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Hemoglobin (Hb) measurement is a fundamental biological test, especially in emergency situations where rapid medical decisions are required. Portable hemoglobinometers, such as HemoCue®, provide a delocalized solution for capillary whole blood. The SFBC's POCT News and Issues working group designed and conducted two national surveys to assess the use and management of these devices, both on the clinical and biological side, with 306 and 160 responses respectively. The surveys revealed little effective or desired network connection, heterogeneity in management and training, and only 7% of sites fully accredited, although a quality approach is being structured in 45% of cases. Nearly 80% of biologists suggest reclassification as a rapid diagnostic test, citing difficult standards management and inadequate human resources. However, its daily use goes beyond the simple diagnostic orientation of anemia; blood transfusion decisions without laboratory verification are made by 53% of physicians, while 18% of users are unaware of minimum maintenance procedures, underscoring the need for a rigorous quality approach. The SFBC working group proposes a list of tips to help medical biologists implement this approach, a guarantee of reliable results, in the context of medical decision-making. The selected points are fleet mapping, relations with biomedical and clinical departments, quality documents and minimum method verification, user management, QC management and traceability of results.

Nutritional status is an important protection factor against viral infections. Both undernutrition and malnutrition cause deficits in micronutrients, trace elements and vitamins necessary for various physiological functions and the appropriate functioning of the immune system. These deficiencies and infectious diseases often coexist, with complex interactions. An assessment of the micro-nutrient nutritional status of Covid-19 patients has not been at the center of priorities and recommendations, due to both the medical emergency and the absence of direct evidence and rapid effects of supplementation. Few recommendations have come from learned societies due to the lack of significant evidence of the effects of supplementation in positive patients and a need for robust studies. Essential trace elements and vitamins are necessary for the differentiation, activation and execution of many functions of immune cells, but their specific role has yet to be defined. This review article discusses in the context of Covid-19 the importance of micronutrients (selenium, copper, zinc, vitamins C, D, A and those of group B) in the host to tend towards an optimization of the immune response to infections. A nutritional balance remains the key word for achieving micronutrient homeostasis. Attention had to be paid to micronutrients in primary prevention, in the general population, in order to reduce the risk of impaired nutritional status in case of major health situations.

The French Society of Clinical Biology (SFBC) set up a working group “Biochemical markers of Covid-19” whose main objective is to review, analyse and monitor biological prescriptions according to the patient’s care path. This study covers all public and private sectors of medical biology in metropolitan France and overseas and extends to the French-speaking world. We present a summary of feedbacks after 2 years of the pandemic. At the early stage of Covid-19, with regard to the regions surveyed, a common symptomatology with local zoonosis (dengue fever, zika, malaria, leptospirosis, etc.) complicates the diagnosis of Covid-19. At a more advanced stage, it is a question of managing an influx of patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome. In this case, the biology is then simpler and delocalized medical biology devices have proven their effectiveness. As a result, ICU clinicians can better manage the frequent comorbidities encountered in these regions: obesity, diabetes, chronic renal failure, cardiovascular diseases.

HemoCue® point-of care devices are widely used in Bordeaux university hospital center to assess hemoglobin in critical situations, with 45 devices in 13 health units. Based on our experience, we here propose essential steps in order to prepare the accreditation file. We develop risks analysis, mandatory validation method check points, and caregiver professional training. Among the tasks, precise reference quality instructions i.e. instruction for use, maintenance and troubleshooting should be available. We also share reflections to offer solutions to encountered difficulties. The implemented quality management must rely on a solid and involved laboratory organization. A strong caregiver membership also appears to be the key to move forward.

The French society of clinical biology "Biochemical markers of COVID-19" has set up a working group with the primary aim of reviewing, analyzing and monitoring the evolution of biological prescriptions according to the patient's care path and to look for markers of progression and severity of the disease. This study covers all public and private sectors of medical biology located in metropolitan and overseas France and also extends to the French-speaking world. This article presents the testimonies and data obtained for the "Overseas and French-speaking countries" sub-working group made up of 45 volunteer correspondents, located in 20 regions of the world. In view of the delayed spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the overseas regions and the French-speaking regions have benefited from feedback from the first territories confronted with COVID-19. Thus, the entry of the virus or its spread in epidemic form could be avoided, thanks to the rapid closure of borders. The overseas territories depend very strongly on air and/or sea links with the metropolis or with the neighboring continent. The isolation of these countries is responsible for reagent supply difficulties and has necessitated emergency orders and the establishment of stocks lasting several months, in order to avoid shortages and maintain adequate patient care. In addition, in countries located in tropical or intertropical zones, the diagnosis of COVID-19 is complicated by the presence of various zoonoses (dengue, Zika, malaria, leptospirosis, etc.).