[Transferability of results in hematologic determinations]

Area of Science:

• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Hematology
• Quality Assurance in Healthcare

Background:

• Inter-laboratory quality control is crucial for ensuring the reliability and transferability of hematological test results.
• Variations in analytical methods and equipment can lead to discrepancies in laboratory findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the inaccuracy of hematological test results across multiple Servei Catalá de la Salut laboratories.
• To determine if quality objectives are met and if results are transferable between these laboratories.

Main Methods:

• Assessed inaccuracy using inter-laboratory quality control programs for two types of hematological analyzers (volumetric and light dispersion).
• Conducted inter-series and intra-series inaccuracy studies using commercial control materials and fresh patient blood.
• Calculated monthly coefficients of variation and compared analytical inaccuracy in patient samples versus control materials.

Main Results:

• Inaccuracy quality limits were exceeded for several hematological constituents.
• Quality objectives were met for red cell count, white cell count, MCV, granulocytes, and lymphocytes in the inter-series study.
• Fresh patient blood assays can assess intra-series inaccuracy for red and white cell counts, but not platelet counts.

Conclusions:

• Inaccuracy of studied blood constituents is not universally transferable between laboratories.
• Inaccuracy for common hematological values is transferable.
• Fresh patient blood can be used to assess intra-series inaccuracy for red and white cell counts when control material is absent.
• Patient samples are not recommended for controlling white cell differential counts in volumetric systems.