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Chemical laboratory changes for Covid-19 patients

Greiner Bio-One GmbH
1 Oct 2020
Tom Casburn
Associate Editor

Industry news

Following an article highlighting the significance of coagulation studies in Covid-19 diseases, Greiner Bio-One has looked closer at the applicability of VACUETTE® tubes in chemical laboratory testing.

The progression of Covid-19 disease in patients varies greatly, meaning that there are some with confirmed Coronavirus who have only very mild symptoms (approx. 80%), while others experience or die from an extremely severe (10-15%), even critical (2-5%) progression[1].

Real-time RT-PCR tests of, for example, nose and throat swabs are performed using direct virus detection to diagnose Covid-19. Antibody tests for IgG and IgM in the blood show a corresponding immune response from the body after suffering from the disease (an RT-PCR test cannot detect if a person has become ill and recovered). Some studies are available, but the sensitivity and specificity of the individual test methods in particular are a matter for debate[2-5].

Numerous studies have been carried out in the meantime, which included patients with pneumonia and other frequently occurring chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular systemic diseases, and which for the most part highlighted various clinical abnormalities such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, muscle, head and chest pain, throat inflammation, mental confusion, rhinorrhoea, diarrhoeal diseases and nausea[6;7;8].

Further chemical laboratory studies also point to COVID-19 disease. Analyses of blood imaging tests and of a comprehensive metabolic panel in the blood serum, for example inflammatory markers such as CRP, procalcitonin, and similarly LDH, ferritin, CK, CK-MB, troponin, aminotransferases, and proinflammatory cytokines, show significant changes in these indicators in patients with COVID-19 disease.

A study[9] found essential analytes for the progressive intensity of Covid-19, such as the number of lymphocytes or neutrophils, albumin, LDH, aminotransferase, cardiac markers, inflammatory markers, and D-dimers. Lymphopenia was confirmed at 35-75%, as was an increase in CRP of 75-93%, LDH of 27-92%, an RBC sedimentation rate of up to 85%, and D-dimer of 36-43%. Lower levels were found for albumin of 50-98% and hemoglobin of 41-50%.

Various VACUETTE® blood collection tubes are available for chemical laboratory testing, in which the biochemical markers listed above have been examined. Correspondingly documented studies can be provided.

  • VACUETTE® Lithium Heparin Separator Tube (e.g. ref. 456087)
  • VACUETTE® Serum Sep Clot Activator (e.g. Ref. 456073)
  • VACUETTE® CAT Serum Fast Separator (e.g. ref. 456310)
  • VACUETTE® ESR Racks (e.g. ref. 729093, 729073, 729090, 729070)
  • VACUETTE® SECONDARY Tubes (e.g. ref. 1991 to 1995)

VACUETTE® blood collection tubes bear the CE marking (European Community) and are approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration – United States of America). Greiner Bio-One is ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified and complies with Good Manufacturing Practice as required by the Brazilian health regulatory authority ANVISA.

References:

World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) Situation Report -44. Available at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports

Mahase E. Covid-19: "Unacceptable” that antibody test claims cannot be scrutinized, say experts. BMJ 2020; 369 doi: doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m2000

Lacobucci G. Covid-19: Antibody tests will not be rolled out in the UK until at least May, MPs hear. BMJ 2020; 369 doi: doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m1449

Jin Y, Wang M, Zuo Z, Fan C, Ye F, Cai Z, et al. Diagnostic value and dynamic variance of serum antibody in coronavirus disease 2019. Int J Infect Dis 2020 DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.03.065

Gao H X, Li Y N, Xu Z G, Wang Y L, Wang H B, Cao J F, et al. Detection of serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies in 2019-novel coronavirus infected cases from different stages. Chinese Medical Journal 2020;26 DOI:10.1097/CM9.0000000000000820

Huang C, Wang Y, Li X, et al.Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China[published correction appears in Lancet. 2020 Jan 30].Lancet. 2020;395(10223):497-506. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30183-5

Chen N, Zhou M, Dong X, et al. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 99 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a descriptive study. Lancet. 2020;395(10223): 507-513. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30211-7

Wang D, Hu B, Hu C, et al. Clinical characteristics of 138 hospitalised patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in Wuhan, China [published online before print, 2020 Feb 7]. JAMA. 2020; e201585. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.1585

Lippi G, Plebani M. Laboratory abnormalities in patients with COVID-2019 infection. Clin Chem Lab Med.2020 Mar 3.doi: 10.1515/cclm-2020-0198.

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Labware and Lab SuppliesLabware and lab supplies include various forms of glassware, plasticware, reagents and personal protective equipment (PPE) and are used across all scientific laboratories, enabling daily tasks to be performed. Explore a range of flasks and beakers, petri dishes, carboys and storage bottles. Labware such as condensers, desiccators and burettes are also available for more specific tasks. Find the best labware and lab supplies in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Blood CollectionCoagulationCovid-19COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a global health crisis with profound impacts on societies and economies. Research into diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and understanding viral mechanisms continues to evolve. The pandemic has accelerated innovations in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, including novel vaccine platforms and rapid testing technologies. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find top COVID-19 testing kits, research tools, vaccines, and treatments, compare products, read reviews, and receive direct pricing from manufacturers.

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Chemical laboratory changes for Covid-19 patients