Browsing by Author "Chem, European Federation Clinical"

Now showing 1 - 18 of 18

A checklist for critical appraisal of studies of biological variation
(2014-01-01) Bartlett, William A.; Braga, Federica; Carobene, Anna; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Prusa, Richard; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Roraas, Thomas; Jonker, Neils; Sandberg, Sverre; Grp, Biol Variation Working; Chem, European Federation Clinical
Data on biological variation are used for many purposes in laboratory medicine but concern exists over the validity of the data reported in some studies. A critical appraisal checklist has been produced by a working group established by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) to enable standardised assessment of existing and future publications of biological variation data. The checklist identifies key elements to be reported in studies to enable safe accurate and effective transport of biological variation data sets across healthcare systems. The checklist is mapped to the domains of a minimum data set required to enable this process.
Analytical Performance Specifications for Lipoprotein(a), Apolipoprotein B-100, and Apolipoprotein A-I Using the Biological Variation Model in the EuBIVAS Population
(OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC, 2020-01-01) Clouet-Foraison, Noemie; Marcovina, Santica M.; Guerra, Elena; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Sandberg, Sverre; Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Carobene, Anna; Chem, European Federation Clinical
BACKGROUND: With increased interest in lipoprotein(a) (Lp{[}a]) concentration as a target for risk reduction and growing clinical evidence of its impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, rigorous analytical performance specifications (APS) and accuracy targets for Lp(a) are required. We investigated the biological variation (BV) of Lp(a), and 2 other major biomarkers of CVD, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB), in the European Biological Variation Study population. METHOD: Serum samples were drawn from 91 healthy individuals for 10 consecutive weeks at 6 European laboratories and analyzed in duplicate on a Roche Cobas 8000 c702. Outlier, homogeneity, and trend analysis were performed, followed by CV-ANOVA to determine BV estimates and their 95\% CIs. These estimates were used to calculate APS and reference change values. For Lp(a), BV estimates were determined on normalized concentration quintiles. RESULTS: Within-subject BV estimates were significantly different between sexes for Lp(a) and between women aged <50 and >50 years for apoA-I and apoB. Lp(a) APS was constant across concentration quintiles and, overall, lower than APS based on currently published data, whereas results were similar for apoA-I and apoB. CONCLUSION: Using a fully Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC)-compliant protocol, our study data confirm BV estimates of Lp(a) listed in the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine database and reinforce concerns expressed in recent articles regarding the suitability of older APS recommendations for Lp(a) measurements. Given the heterogeneity of Lp(a), more BIVAC-compliant studies on large numbers of individuals of different ethnic groups would be desirable.
Biological Variation of Cardiac Troponins in Health and Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
(OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC, 2021-01-01) Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Sandberg, Sverre; Ozcurumez, Mustafa; Bartlett, William A.; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Carobene, Anna; Perich, Carmen; Simon, Margarita; Marques, Fernando; Boned, Beatriz; Gonzalez-Lao, Elisabet; Braga, Federica; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Chem, European Federation Clinical; Database, Task Grp Biol Variation
BACKGROUND: Many studies have assessed the biological variation (BV) of cardiac-specific troponins (cTn), reporting widely varying within-subject BV (CVI) estimates. The aim of this study was to provide metaanalysis-derived BV estimates for troponin I (cTnI) and troponin T (cTnT) for different sampling intervals and states of health. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified by a systematic literature search. Studies were classified according to their methodological quality by the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC). Meta-analyses of BIVAC-compliant studies were performed after stratification by cTn isoform, exclusion of results below the limit of detection, states of health, and sampling interval to deliver reference change values (RCV), index of individuality (II) and analytical performance specifications (APS) for these settings. RESULTS: Sixteen and 15 studies were identified for cTnI and cTnT, respectively, out of which 6 received a BIVAC grade A. Five studies had applied contemporary cTnI assays, but none contemporary cTnT. High-sensitivity (hs-) cTnI and cTnT delivered similar estimates in all settings. Long-term CVI estimates (15.1
Biological variation of serum iron from the European biological variation study (EuBIVAS)
(WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, 2022-01-01) Carobene, Anna; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Locatelli, Massimo; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Sandberg, Sverre; Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Chem, European Federation Clinical
Critical review and meta-analysis of biological variation estimates for tumor markers
(WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, 2022-01-01) Marques-Garcia, Fernando; Boned, Beatriz; Gonzalez-Lao, Elisabet; Braga, Federica; Carobene, Anna; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Carmen Perich, Maria; Simon, Margarida; Jonker, Niels; Aslan, Berna; Bartlett, William Alexander; Sandberg, Sverre; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Chem, European Federation Clinical; Database, Task Grp Biol Variation
Objectives Biological variation data (BV) can be used for different applications, but this depends on the availability of robust and relevant BV data. In this study, we aimed to summarize and appraise BV studies for tumor markers, to examine the influence of study population characteristics and concentrations on BV estimates and to discuss the applicability of BV data for tumor markers in clinical practice. Methods Studies reporting BV data for tumor markers related to gastrointestinal, prostate, breast, ovarian, haematological, lung, and dermatological cancers were identified by a systematic literature search. Relevant studies were evaluated by the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC) and meta-analyses were performed for BIVAC compliant studies to deliver global estimates of within-subject (CVI) and between-subject (CVG) BV with 95\% CI. Results The systematic review identified 49 studies delivering results for 22 tumor markers
European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS): within- and between-subject biological variation estimates for serum thyroid biomarkers based on weekly samplings from 91 healthy participants
(WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, 2022-01-01) Bottani, Michela; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Banfi, Giuseppe; Locatelli, Massimo; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Sandberg, Sverre; Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Carobene, Anna; Chem, European Federation Clinical
Objectives Thyroid biomarkers are fundamental for the diagnosis of thyroid disorders and for the monitoring and treatment of patients with these diseases. The knowledge of biological variation (BV) is important to define analytical performance specifications (APS) and reference change values (RCV). The aim of this study was to deliver BV estimates for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroglobulin (TG), and calcitonin (CT). Methods Analyses were performed on serum samples obtained from the European Biological Variation Study population (91 healthy individuals from six European laboratories
European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS): within-and between-subject biological variation estimates for serum biointact parathyroid hormone based on weekly samplings from 91 healthy participants
(AME PUBL CO, 2020-01-01) Bottani, Michela; Banfi, Giuseppe; Guerra, Elena; Locatelli, Massimo; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Sandberg, Sverre; Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Gonzalez-Lao, Elisabet; Simon, Margarita; Carobene, Anna; Chem, European Federation Clinical
Background: The European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS) was created by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working Group on Biological Variation to establish high-quality biological variation (BV) estimates for clinically important measurands. In this study, the aim was to deliver reliable BV estimates for the biointact parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-84). Methods: Serum samples were obtained from a population of 91 healthy individuals (38 men, 43 premenopausal women, and 10 post-menopausal women
Harmonization initiatives in the generation, reporting and application of biological variation data
(2018-01-01) Aarsand, Aasne K.; Roraas, Thomas; Bartlett, William A.; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Carobene, Anna; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Jonker, Niels; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Braga, Federica; Sandberg, Sverre; Chem, European Federation Clinical
Biological variation (BV) data have many applications in laboratory medicine. However, concern has been raised that some LW estimates in use today may be irrelevant or of unacceptable quality. A number of initiatives have been launched by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) and other parties to deliver a more harmonized practice in the generation, reporting and application of BV data. Resulting from a necessary focus upon the veracity of historical BV studies, critical appraisal and meta-analysis of published BV studies is possible through application of the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC), published in 2017. The BIVAC compliant large-scale European Biological Variation Study delivers updated high-quality BV data for a wide range of measurands. Other significant developments include the publication of a Medical Subject Heading term for BV and recommendations for common terminology for reporting of BV data. In the near future, global BV estimates derived from meta-analysis of BIVAC appraised publications will be accessible in a Biological Variation Database at the EFLM website. The availability of these high-quality data, which have many applications that impact on the quality and interpretation of clinical laboratory results, will afford improved patient care.
Long-term within- and between-subject biological variation of 29 routine laboratory measurands in athletes
(WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, 2022-01-01) Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Sandberg, Sverre; Coskun, Abdurrahaman; Carobene, Anna; Jonker, Niels; Itkonen, Outi; Bartlett, William A.; Buno, Antonio; Chem, European Federation Clinical
Objectives Within- and between-subject biological variation (BV) estimates have many applications in laboratory medicine. However, robust high-quality BV estimates are lacking for many populations, such as athletes. This study aimed to deliver BV estimates of 29 routine laboratory measurands derived from a Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist compliant design in a population of high-endurance athletes. Methods Eleven samples per subject were drawn from 30 triathletes monthly, during a whole sport season. Serum samples were measured in duplicate for proteins, liver enzymes, lipids and kidney-related measurands on an Advia2400 (Siemens Healthineers). After outlier and homogeneity analysis, within-subject (CVI) and between-subject (CVG) biological variation estimates were delivered (CV-ANOVA and log-ANOVA, respectively) and a linear mixed model was applied to analyze the effect of exercise and health related variables. Results Most CVI estimates were similar or only slightly higher in athletes compared to those reported for the general population, whereas two- to three-fold increases were observed for amylase, ALT, AST and ALP. No effect of exercise and health related variables were observed on the CVI estimates. For seven measurands, data were not homogeneously distributed and BV estimates were therefore not reported. Conclusions The observation of higher CVI estimates in athletes than what has been reported for the general population may be related to physiological stress over time caused by the continuous practice of exercise. The BV estimates derived from this study could be applied to athlete populations from disciplines in which they exercise under similar conditions of intensity and duration.
Providing Correct Estimates of Biological Variation-Not an Easy Task. The Example of S100-beta Protein and Neuron-Specific Enolase
(AMER ASSOC CLINICAL CHEMISTRY, 2018-01-01) Carobene, Anna; Guerra, Elena; Locatelli, Massimo; Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Sandberg, Sverre; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Chem, European Federation Clinical; Variation, Working Grp Biological
Systematic review and meta-analysis of within-subject and between-subject biological variation estimates of 20 haematological parameters
(WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, 2020-01-01) Coskun, Abdurrahman; Braga, Federica; Carobene, Anna; Tejedor Ganduxe, Xavier; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Diaz-Garzon Marco, Jorge; Bartlett, William; Jonker, Niels; Aslan, Berna; Minchinela, Joana; Boned, Beatriz; Gonzalez-Lao, Elisabet; Marques-Garcia, Fernando; Perich, Carmen; Ricos, Carmen; Simon, Margarita; Sandberg, Sverre; Chem, European Federation Clinical
Background: Interpretation of the complete blood count (CBC) parameters requires reliable biological variation (BV) data. The aims of this study were to appraise the quality of publications reporting BV data for CBC parameters by applying the BV Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC) and to deliver global BV estimates based on BIVAC compliant studies. Methods: Relevant publications were identified by a systematic literature search and evaluated for their compliance with the 14 BIVAC criteria, scored as A, B, C or D, indicating decreasing compliance. Global CVI and CVG estimates with 95\% CI were delivered by a meta-analysis approach using data from BIVAC compliant papers (grades A-C). Results: In total, 32 studies were identified
Systematic review and meta-analysis of within-subject and between-subject biological variation estimates of serum Zinc, Copper and Selenium
(WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, 2022-01-01) Coskun, Abdurrahman; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Braga, Federica; Carobene, Anna; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Jonker, Niels; Lao, Elisabet Gonzalez; Marques-Garcia, Fernando; Sandberg, Sverre; Chem, European Federation Clinical; Grp, Lab Medicine Working
The Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist: A Standard for Evaluating Studies on Biological Variation
(AMER ASSOC CLINICAL CHEMISTRY, 2018-01-01) Aarsand, Aasne K.; Roraas, Thomas; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Ricos, Carmen; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Jonker, Niels; Perich, Carmen; Gonzalez-Lao, Elisabet; Carobene, Anna; Minchinela, Joana; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Simon, Margarita; Alvarez, Virtudes; Bartlett, William A.; Fernandez-Fernandez, Pilar; Boned, Beatriz; Braga, Federica; Corte, Zoraida; Aslan, Berna; Sandberg, Sverre; Chem, European Federation Clinical; Variation, Working Grp Biological; Biological, Task \& Finish Grp
BACKGROUND: Concern has been raised about the quality of available biological variation (BV) estimates and the effect of their application in clinical practice. A European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Task and Finish Group has addressed this issue. The aim of this report is to (a) describe the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC), which verifies whether publications have included all essential elements that may impact the veracity of associated BV estimates, (b) use the BIVAC to critically appraise existing BV publications on enzymes, lipids, kidney, and diabetes-related measurands, and (c) apply metaanalysis to deliver a global within-subject BV (CVI) estimate for alanine aminotransferase (ALT). METHODS: In the BIVAC, publications were rated as A, B, C, or D, indicating descending compliance for 14 BIVAC quality items, focusing on study design, methodology, and statistical handling. A D grade indicated that associated BV estimates should not be applied in clinical practice. Systematic searches were applied to identify BV studies for 28 different measurands. RESULTS: In total, 128 publications were identified, providing 935 different BV estimates. Nine percent achieved D scores. Outlier analysis and variance homogeneity testing were scored as C in >60\% of 847 cases. Metaanalysis delivered a CVI estimate for ALT of 15.4\%. CONCLUSIONS: Application of BIVAC to BV publications identified deficiencies in required study detail and delivery, especially for statistical analysis. Those deficiencies impact the veracity of BV estimates. BV data from BIVAC-compliant studies can be combined to deliver robust global estimates for safe clinical application. (c) 2017 American Association for Clinical Chemistry
The EuBIVAS: Within- and Between-Subject Biological Variation Data for Electrolytes, Lipids, Urea, Uric Acid, Total Protein, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin, and Glucose
(AMER ASSOC CLINICAL CHEMISTRY, 2018-01-01) Aarsand, Aasne K.; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Guerra, Elena; Locatelli, Massimo; Bartlett, William A.; Sandberg, Sverre; Roraas, Thomas; Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Solvik, Una Orvim; Sylte, Marit Sverresdotter; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Serteser, Mustafa; Unsal, Ibrahim; Tosato, Francesca; Plebani, Mario; Jonker, Niels; Barla, Gerhard; Carobene, Anna; Chem, European Federation Clinical
BACKGROUND: The European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS) has been established to deliver rigorously determined data describing biological variation (BV) of clinically important measurands. Here, EuBIVAS-based BV estimates of serum electrolytes, lipids, urea, uric acid, total protein, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and glucose, as well as their associated analytical performance specifications (APSs), are presented. METHOD: Samples were drawn from 91 healthy individuals (38 male, 53 female
The European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS): Biological Variation Data for Coagulation Markers Estimated by a Bayesian Model
(OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC, 2021-01-01) Aarsand, Aasne K.; Kristoffersen, Ann Helen; Sandberg, Sverre; Stove, Bard; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Guerra, Elena; Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Jonker, Niels; Roraas, Thomas; Carobene, Anna; Chem, European Federation Clinical
BACKGROUND: For biological variation (BV) data to be safely used, data must be reliable and relevant to the population in which they are applied. We used samples from the European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS) to determine BV of coagulation markers by a Bayesian model robust to extreme observations and used the derived within-participant BV estimates {[}CVP(i)] to assess the applicability of the BV estimates in clinical practice. METHOD: Plasma samples were drawn from 92 healthy individuals for 10 consecutive weeks at 6 European laboratories and analyzed in duplicate for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen, D-dimer, antithrombin (AT), protein C, protein S free, and factor VIII (FVIII). A Bayesian model with Student t likelihoods for samples and replicates was applied to derive CVP(i) and predicted BV estimates with 95\% credibility intervals. RESULTS: For all markers except D-dimer, CVP( i) were homogeneously distributed in the overall study population or in subgroups. Mean within-subject estimates (CVI) were <5\% for APTT, PT, AT, and protein S free, <10\% for protein C and FVIII, and <12\% for fibrinogen. For APTT, protein C, and protein S free, estimates were significantly lower in men than in women <= 50 years. CONCLUSION: For most coagulation markers, a common CVI estimate for men and women is applicable, whereas for APTT, protein C, and protein S free, sex-specific reference change values should be applied. The use of a Bayesian model to deliver individual CVP(i) allows for improved interpretation and application of the data.
The European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS): weekly biological variation of cardiac troponin I estimated by the use of two different high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assays
(WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, 2020-01-01) Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Diaz-Garzon Marco, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Maregnani, Alessio; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Jonker, Niels; Sandberg, Sverre; Carobene, Anna; Chem, European Federation Clinical
Background: Cardiac troponins (cTn) are specific markers for cardiac damage and acute coronary syndromes. The availability of new high-sensitivity assays allows cTn detection in healthy people, thus permitting the estimation of biological variation (BV) of cTn. The knowledge of BV is important to define analytical performance specifications (APS) and reference change values (RCVs). The aim of this study was to estimate the within- and between-subject weekly BV (CVI, CVG) of cTnI applying two high-sensitivity cTnI assays, using European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS) specimens. Methods: Thirty-eight men and 53 women underwent weekly fasting blood drawings for 10 consecutive weeks. Duplicate measurements were performed with Singulex Clarity (Singulex, USA) and Siemens Atellica (Siemens Healthineers, Germany). Results: cTnI was measurable in 99.4\% and 74.3\% of the samples with Singulex and Atellica assays, respectively. Concentrations were significantly higher in men than in women with both methods. The CVI estimates with 95\% confidence interval (CI) were for Singulex 16.6\% (15.6-17.7) and for Atellica 13.8\% (12.7-15.0), with the observed difference likely being caused by the different number of measurable samples. No significant CVI differences were observed between men and women. The CVG estimates for women were 40.3\% and 36.3\%, and for men 65.3\% and 36.5\% for Singulex and Atellica, respectively. The resulting APS and RCVs were similar for the two methods. Conclusions: This is the first study able to estimate cTnI BV for such a large cohort of well-characterized healthy individuals deriving objective APS and RCV values for detecting significant variations in cTnI serial measurements, even within the 99th percentile.
Within- and between-subject biological variation data for serum zinc, copper and selenium obtained from 68 apparently healthy Turkish subjects
(WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, 2022-01-01) Coskun, Abdurrahman; Carobene, Anna; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Aksungar, Fehime B.; Serteser, Mustafa; Sandberg, Sverre; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Karpuzoglu, Fatma H.; Coskun, Cihan; Kizilkaya, Emine; Fidan, Damla; Jonker, Niels; Ugur, Esra; Unsal, Ibrahim; Chem, European Federation Clinical; Database, Task Grp Biol Variation
Objectives Trace elements (TrEL) are nutritionally essential components in maintaining health and preventing diseases. There is a lack of reliable biological variation (BV) data for TrELs, required for the diagnosis and monitoring of TrEL disturbances. In this study, we aimed to provide updated within- and between-subject BV estimates for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se). Methods Weekly serum samples were drawn from 68 healthy subjects (36 females and 32 males) for 10 weeks and stored at -80 degrees C prior to analysis. Serum Zn, Cu and Se levels were measured using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Outlier and variance homogeneity analyses were performed followed by CV-ANOVA (Roraas method) to determine BV and analytical variation estimates with 95\% CI and the associated reference change values (RCV) for all subjects, males and females. Results Significant differences in mean concentrations between males and females were observed, with absolute and relative (\%) differences for Zn at 0.5 mu mol/L (3.5\%), Cu 2.0 mu mol/L (14.1\%) and Se 0.06 mu mol/L (6.0\%). The within-subject BV (CVI {[}95\% CI]) estimates were 8.8\% (8.2-9.3), 7.8\% (7.3-8.3) and 7.7\% (7.2-8.2) for Zn, Cu and Se, respectively. Within-subject biological variation (CVI) estimates derived for male and female subgroups were similar for all three TrELs. Marked individuality was observed for Cu and Se. Conclusions The data of this study provides updated BV estimates for serum Zn, Cu and Se derived from a stringent protocol and state of the art methodologies. Furthermore, Cu and Se display marked individuality, highlighting that population based reference limits should not be used in the monitoring of patients.
Within- and between-subject biological variation data for tumor markers based on the European Biological Variation Study
(WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, 2022-01-01) Coskun, Abdurrahman; Aarsand, Aasne K.; Sandberg, Sverre; Guerra, Elena; Locatelli, Massimo; Diaz-Garzon, Jorge; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Jonker, Niels; Bartlett, William A.; Carobene, Anna; Chem, European Federation Clinical
Objectives: Reliable biological variation (BV) data are required for the clinical use of tumor markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment effects in cancer. The European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS) was established by the EFLM Biological Variation Working Group to deliver BV data for clinically important measurands. In this study, EuBIVAS-based BV estimates are provided for cancer antigen (CA) 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin-19 fragment, alpha-fetoprotein and human epididymis protein 4. Methods: Subjects from five European countries were enrolled in the study, and weekly samples were collected from 91 healthy individuals (53 females and 38 males