Global MedLab Week 2025 – World Champion Video: 1st Place Winner

Summary

This video highlights the critical role laboratory professionals play in diagnosing and treating life-threatening conditions. The case of Mr. Lassant, who suffered from insulin-induced hypoglycemia, showcases how teamwork between clinicians and lab specialists can save lives. Through precise blood testing, imaging, and a selective arterial calcium stimulation test, the medical team accurately identified and localized an insulin-secreting tumor, ultimately leading to successful treatment and Mr. Lassant's full recovery. The story emphasizes the importance of accurate testing, collaboration, and the vital support laboratories provide in clinical care.

Takeaways

• 😀 Every second counts in saving lives, and behind every result is an important decision with a story worth telling.
• 😀 The process of diagnosing insulin hypoglycemia involves measuring plasma glucose and differentiating between endogenous and exogenous causes.
• 😀 Blood samples for insulin and C-peptide are collected to help identify the cause of hypoglycemia.
• 😀 Once the blood samples are collected, they are stored in ice and later tested by a medical laboratory technician for accuracy.
• 😀 Medical laboratory technicians ensure accurate test results by following strict quality steps and verifying the sample's information.
• 😀 If any test results are unusual, they are reviewed by chemical pathology registrars, who consult the patient's medical history for clarity.
• 😀 The chemical pathology lab plays a critical role in verifying the accuracy of glucometer readings, including through method comparisons with automated glucose assays.
• 😀 Mr. Lassant's test results showed elevated insulin and C-peptide levels in hypoglycemia, suggesting endogenous hyperinsulinism.
• 😀 Further tests, including imaging and endoscopic ultrasound, were performed to identify the cause of the hyperinsulinism, but the results were negative.
• 😀 The diagnosis was finalized using a selective arterial calcium stimulation test, which localized the insulin-secreting lesion in the pancreas, leading to successful treatment and Mr. Lassant's recovery.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the script?

The main objective of the script is to illustrate the crucial role of medical laboratory testing in diagnosing and treating a patient with hypoglycemia caused by hyperinsulinism, leading to the successful recovery of Mr. Lassant.

What is the significance of the blood sample collection in the process?

The blood sample collection is critical for diagnosing the patient's condition. It involves careful handling, including placing the samples in ice slurry, as plasma glucose and insulin are unstable. The samples are then processed for testing in the lab.

What tests were conducted on Mr. Lassant's blood sample?

Mr. Lassant's blood sample underwent tests to measure insulin and c-peptide levels, which helped in differentiating between endogenous and exogenous causes of hypoglycemia. Additional tests, such as anti-insulin antibody levels, were done to rule out insulin autoimmune syndrome.

How does the chemical pathology laboratory contribute to the diagnosis?

The chemical pathology laboratory plays a key role by ensuring the accuracy and precision of glucometer readings through method comparison. It also assists in interpreting test results that show unusual values, guiding the clinical decision-making process.

What was the outcome of the tests on Mr. Lassant?

The tests revealed elevated insulin and c-peptide levels, suggesting endogenous hyperinsulinism. However, imaging tests, including CT scans and endoscopic ultrasounds, failed to identify a pancreatic lesion, leading to further investigation.

What is the significance of the selective arterial calcium stimulation test?

The selective arterial calcium stimulation test is crucial in localizing insulin-secreting lesions. By injecting calcium into different pancreatic arteries, it helps identify areas that release insulin, which can pinpoint the location of an insulinoma.

What was the outcome of the selective arterial calcium stimulation test?

The test localized the insulin-secreting lesion to the body of Mr. Lassant's pancreas, which was essential for planning his treatment and surgery.

How did the multidisciplinary team contribute to Mr. Lassant's treatment?

The multidisciplinary team, including clinicians and laboratory professionals, collaborated to review the test results and decide on the most effective treatment plan, which involved surgery to remove the insulinoma.

What role did laboratory testing play in Mr. Lassant's successful recovery?

Laboratory testing was crucial at every step of Mr. Lassant's diagnosis and treatment, from analyzing blood samples to guiding imaging and selecting the appropriate tests. It was instrumental in localizing the insulinoma and planning the surgery that led to his recovery.

What is the key takeaway from this case regarding laboratory services?

The key takeaway is that laboratory services, such as chemical pathology, play an indispensable role in diagnosing complex conditions like hyperinsulinism, ensuring accurate test results, and guiding clinical decisions that ultimately save lives.