Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Reproducibility and Harmonization in Research Using Biological Standards: The Example of Platelet Agonist Collagen-Related Peptide
Published on: August 4, 2023
Standardizing plasma protein measurements worldwide: a challenging enterprise
Giampaolo Merlini1, Søren Blirup-Jensen, A Myron Johnson
1Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. gmerlini@smatteo.pv.it
Abstract:
The need for harmonizing laboratory results is particularly intense in the field of quantitative protein assays in consideration of the clinical impact of specific protein measurements and their relevance in monitoring disease. We report the efforts made by the Committee on Plasma Proteins of the IFCC Scientific Division to achieve worldwide comparability in plasma protein results. We focus on the production of reference materials and the methods applied throughout their production process. Particularly, the recent characterization of ERM-DA470k/IFCC and ERM-DA472/IFCC has demonstrated that it is possible to reproduce the earlier established procedures and thereby maintain standardization. Plasma protein reference materials have had a substantial impact in improving the harmonization of patient protein results that should translate into better patient care.
