[Effort in standardization of control survey using pooled fresh serum in Okayama Prefecture]

Area of Science:

• Clinical chemistry
• Laboratory medicine
• Quality control

Context:

• Annual control surveys using commercial serum for 18 years in Okayama Prefecture.
• Limitations of annual surveys in detecting data discrepancies and method-specific variations (e.g., dry vs. wet chemistry).
• Matrix effects influencing control serum accuracy.

Purpose:

• To minimize laboratory test data differences among facilities.
• To address the inadequacy of annual surveys and commercial control serum.
• To develop and evaluate a more effective monthly cross-check program.

Summary:

• Developed the Okayama cross-check program, a monthly survey utilizing pooled fresh serum from regional hospitals and commercial labs.
• Implemented the program to overcome limitations of annual surveys and commercial control serum, particularly matrix effects.
• Detailed the program's methodology and assessed its effectiveness in reducing inter-laboratory variations.

Impact:

• Successfully reduced differences in laboratory test results among participating facilities.
• Enhanced the reliability and comparability of clinical laboratory data within Okayama Prefecture.
• Demonstrated the value of a collaborative, monthly fresh serum-based quality control program.