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The urine chemistry survey--series 2. 5 years' experience with an interlaboratory comparison program
1Department of Pathology, Williamsport (Pa) Hospital.
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|July 1, 1989
Summary
The College of American Pathologists Urine Chemistry Survey shows that while intralaboratory precision is adequate, interlaboratory agreement for urine analytes needs improvement. Better standards are crucial for reliable clinical laboratory diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Laboratory Medicine
- Urine Analysis
Background:
- The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Urine Chemistry Survey provides proficiency testing for numerous analytes.
- Evaluating interlaboratory performance is crucial for ensuring consistent diagnostic accuracy in clinical laboratories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review five years of performance data from the CAP Urine Chemistry Survey--Series 2.
- To assess the interlaboratory and intralaboratory precision of various urine chemistry analytes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the CAP Urine Chemistry Survey over a five-year period.
- Inclusion of analytes such as aldosterone, catecholamines, cortisol, and porphyrins.
Main Results:
- Interlaboratory precision among participants did not meet the levels reported in investigator-led studies, which may not reflect real-world conditions.
- Intralaboratory analytical precision may be sufficient for clinical diagnosis.
- Mediocre interlaboratory proficiency testing performance is likely due to biases from diverse standards.
Conclusions:
- Improved interlaboratory agreement for urine chemistry analytes is necessary and awaits the development of standards verified by definitive analyses.
- Standardization of reference materials is key to enhancing the reliability of urine chemistry testing in clinical settings.
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