Variability of Laboratory Test Results

Variability of laboratory test results.

Variabilities of serum total cholesterol and potassium results provided to 11 medical clinics were assessed using an audit sample-split specimen design. This involved collection of 3 tubes of blood from each of 302 patients, with 1 split specimen divided into 3 audit samples: 1 was sent to the original participating laboratory, another to a commercial referral laboratory, and the third to an ac...

Variability of aflatoxin test results.

Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Test Results.

Clinical laboratory testing is now a global activity with laboratories no longer working in isolation but as regional and national networks, and often at international levels. We now have all of the electronic gadgetry via internet technology at our fingertips to rapidly and accurately measure and report on laboratory testing but are our test results harmonized?

Repeat testing of critical laboratory test results.

To the Editor.—Recent literature has explored the value of repeat testing of alert or critical laboratory test results, as illustrated in the article by Toll et al. Using a large data set for selected tests, that article makes the point that repeat testing is rarely of value. All too often, laboratories retest results that are considered ‘‘critical’’ because of a purely emotional desire to avoi...

Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Test Results

Laboratories may use different analytical methods that may not be harmonized, possibly with different units of reporting. We should not assume that the differing numbers can be directly compared especially if the transfer of results from the laboratory to the report recipient does not highlight differences in units of reporting or in assay methods in use. To Corresponding author: Jillian R. Tat...