Laboratory tests play an important role in the study of wildlife animals, providing information concerning the physiological aspects of the patients. Laboratory tests follow standardized protocols, producing reliable results. The processing of biological samples is divided into preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical stages. The preanalytical phase has the highest chance of error, resulting in equivocal information. The clinical pathology of wild animals is still a growing or even unknown area by many practitioners. There are several factors prior to laboratory analysis that must be standardized in order to obtain correct results. The aim of this paper is therefore to review the main factors related to the pre-analytical phase in the processing of wildlife specimens in the area of clinical pathology.
IntroductionThe prevalence of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency is significant in the psychiatric population. These deficiencies may be associated with varied neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms, caused by different pathophysiological mechanisms.ObjectivesCharacterize the main neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Evaluate the prevalence of these vitamins deficiencies in an acute inpatient psychiatric department, dedicated to Affective Disorders.AimsTo review the clinical significance of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies in psychiatric disorders and reflect on the importance of routine screening in mental health care.Material and methodsObservational, retrospective and descriptive study, with analysis of clinical and blood tests data concerning the total number of inpatient episodes in 2015. Non-systematic review of the scientific literature.ResultsA small case series of the patients that had folate or B12 deficiency detected is presented. The prevalence of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies found in our study is in accordance with the data found in the literature.ConclusionsVitamin B12 and folate deficiencies should be considered in the approach to the psychiatric patient as its neuropsychiatric manifestations are varied, can be severe, and may constitute a potentially treatable cause of mental disorder. Our data shows that folate and B12 deficiencies are significant in inpatients and we believe it justifies routine screening at admission.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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