Per Lous

HEPATITIS-ASSOCIATED (AU/SH) ANTIGEN DETERMINATION IN 10,000 PATIENTS IN A COPENHAGEN GENERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract 10,000 consecutively admitted patients were investigated for hepatitis-associated (AU/SH) antigen (H.A.A.). 35 patients had a positive result. 6 of these had acute hepatitis, 7 chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver, and 22 no apparent liver disease. Of the 35 H.A.A.-positive patients, 5 were under treatment with corticosteroids. On quantitation of H.A.A., 3 of the steroid-treated patients had the highest figures. 4 out of 16 patients became H.A.A.-negative in the follow-up period. Hospital personnel, if informed of patients who are H.A.A.-positive, can take steps to avoid transmitting infection.

HAA‐Antigen Determination in 12,000 Patients in a General Copenhagen Hospital

We have 2 purposes in the systematic investigation for hepatitisassociated antigen (HAA) of every patient admitted to the hospital: 1. To reduce infection of other patients and personnel in the hospital by detection of the positive patients as soon as possible after their arrival and hereafter to take some practical precautions in the wards, in the operating theatres, and in the laboratories. 2. To elucidate the frequency and duration and also the intensity of the positive reactions in this special population, thereby possibly illustrate features of interest to pathogenesis and/or epidemiology.

Worldwide Clinical Chemistry

The following section provides an individualized account of the status of clinical chemistry in many countries. It should be recognized that the information may be incomplete and already partly out-of-date since it was collected for the most part during the period 1972–1976. As for any subject in a state of very rapid change the detailed existing situation in a given country may vary from the material presented. Nonetheless the total picture which has emerged from these accounts reasonably reflects the international status of clinical chemistry.

The Education and Training of the Clinical Chemist

The clinical biochemist studies and advises on chemical and biochemical processes in the organs, tissues and fluids of the human body and the effect of disease and drugs on these processes. He organizes the routine service of analytical and functional tests; devises and tests new methods of investigating disease processes; and applies to clinical problems all modern chemical technique*. The functions of the clinical chemist have also been analyzed in terms of ‘basic research, applied research development and laboratory serviced’† The same activities are embodied in both descriptions.