Traceability in laboratory medicine: what is it and why is it important for patients?

Beastall, G. H. (2018) Traceability in laboratory medicine: what is it and why is it important for patients? Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 29(4), pp. 242-247. (PMID:30574032) (PMCID:PMC6295586)

Abstract

The between method variability of patient results is a source of uncertainty that can have adverse consequences for patient safety and clinical outcomes. Globalisation requires that laboratory medicine results should be transferable between methods. Traceability in laboratory medicine aims to reduce between method variability so that results are independent of time or location. Application of the metrological traceability chain facilitates a universal approach based around the preparation, adoption and use of higher order international commutable reference materials and reference measurement procedures, supported by expert reference laboratories. Global collaboration is required, involving several different stakeholder groups ranging from international experts to laboratory medicine specialists in routine clinical laboratories.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Commutability, metrological traceability, stakeholder action plan.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Beastall, Dr Graham
• Authors: Beastall, G. H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
• Publisher: International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
• ISSN: 1650-3414
• ISSN (Online): 1650-3414
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 The Author
• First Published: First published in Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 29(4): 242-247
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License