[Quality of Human Liquid Specimens Appropriate for Laboratory Tests and Analyses--Chairmen's Introductory Remarks]

One of the major concerns for laboratory medicine communities is the quality of human specimens. Thanks to previous efforts in laboratory medicine field, routine quality control is almost guaranteed. Evidence is continually accumulating, and this evidence keeps the analytical levels in the clinical laboratory high. There is still, however, insufficient scientific evidence when handling and storing routine specimens, especially liquid specimens. Data based on poor quality specimens affects designs of patients' diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, such poor data also affect the outcomes of clinical trials. The only solution to avoid this situation is to acquire specimens of favorable quality. In this symposium, six experts involved in basic science to the clinical frontline gave unique presentations to share their expertise with us, and their concerns about specimen quality.