Book Club Quiz 3 Chap 11-12-PCT Presentation/Webinars

It is recommended to use human serum or plasma (Lithium Heparinate) as specimen collections because these substances prevent the blood from clotting and help preserve the integrity of the sample. By using Lithium Heparinate, the specimen can be stored for a longer period of time without degradation, allowing for accurate analysis and testing.

Dr. Roger Bone suggested that instead of searching for a single solution to cure sepsis, it would be more beneficial to concentrate on early recognition of the condition. This implies that early identification and intervention could potentially improve outcomes for sepsis patients, rather than relying solely on a cure-all treatment.

It is recommended to retest PCT within 6-24 hours if any concentrations

It is true that for any given patient, the PCT (Procalcitonin) assays must be performed on the same type of sample tube. This is because using different types of sample tubes can introduce variables and affect the accuracy and reliability of the test results. By using the same type of sample tube, consistency is maintained, ensuring reliable and comparable results for the patient's PCT levels.

The SIRS criteria are a set of clinical indicators used to identify systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The correct answer includes all the criteria that apply, which are: Edema, Temperature >100.4 degrees Fahrenheit 150 mb/ml in absence of diabetes, HR - > 90bmp, Respiratory rate > 20 breaths/min, paCO2 12,000/mm3 or > 10% immature bands, and New Onset of Confusion. These criteria help healthcare professionals assess and diagnose patients who may be experiencing a systemic inflammatory response.

Protocols are established rules governing the course of medical treatment in a concise detailed method. They provide a systematic approach to healthcare by outlining the appropriate steps and procedures to be followed in specific situations. Protocols ensure consistency and standardization in medical practices, promoting efficient and effective patient care. They help healthcare professionals make informed decisions based on evidence-based guidelines, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

C-reactive Protein (CRP) is indeed an acute phase protein that is released in response to inflammation. It is stimulated by inflammatory indicators such as IL-6 and IL-8. CRP levels typically reach their peak around 48 hours after the injurious stimulus. Therefore, the statement "CRP levels peak after 48 hours of injurious stimulation" is true.

Sepsis is the highest cost to Medicare, indicating that it is the condition with the highest financial burden on the Medicare system. This suggests that the treatment and management of sepsis incur significant expenses, surpassing the costs associated with other medical conditions.

Blood culture systems are used to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream. However, not all blood cultures will yield positive results. The correct answer, 5-10%, suggests that only a small proportion of all blood cultures become positive. This indicates that the majority of blood cultures are negative, meaning that the patient's bloodstream is free from infection-causing organisms. The low positivity rate emphasizes the importance of proper sampling techniques and careful interpretation of results to avoid false-negative or false-positive outcomes.

Obtaining clinical support/assistance from the diagnostics company is not a critical step prior to protocol implementation. The other steps mentioned, such as obtaining administrative support, evaluating interdepartmental interactions, establishing a formal interactive relationship with the emergency department and critical care unit, identifying champions/unit protocol leaders, developing a firm understanding of the goals, and providing unit/hospital/system-wide education campaign, are all important steps that should be taken before implementing a protocol. However, obtaining clinical support/assistance from the diagnostics company may be necessary during the implementation process, but it is not a critical step prior to implementation.

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is an anticoagulant commonly used in blood collection tubes. It works by binding to calcium ions, preventing blood from clotting. However, EDTA can also bind to other metal ions present in the blood, such as magnesium and zinc, which are necessary for certain biochemical reactions. This can lead to a decrease in values measured for various tests. Therefore, plasma should not be collected in EDTA tubes to avoid interference with the accurate measurement of analytes.

Half-life refers to the time it takes for a molecule to lose half of its activity or effectiveness. In the case of PCT, it means that after a certain period of time, half of the molecule's productive state is lost. This is important in understanding the duration of PCT's effects and how long it remains active in the body.

The VIDAS B·R·A·H·M·S PCT is not intended for use in conjunction with other laboratory findings and clinical assessments to aid in the risk stratification of critically ill patients on their first day of ICU admission for progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

An ideal biomarker should be affordable, measurable and reproducible, able to predict clinical events, quickly obtainable and reproducible, and should reflect underlying biological processes. These characteristics are important to ensure that the biomarker can be easily and reliably measured, provide meaningful information about the disease or condition, and be accessible to a wide range of patients and healthcare providers.