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Summary
A 1981 urine chemistry survey revealed analytical method inadequacies for key analytes including aldosterone and cortisol. Some screening tests for 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid produced inaccurate results.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Urine Analysis
- Analytical Toxicology
Background:
- The College of American Pathologists conducted a urine chemistry survey in 1981.
- This survey assessed the accuracy of laboratory testing for various urine analytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the quantitative analytic methods used for specific urine analytes.
- To identify inadequacies in laboratory testing procedures for hormones and metabolites.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 398 laboratories, collecting data from 1981 and 1982.
- The survey included ten analytes: aldosterone, free and total catecholamines, estriol, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, 17-ketogenic steroids, 17-ketosteroids, vanillylmandelic acid, cortisol, and metanephrines.
Main Results:
- Inadequacies were found in quantitative methods for aldosterone, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, 17-ketogenic steroids, and urinary free cortisol.
- Screening methods for 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid were shown to produce false results.
Conclusions:
- Significant limitations exist in current analytical methods for several important urine analytes.
- Improvements in laboratory testing accuracy are needed for reliable clinical interpretation.