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Interlaboratory variability of bilirubin measurements
1Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Clinical Chemistry
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Automated systems showed significant differences in total bilirubin measurements across 14 laboratories. Bilirubin assay accuracy varied, with most labs deviating from target values in bovine specimens.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Accurate total bilirubin measurement is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.
- Standardization of analytical methods is essential for reliable laboratory results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of automated analytical systems in measuring total bilirubin concentrations.
- To assess the accuracy and consistency of bilirubin measurements across multiple laboratories.
Main Methods:
- An 8-month study involving 14 laboratories.
- Use of lyophilized bovine specimens with three target bilirubin concentrations (38, 169, and 253 micromol/L).
- Measurement of total bilirubin using automated analytical systems.
Main Results:
- Measurements were consistently lower at 4 laboratories and higher at 6 laboratories compared to target values.
- Four laboratories achieved results within +/- 4% of target values for all concentrations.
- Bilirubin measurement variability was observed across participating laboratories.
Conclusions:
- Automated analytical systems demonstrated significant variability in total bilirubin measurements.
- Most participating laboratories showed deviations from established target values.
- Inter-laboratory consistency in bilirubin assays requires further investigation and standardization.