BACKGROUND: [corrected] Data on within- and between-subject biological variation are available for around 250 analytes commonly used in medical laboratories. METHODS: Integration of this data into the quality system occurs at all three levels of laboratory activity: (a) Preanalytic process: biological variation provides the basis for selecting the most appropriate specimen for analysis, for defining sample stability and for deciding suitable timing between samplings; (b) analytic process: biological variation-derived goals are fundamental for designing internal quality control procedures, and for evaluating laboratory performance; and (c) postanalytic process: delta checks based on within-subject biological variation values are used for validating results and for interpreting serial results from a patient. CONCLUSION: The biological variation is a pillar for managing quality in laboratory medicine.
BACKGROUND: [corrected] Data on within- and between-subject biological variation are available for around 250 analytes commonly used in medical laboratories. METHODS: Integration of this data into the quality system occurs at all three levels of laboratory activity: (a) Preanalytic process: biological variation provides the basis for selecting the most appropriate specimen for analysis, for defining sample stability and for deciding suitable timing between samplings; (b) analytic process: biological variation-derived goals are fundamental for designing internal quality control procedures, and for evaluating laboratory performance; and (c) postanalytic process: delta checks based on within-subject biological variation values are used for validating results and for interpreting serial results from a patient. CONCLUSION: The biological variation is a pillar for managing quality in laboratory medicine.
Authors: Maria L E Andersson; Björn Svensson; Ingemar F Petersson; Ingiäld Hafström; Kristina Albertsson; Kristina Forslind; Dick Heinegård; Tore Saxne Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2013-08-02 Impact factor: 2.362