Parallel processing and maintaining adequate alignment between instruments and methods.

Parallel processing of laboratory tests across more than one instrument platform: permits dealing with increasing workloads; but broadens uncertainty of measurement; minimising measurement uncertainty means keeping assay performances continuously aligned. Important questions are: Why is there the need to demonstrate "acceptable alignment" between methods/instruments? What methods/tools can be used to test method/instrument alignment and how adjustments can be made? What is an "acceptable" alignment? How often should alignments be checked and what is the reasoning for this?