A system of microchemistry for the hospital laboratory designed for maintenance of a high standard of performance.

THE MEMBERS OF THIS PANEL have discussed the statistical problems concerned with errors and control in clinical chemistry. I wish to discuss some technics for performing methods which help improve “control” in the laboratory. One of Webster’s definitions of control is “to exercise.restraining or directing influence over; to dominate; regulate.” Listed synonyms are “restrain, rule, govern, guide, direct, check, subdue.” The analyst must exercise these powers over his methods in order to reduce errors to a minimum. The accuracy of an analytical result depends to some extent on: (1) the ability to maintain analytical skill from start to finish; (2) the reduction of manipulations to a minimum and the simplification of manipulations; (3) the ability to maintain the desired quality of reagents; (4) the ability to maintain the desired performance of equipment; (5) the selection of a sound method. I shall not dwell on errors resulting from recording, calculating, cleaning, or environmental changes except to state that in a properly designed method the effects of these factors are reduced. I wish to personalize this talk by discussing a system of microchemistry used at the Graduate Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania which I have developed with the aid of Miss Jean Marino and Miss Dorothy Senesky to analyze large numbers of samples accurately and economically. To accomplish the daily operation of