Analytical methods are often developed at one site and transferred to other sites for routine use. Increasingly, the method development is made by manufacturers of instruments and reagents. Regulatory agencies have ruled that the responsibility for the performance of IVDs in the laboratories mainly should lie with...

The field of point-of-care testing (POCT) is entering a period of rapid expansion. This expansion is being driven by new evidence for clinical effectiveness of POCT, and new technologies that allow consolidation of testing onto smaller platforms. Technological improvements will also lead to increased accuracy for...

This is the second of two articles focusing on the reference interval, the most widely used tool for interpretation of patient test results.  The first [1] was an introduction to the theoretical concepts that underpin the significance, construction and use of reference intervals. Here consideration is given to the...

Arterial oxygen saturation sO₂(a) is a parameter calculated during blood gas analysis that is useful for monitoring respiratory function. Pulse oximetry provides a safer and more convenient, non-invasive means of measuring oxygen saturation that is used in many clinical settings.  The value of pulse oximetry depends...

It is estimated that a majority of all laboratory medicine errors are errors that occur during the preanalytical phase of the laboratory testing cycle. Such errors have a significant impact on patient safety, staff workload, and hospital costs.  Correctly identifying patients and avoiding specimen-labeling errors are...

This essay is a follow-up to the 2006 series expressing concern that there is a widespread gap between QC theory and QC practice. Now we are giving you, the reader, the opportunity to rate your own QC practice and to help prove or disprove that gap.  If the QC theories generally recommended by recognized QC experts ...

Blood gas analysis is a complex field that has a direct impact on patient care in a critical care environment. Healthcare professionals consistently emphasize high-quality results in order to properly treat patients, and recognize the need and usefulness of quality standards.  Using a path-of-workflow analysis as part ...

Technology is available worldwide to help us carry out diversified tasks and work in an easier, faster, and more efficient way.  Furthermore, technology can help us prevent analyzer downtime and failures that may have serious consequences for both business and patients. This article gives an overview of some of the...

Mock inspections are a great way to prepare for real-life inspections from regulatory agencies such as CAP and JCAHO. But where do you start? And most importantly, what should you look for? Lou Ann Wyer, Clinical Specialist, POCT at the Virginia-based Sentara Laboratory Services and Theresa Kulik, Point-of-care...

This is the forth and final essay in a series of four essays on www.acutecaretesting.org.  The first essay, "Quality control in theory and practice – a gap analysis", raised the question: Has “the system” given front-line laboratory workers the knowledge and tools they need to make quality control decisions wisely? Or ...