A review of 2004, and with the new year comes a new look

In August 2003, France sustained an unprecedented heat wave that resulted in 14,800 excess deaths. The consequences were maximal in the Paris area. The Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris reported more than 2600 excess emergency department visits, 1900 excess hospital admissions, and 475 excess deaths despite a rapid organization. Indeed, simple preventice measures before hospital admissions are only able to reduce mortality which mostly occurred at home and in nursing homes.     

New year, new language

Here, the Joint Commission reviews revised standards for five 2001 manuals.     

New year,new compliance issues

Ensure your department's continued compliance with the Joint Commission's standards.     

ImmunoConcentration--a new format for solid-phase immunoassays

A new format for solid-phase immunoassays has been developed in which a monoclonal antibody-coated membrane, incorporated into a cylindrical, disposable device, regulates sample and reagent delivery. We illustrate the method with a two-site, immunoenzymometric assay that can detect human choriogonadotropin at less than 50 int. units/L (4 micrograms/L) in urine and less than 25 int. units/L (2 micrograms/L) in serum and takes less than 5 min to perform. The solid-phase antibody is located in a circular area in the center of the membrane so that in the presence of the hormone, after addition of substrate, a blue enzyme product is generated in this circular area. The high ratio of surface area to volume within the microporous matrix of the membrane assures short diffusion distances and therefore rapid binding of liquid-phase reagents to the solid phase. Pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics describe the binding of antigen to immobilized antibody and the binding of enzyme-labeled antibody to immobilized antigen. The speed and simplicity of this format may facilitate testing for many analytes, both soluble and particulate, as well as serological testing.     

Meeting the challenge of a new Europe

Tony Butterworth gives an overview of the collaborative work which awaits nursing as Europe removes its boundaries and becomes a federation of associated interests. He also addresses the work of the World Health Organization, the International Council of Nurses, the European Community, and finally research being conducted by the University of Manchester which is examining those subjects which most interest nurses in Europe.