Articles 2025

Research article: Raising the Bar in the Diagnosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The Impact of Automated FISH Technology

Line Emilie Boje Zakariasen, Mary Mathilde Knoblauch Fasting, Sys Johnsen, Svetlana Teplaia, Sanni Charlotte Pedersen, Filis Necip, Camilla C. Qvist

Abstract

Purpose: The MET gene, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, is crucial in cancer cell proliferation and survival. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is vital for assessing MET-gene amplification in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Manual FISH assays are time-consuming, and results are critical for treatment decisions; automation could reduce turnaround time. This study evaluates the potential benefits of the automated FISH-system, Oncore Pro X (Biocare Medical USA), by assessing factors including results, turnaround time, and cost.

Materials and Methods: A method comparison was conducted using 20 NSCLC formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens. Manual FISH-assays (ZytoLight® FISH-Tissue Implementation Kit with ZytoLight® SPEC MET/CEN 7 Dual Color Probe) were compared to automated assays (Oncore Pro X with MET (7q31) Orange + Copy Control 7 Green Probe). Concordance of MET-parameters was evaluated for both categorical and numerical data.

Results: Categorical data showed 80% concordance with a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (k=0.86), indicating near-perfect agreement. A Bland-Altman plot for numerical data revealed no noteworthy bias. A radar chart based on scoring (0-5) of relevant categories rated the manual assay at 15 and the automated at 21 out of 25.

Discussion/Conclusion: The automated assay reduced turnaround time, allowing for faster treatment initiation. Despite minor discrepancies, the high concordance indicates that the Oncore Pro X system has strong potential to replace manual FISH in clinical settings, significantly reducing turnaround time. Future research should focus on expanding probe availability and further cost optimization.

Keywords: Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Gene amplification, Automation, Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma

Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2025(14)1:24-38 【PDF】

Research article: Evidence Based Practice in Biomedical Laboratory Science education. A Dedicated Module to Improve Danish BLS Undergraduate Students EBP Competences

Francisco Mansilla Castano, Cilia Maria Katharina Sindt, Camilla Skovbjerg Jensen

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of the Introduction, Methods, Results and Conclusion (IMRAD) module on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards evidence-based practice (EBP) in third-year biomedical laboratory science (BLS) students at the University College South Denmark. Additionally, it examined students' perceptions of EBP competencies post-education and their importance for future job searches.

Materials and Methods: The IMRAD module, integrated into the sixth semester of the BLS curriculum, spans six weeks and includes theoretical and practical components on the IMRAD format. The study involved two consecutive groups of students (BA19, n=23; BA20, n=32). Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire (Q1) at three points: baseline, post-module, and end of semester. A second questionnaire (Q2) was administered six months post-module to assess long-term EBP competency retention and job relevance.

Results: Both groups exhibited significant improvements in EBP attitudes, knowledge, and skills post-module. The mean subscale scores for attitudes increased significantly from 25.7 to 28.8 (BA19) and from 25.1 to 28.0 (BA20). Knowledge and skills scores also showed significant increases from 44.5 to 63.2 (BA19) and from 48.9 to 64.8 (BA20). These improvements were maintained at the end of the semester. The Q2 results indicated that students felt confident in applying EBP competencies in their professional practice and valued these skills for future job opportunities.

Conclusion: The IMRAD module effectively enhances EBP competencies in BLS students, with sustained improvements in attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Students recognize the relevance of EBP in their future careers, highlighting the module's success in preparing them for professional practice.

Keywords: EBP (Evidence based practice), BLS (Biomedical laboratory Science), IMRAD (introduction, methods, results and discussion), Undergraduates, MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist), Quality improvement

Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2025(14)1:11-23 【PDF】

International Journal of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IJBLS) Vol. 14, No. 1: 1-39

April, 2025 【PDF】

CONTENTS

Editorial

► Pressing Concerns in the Clinical Laboratory and Potential

Patricia Tille

Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2025(14)1:4 【PDF】

Research articles

► Research article: An Analysis of the Updated Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Among African American Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease in an Acute Care

Russell H Wendt, Jose H Salazar, Niti Vyas, Muneeza Esani

Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2025(14)1:5-10 【Abstract】【PDF】

► Research article: Evidence Based Practice in Biomedical Laboratory Science education. A Dedicated Module to Improve Danish BLS Undergraduate Students EBP Competences

Francisco Mansilla Castano, Cilia Maria Katharina Sindt, Camilla Skovbjerg Jensen
Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2025(14)1:11-23 【Abstract】【PDF】

► Research article: Raising the Bar in the Diagnosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The Impact of Automated FISH Technology
Line Emilie Boje Zakariasen, Mary Mathilde Knoblauch Fasting, Sys Johnsen, Svetlana Teplaia, Sanni Charlotte Pedersen, Filis Necip, Camilla C. Qvist
Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2025(14)1:24-38 【Abstract】【PDF】

Published 【PDF】

Research article: An Analysis of the Updated Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Among African American Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease in an Acute Care

Russell H Wendt, Jose H Salazar, Niti Vyas, Muneeza Esani

Abstract

Purpose: The issue of under-diagnosis among African Americans was a precipitant factor for the exclusion of race in the revised estimated glomerular filtration rate formula (eGFR) in 2021. Prior to the revision, using race in the eGFR formula was seen by many in the medical community to contribute to fewer nephrology referrals among African Americans. The purpose of the study was to determine if implementation of the updated eGFR resulted in significant differences in chronic kidney disease (CKD) classification among African American patients.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing African American patients newly registered with a CKD diagnosis between January 1, 2022, and January 31, 2024, at a large, public academic hospital in the southern United States.

Results: This study included 568 patients with a median age of 67 years. We found a significant difference in CKD staging when comparing the race-free eGFR and the race-inclusive eGFR, with patients demonstrating an upward staging trend.

Discussion: This study found that the revised, race-free eGFR formula categorizes African Americans in an acute care setting at CKD stage 3 and higher compared to the prior, race-inclusive eGFR formula. This potentially impacts staging of African American patients, as well as resulting in higher numbers of nephrology referrals.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, CKD, eGFR, glomerular filtration rate, African American

Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2025(14)1:5-10 【PDF】

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