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The CDC VITAL-EQA program, external quality assurance for serum retinol, 2003-2006
Bridgette M H Haynes1, Rosemary L Schleicher, Ram B Jain
1Battelle, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States.
Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|February 2, 2008
Summary
The VITamin A Laboratory-External Quality Assurance (VITAL-EQA) program improves global vitamin A testing. This external quality assurance helps laboratories accurately measure serum retinol, crucial for combating deficiency in children.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Laboratory Science
- Nutritional Epidemiology
Background:
- Vitamin A deficiency affects 127 million preschool children globally.
- Accurate measurement of serum retinol is vital for monitoring deficiency and program effectiveness.
- The VITAL-EQA program was established to support laboratories in less developed countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and improve the accuracy and precision of serum retinol measurements in participating laboratories.
- To provide external quality assurance for nutritional indicator testing worldwide.
Main Methods:
- Laboratories analyze serum samples in duplicate over three days, twice annually.
- Results are submitted for review, with troubleshooting provided as needed.
- The program evaluates measurement accuracy and precision (coefficient of variation).
Main Results:
- Consistent acceptable performance in accuracy was observed for most laboratories participating in multiple rounds.
- Measurement accuracy improved in 2 laboratories and declined in 2.
- Precision improved for 7 laboratories, declined for 4, and remained excellent (
Conclusions:
- The VITAL-EQA program is an effective tool for enhancing retinol testing capabilities globally.
- The program aids in improving laboratory performance for accurate nutritional assessments.
- Continued participation supports the global effort to combat vitamin A deficiency.
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