The harmonization issue in laboratory medicine: the commitment of CCLM

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Laboratory Medicine
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Analytical quality of clinical laboratory results has improved significantly.
• Comparability of results across different laboratories and methods remains a critical issue.
• The journal Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) has actively addressed harmonization challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of CCLM's publications on harmonization in laboratory medicine.
• To highlight the journal's role in improving awareness and providing tools for error monitoring.
• To underscore efforts in enhancing patient safety through standardized laboratory practices.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of publications in CCLM focusing on the Total Testing Process.
• Review of consensus statements, guidelines, and method descriptions.
• Evaluation of CCLM's contribution to harmonizing pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases.

Main Results:

• CCLM has published extensively on harmonization across all phases of the Total Testing Process.
• The journal has trained laboratory professionals in evaluating and monitoring pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical errors.
• Specific initiatives include guidelines on testing in emergencies, hemolysis detection, patient identification, and harmonized reporting.

Conclusions:

• CCLM's commitment to harmonization has raised awareness and provided practical tools for error reduction.
• The journal's efforts contribute to improving the reliability of laboratory results and enhancing patient safety.
• Continued focus on harmonization is essential for advancing clinical laboratory science and patient care.