The CAP Urine Chemistry Survey Program for 1977

Area of Science:

• Clinical chemistry
• Laboratory science
• Urine analysis

Background:

• The Urine Chemistry Survey Program assesses laboratory performance.
• In 1977, eleven analytes were evaluated, including electrolytes, enzymes, and metabolites.
• Over 450 laboratories participated in the survey.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of laboratory assays for common urine analytes.
• To identify deficiencies and biases in analytical methods used in clinical laboratories.
• To assess the precision and accuracy of urine chemistry testing.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of results from the 1977 Urine Chemistry Survey Program.
• Evaluation of assay performance data submitted by participating laboratories.
• Identification of analytes with reported deficiencies or significant performance shifts.

Main Results:

• Assay performance deficiencies were noted for amylase, 17-ketosteroids, and total protein.
• Urea nitrogen analysis demonstrated sharp shifts in precision.
• Glucose analysis using neocuproine and ferricyanide methods exhibited severe biases.

Conclusions:

• The 1977 survey highlighted areas needing improvement in urine chemistry assay performance.
• Specific analytical methods for glucose and urea nitrogen require further investigation and refinement.
• Consistent and accurate urine analyte measurement is critical for patient diagnosis and monitoring.