#Insufficient testing and validation of the slide’s design

[seasonallydefective]

We’re all thinking of action park, right?

I love watching documentaries about amusement park accidents because all of the park officials are saying, "Oh, dear god, none of us could have anticipated that the roller coaster car would detach, this is a freak accident, an act of god!" and then the narrator is like "The Dicktwister 9000 was a known safety hazard and rabies vector since its inception. It was designed by disgraced Cirque du Soleil clown John Roosters, who had never seen a math textbook."

[accumax]

Basic Understanding of Cyto Centrifuge: A Guide to Liquid-Based Cytology and the iFuge CYTO

Cervical cancer is one of the critical problems that women face around the world. Early detection and diagnosis are of great importance in the prevention and effective management of this disease. Within the scope of diagnostic tool developments, the Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) test is representative of a valid tool for cervical cancer screening purposes. Let’s explore the significance of the LBC test, its process, and how the iFuge CYTO enhances laboratory analysis.

What is the Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) Test?

The Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) test is a modern technology for the processing of cervical specimens for cytological assessment that provides clear advantages over conventional smear preparations. In contrast to conventional PAP smears, in which cervical cells are spread directly on a slide, LBC acquires cervical specimens with a brush and suspends them in a liquid medium. This approach offers:Improved specimen quality: Reduces overlapping cells, ensuring clearer analysis.

Reduced inadequate samples: Enhances detection accuracy, especially for cervical cancer.

Dual-purpose testing: Enables further testing (e.g., HPV DNA screening) with a single sample.

Why is the LBC Test Done?

The LBC test is mainly used to identify abnormalities of cervical cells and to perform the early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. It is recommended for women aged 21 to 65, with routine screenings every three years. In women older than 30, a coupled LBC and HPV DNA test is relatively recommended for complete screening.

Additionally, LBC tests are safe during pregnancy and play a crucial role in preventive healthcare by identifying potential cervical issues before symptoms arise.

LBC vs. Conventional PAP Smear

Though both LBC and PAP smears are used to identify cervical abnormalities, LBC has the following advantages:Sample quality: LBC provides a more concise, single-cell layer available for analysis, which, in turn, minimizes the risk of erroneous positive results.

Efficiency: Preserves cells in a liquid medium, minimizing sample loss.

Diagnostic accuracy: Improves sensitivity and specificity in detecting atypical cells.

While low-cost, conventional Pap smears can produce insufficient samples owing to cell overlap or methodological mistakes.

How is the LBC Test Performed?

The LBC test involves the following steps: Sample Collection: A healthcare worker takes cervical cells with a sample collection brush or spatula.

Preservation in Liquid Medium: The sample is kept in an alcohol-based liquid medium for better preservation.

Slide Preparation: The sample is prepared to produce a thin, homogeneous layer of cells with the help of a Cyto centrifuge and then observed under a microscope.

Staining and Analysis: Slides are stained, and cells are checked for abnormalities by a microscope.

Result Reporting: Results are communicated to the healthcare provider and patient.

This procedure guarantees higher sample integrity and fewer chances for poor or wrong answers.

iFuge CYTO: Revolutionizing Laboratory Analysis

iFuge CYTO centrifuge is a vital component in the preparation of LBC samples for analysis. Efficient and accurate, it casts single cells from liquid suspension onto microscope slides to stain and review. This special centrifuge is an absolute pillar of the laboratory, providing great benefits to cytological tests.

Salient Features of iFuge CYTOCapacity of 6 Slides: Enables simultaneous processing of multiple samples.

High-Performance BLDC Motor: Ensures durability and consistent performance.

Microprocessor Controlled: Provides precise control over speed and time settings.

Smart Airflow Design: Maintains optimal chamber temperature during operation.

Advanced Functionalities: Temperature Control: Ensures consistent sample quality.

Compatibility: Works seamlessly with BD® SurePath® LBC slides.

Performance: Operates at a maximum speed of 2200 RPM with 470g RCF.

User-Friendly Interface: Digital display and intuitive controls make it easy to operate.

Safety Features: Provided with an automatic lid-locking system to further improve safety.

Programmable Settings: Timer adjustable from 1 to 999 minutes, with infinite run options.

One-Touch RPM/RCF Feature: Simplifies switching between speed and force measurements.

How iFuge CYTO Enhances LBC Analysis

The iFuge CYTO streamlines the LBC process by providing:Consistent Cell Concentration: Ensures uniform sample distribution on slides, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

Reduced Turnaround Time: Facilitates faster sample preparation without compromising quality.

Reliability: Advanced features minimize errors and maintain consistent performance across tests.

When iFuge CYTO is incorporated into laboratory routines, researchers and clinicians obtain significantly better outcomes, which in turn translates into better clinical outcomes for the patient.

The Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) test is a notable development in cervical cancer screening with increased specificity and higher throughput. Combined with the unique features of iFuge CYTO, laboratories can perform accurate, reproducible cytological analyses.

For clinicians and investigators, the iFuge CYTO is not just a tool, it is the portal to more accurate diagnosis and the guarantee of a high standard in laboratory works. Embrace the power of cutting-edge technology and elevate your cytology processes today with iFuge CYTO.

The iFuge Cyto is a high-performance clinical centrifuge designed for liquid-based cytology. It ensures precise and efficient cell separation for accurate diagnostic results, ideal for labs handling cytological samples. Discover more about this advanced centrifuge’s features and benefits on Accumax official website.

This blog was originally published at:  Basic Understanding of Cyto Centrifuge: A Guide to Liquid-Based Cytology and the iFuge CYTO

[marymosley]

Importance of Tire Marks in Forensic Investigation

PICTURE SHOWS TIRE MARKS

A forensic investigation is a practice of lawfully establishing evidence and the facts of the crime and the crime scene that are to present in a court of law (1). There are many types of shreds of evidence found in a crime scene. These are biological (tissue, bodily fluids, etc.), chemical (drugs, poison, etc.), tools and weapons (arms, knife, etc.), impression and pattern (fingerprint, bullet holes, etc.) and trace evidence (fibre, paint, etc.). Impression and pattern are such pieces of evidence that are divided into two subtypes 2D and 3D. 2D evidence includes fingerprints, footprints, tire marks, blood spatter, etc. and 3D evidence includes extractor marks, shoeprints, bullet holes, etc. (2). Tire marks are significant in the forensic investigation as with other pattern and impression evidence found in a crime scene such as fingerprints or shoeprints, etc. (3). There are many crimes in which vehicles used because its an easy way to reach the crime scene and escape.  The cars also provide security and secrecy to the criminal (4).  Following the Locard’s exchange the principle, even the vehicle leaves their tire impressions which are the general marks or impressions left by the tires of a car, exclusive of the tread design and include track width, wheelbase, turning radius, and the relative positions of the tracks of all tires (5).

There are different types of tire marks. These are,

a) Scuff Marks: Refers to the tire marks made by a rotating or yawning vehicle, a vehicle acceleration, or a flat tire.

b) Yaw Marks: These tire marks are made by a tire that is turning and sliding sideways parallel to tank wheel’s axle, and also referred to as sideslip or a critical speed scuff marks.

c) Skid Marks: These impressions of tire made by a locked wheel caused by the application of the brakes.

d) Print Marks:  Tire marks that are made by the rolling tire are called print marks.

e) Scrub Marks: When a wheel locked due to damage, then this kind of tire marks are left by the vehicle (6).

The tire marks present at the scene of a crime, can reveal a lot about the vehicle and also helps to recreate the modus operandi at times. At the time of collection of tire marks or impressions from the crime scene, it classified into three categories. The first category of tire mark is a visible print which is can be seen by a naked eye and can collect through photography. The second category referred to as a plastic print which is 3-Dimensional and can collect by making a cast of the print by using powdered stone such as dental stone and water. It can use as when the mixture dries a 3D impression of the tire formed. The last category of the tire impression or mark is latent prints that are not visible to the naked eye and found on flat surfaces like sidewalks, roads, or driveways. To collect this type of impression, an electrostatic and a gelatin lifter dust print lifting device used. After the collection, these impressions must preserve adequately to avoid contamination as it’s an essential piece of evidence of the crime (7).

Tire mark or impression is vital evidence like other pieces of evidence. Tire track marks or impressions leave behind a unique pattern. People rely heavily on vehicles for transportation. It leads to some involvement of vehicles with the crime or the criminals themselves and creates a bridge between the crime and criminal. So, in crime scenes tires are likely to leave pattern or impression evidence. A tire manufactured using natural and synthetic rubber with different tread patterns. They acquire many characteristics like cuts, holes, etc. So, the tire marks are highly informative regarding the crime and the criminal (8).

Tire track impressions can help narrow down, the brand, style, and size since different manufacturers produce different kinds of tires patterns. Tire impressions can attempt to match through searchable databases which help an investigator to determine crime-related facts and evidence. It also helps in the identification of the perpetrator (7). But, with some positives, there are negatives as well. There were some arguments on the validation and reliability of tire marks as evidence. At Aaron Hernandez trial proceedings, the defence lawyer, argued that tire track evidence is mostly subjective as many people may have the same vehicle which may with the same sized tire and same design (9). In that perspective, forensic experts prove that it is difficult for two vehicles to leave the same tire mark in one place because as the tires used, the wear and tear on the tire change the marks pattern of the tire. This change leads to a unique pattern that can help in the crime scene investigation (7). Tire marks are an essential part of a study of accident cases as each target creates specific action of the vehicle. What the driver of the vehicle did or attempted to do before and after the collision can be evaluated by investigating the tire mark or impression. A point-of-impact or an area-of-impact can be determined by the tire mark, which is very important in criminal cases, especially in accident cases. Since the vehicles travelling at various speeds will show different types of skid marks for which there are different speed calculation formulas according to the types of tire marks. This speed calculation can also form a proper interpretation of the facts of the case. Understanding and identifying the tire marks lead to more points and evidence in a crime scene which helps to solve the case and determine the perpetrator (6).

There are many cases in which the importance of tire marks can see. In Brown vs the state of Georgia, Brown convicted under two counts of aggravated assault. Brown appeals that there was insufficient evidence to convict him. But in a trial, footprint and tire track report was presented to the court against him, which is admissible evidence. The result of that, the court affirmed the judgment against Brown (10).

There was another case written in the crime scene journal, which was an excellent example of the importance of tire impression evidence. In July 1990 in Florida, a homicide took place. During the investigation, detectives collected shoeprints and tire marks found in the crime scene. The analyst identifies the brand, size of the tires, and make of vehicles on which those tires could found. With the help of that report, the detective identifies the vehicle and sent it to the FDLE crime lab for comparison of the tires. In the testing report, a decisive match found. Based on this, criminal found, and he confessed the crime during interrogation. He was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced punishment according to the justice system of the state (11).

References:

1.     Retrieved from https://www.justicia.co.za/investigation-services/investigations/forensic investigation/

2.     Crime scene investigation A guide for law enforcement.

3.     Retrieved from https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/tire-tracks

4.     Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/tire-marks-forensic-examination-methods-purpose.html

5.     Retrieved from http://what-when-how.com/forensic-sciences/vehicle-tire-marks-and-tire-track-measurement/

6.     Retrieved from https://www.pinow.com/articles/2399/tire-marks-their-role-in-accident-reconstruction-investigations

7.     Retrieved from https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/forensic-investigation/tire-tracks/

8.     Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9780470061589.fsa366

9.     Retrieved from https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/aaron-hernandez-tire-tracks-are-focus-of-testimony-at-trial-030515

Retrieved from https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ga-court-of-appeals/1299435.html

Retrieved from http://www.crimescenejournal.com/content.php?id=0006

AUTHOR:

Ashma Ahmed Zahan

Intern at Dept. of Forensic Sci & Cri Investigation (June 2020), Legal Desire Media & Insights

She completed a degree of B.Sc(Hons) and a Master’s degree in Zoology. After that, she completed a degree of B.A.(Hons) Psychology, and now she is pursuing M.Sc Criminology specialization in Forensic Psychology from Gujarat Forensic Science University, Gujarat. She has undergone an internship in Ashadeep Mental health care, Guwahati and have attended workshops, several conferences, and even volunteered in some.

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