Total error in lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry-based in state of the art using Spanish EQAS data

Flow cytometry analyses of lymphocyte subpopulations (T, B, NK) are crucial for enhancing clinical algorithms and research workflows. Estimating the total error (TE) values for the percentage and absolute number of lymphocyte subpopulations using the state-of-the-art (SOTA) approach with real data from an external proficiency testing (EPT) scheme was performed. A comparison with previously published Biological Variability (BV)-based specifications was carried out.

A total of 44,998 results from 86 laboratories over 10 years were analysed and divided into two five-year periods (2012-2016) and (2017-2021). Data come from the IC-1 Lymphocytes scheme of the Spanish External Quality Assurance System (EQAS) GECLID Program. This quantitative scheme includes percentages and absolute numbers of CD3⁺, CD3⁺CD4⁺, CD3⁺CD8⁺, CD19⁺, and CD3^-CD56⁺CD16⁺ NK cells. The percentage of TE was calculated as: |reported value - robust mean|*100/robust mean for each laboratory and parameter. The cut-off for TE is set at 80 % best results of the laboratories.

A significant reduction in the SOTA-based TE for all lymphocyte subpopulations in 2017-2021 was observed compared to 2012-2016. The SOTA-based TE fulfils the minimum BV-based TE for percentages of lymphocyte subpopulations. The parameter with the best analytical performance calculated with SOTA (2017-2021 period)-based TE was the percentage of CD3⁺ (TE=3.65 %).

The values of SOTA-based specifications from external quality assurance program data are consistent and can be used to develop technical specifications. The technological improvement, quality commitment, standardization, and training, reduce TE. An update of TE every five years is therefore recommended. TE assessment in lymphocyte subsets is a helpful and reliable tool to improve laboratory performance and data-based decision-making trust.