance evaluation of the high sensitive troponin I assay on the Atellica IM analyser

IntroductionThe Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction Global Taskforce recommends the use of high sensitive troponin (hs-Tn) assays in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. We evaluated the analytical performance of the Atellica IM High-sensitivity Troponin I Assay (hs-TnI) (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Tarrytown, USA) and compared its performance to other hs-TnI assays (Siemens Advia Centaur, Dimension Vista, Dimension EXL, and Abbott Architect (Wiesbaden, Germany)) at one or more sites across Europe.Materials and methodsPrecision, detection limit, linearity, method comparison, and interference studies were performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols. Values in 40 healthy individuals were compared to the manufacturer’s cut-offs. Sample turnaround time (TAT) was examined.ResultsImprecision repeatability CVs were 1.1–4.7% and within-lab imprecision were 1.8–7.6% (10.0–25,000 ng/L). The limit of blank (LoB), detection (LoD), and quantitation (LoQ) aligned with the manufacturer’s values of 0.5 ng/L, 1.6 ng/L, and 2.5 ng/L, respectively. Passing-Bablok regression demonstrated good correlations between Atellica IM analyser with other systems; some minor deviations were observed. All results in healthy volunteers fell below the 99th percentile URL, and greater than 50% of each sex demonstrated values above the LoD. No interference was observed for biotin (≤ 1500 µg/L), but a slight bias at 5.0 g/L haemoglobin and 50 ng/L Tn was observed. TAT from was fast (mean time = 10.9 minutes) and reproducible (6%CV).ConclusionsReal-world analytical and TAT performance of the hs-TnI assay on the Atellica IM analyser make this assay fit for routine use in clinical laboratories.     

The potential impact of quantum computers on society

This paper considers the potential impact that the nascent technology of quantum computing may have on society. It focuses on three areas: cryptography, optimization, and simulation of quantum systems. We will also discuss some ethical aspects of these developments, and ways to mitigate the risks.     

Action learning: cultural differences

The article describes the experience of forming a set in a higher education institution and offers some observations and insights gained from the perspectives of the role of the set adviser, cultural differences and the challenges of attempting to align theory, practice and experience.     

Professionalism in medical education

Medical professionalism in today's society requires the exhibition of a range of qualities deployed in the service of patients, rather than more traditionally defined aspects such as mastery, autonomy and self-regulation. These qualities incorporate demonstrated clinical competence; aspiring to excellence in practice while demonstrating humility and recognition of personal limitations; exercising professional judgement; and maintaining a fiduciary relationship with patients by the earning and maintenance of trust.     

IN THE “EDUCATION BUSINESS”, WHO OWNS WHAT?

This article conducts a historically‐based conceptual analysis of the major paradigms of Western higher education in terms of the primary duties of academics, to whom those duties are owed, and who owns the products or services created in the pursuit of these duties. Three such paradigms are identified, relating respectively to free enquiry and teaching, to community and national development service, and to business activity as a service provider for customers or clients. The conflicts of interest which form the theme of this issue of Higher Education In Europe are hypothesized to arise when (a) there is an institutional or system mismatch between the paradigms and (b) the implications of one of the paradigms are taken to extremes by either the individual academic or the institution or system. The article concludes with six proposals for activities to minimize such conflicts.     

Contextual Realities of Teacher Education in the Philippines

Teaching might not be the most popular profession in the world but it is undoubtedly the most populated. There are indeed some 57 million teachers in the world, about two thirds of whom work in the developing world. Over the years, the teacher and the teaching profession in the Philippines have been confronted by various issues and concerns that are directly or indirectly affecting them. The dynamics of the profession offers a fertile ground for debates and discussions. This paper presents a panoramic view of teacher education in the Philippines in the light of the following contextual variables: milieu, matter, materials, method and mastery.