Serum IgG4 levels are not necessary for diagnosis of this fibroinflammatory condition, but do aid in distinguishing it from mimickers.

For venous blood gas (VBG) testing, one institute collects venous blood either in a 10cc syringe or lithium heparin tube, then transfers some into a 1cc heparinized syringe to run the test. Is this okay? Respondents say the sample should be drawn directly into a heparinized syringe and kept anaerobic. Some do use lithium heparin tubes in certain cases, but this is not ideal. One respondent also recommends that the original poster run the VBG from the 10cc syringe before expelling for other testing in order to minimize air exposure to the sample for the VBG.

Researchers have identified a blood microRNA signature that could be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease.