[Effort in standardization of control survey using pooled fresh serum in Okayama Prefecture]

Ken Okada1, Norio Koide, Katsunori Kohguchi

  • 1Department of Central Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama 700-8558.

Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|April 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A new monthly Okayama cross-check program using fresh pooled serum was developed to improve clinical laboratory data accuracy. This initiative reduces laboratory test result differences, enhancing diagnostic reliability across Okayama Prefecture.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical chemistry
  • Laboratory medicine
  • Quality control

Context:

  • Annual control surveys using commercial serum for 18 years in Okayama Prefecture.
  • Limitations of annual surveys in detecting data discrepancies and method-specific variations (e.g., dry vs. wet chemistry).
  • Matrix effects influencing control serum accuracy.

Purpose:

  • To minimize laboratory test data differences among facilities.
  • To address the inadequacy of annual surveys and commercial control serum.
  • To develop and evaluate a more effective monthly cross-check program.

Summary:

  • Developed the Okayama cross-check program, a monthly survey utilizing pooled fresh serum from regional hospitals and commercial labs.
  • Implemented the program to overcome limitations of annual surveys and commercial control serum, particularly matrix effects.
  • Detailed the program's methodology and assessed its effectiveness in reducing inter-laboratory variations.

Impact:

  • Successfully reduced differences in laboratory test results among participating facilities.
  • Enhanced the reliability and comparability of clinical laboratory data within Okayama Prefecture.
  • Demonstrated the value of a collaborative, monthly fresh serum-based quality control program.