Guest Essay
Dr. Heidi Steensland, head of the the Norwegian EQA, presents us with the results of a QC Validator workshop. Over 40 QC Validator users from more than 25 laboratories in Norway gathered to discuss the use and application of the QC Validator program. They shared their results with us, and now we share them with you.
From accuracy to working standard, ISO plans to redefine all the terminology used in the laboratory. Dr. Xavier Fuentes-Arderiu, who provided us with the Biological Data Bank, now presents an essay on the proposed changes. See also Dr. Westgard's comments on the usefulness of these proposals.
Dr. Carmen Ricos provides us with a comprehensive database of biologic variation for over 300 quantities, based on a review of over 140 articles in the scientific literature. The accompanying database includes the observed between- and within-subject biologic variation for these quantities, as well as desirable specifications for imprecision, bias and total allowable error. This is a fantastic wealth of information for those seeking more guidance on quality requirements.
This guest essay by Dr. Janine Cook details the obligations of Good Laboratory Practice and the government requirements of CLIA. Find out where the two mesh and where they conflict.
Diana Mass, from Arizona State University, shares her thoughts on how the continuing success of laboratories may have contributed to their downfall. As laboratories continue to do "more with less" management seems to expect them to do even more with even less. What can labs do to prevent this downward spiral? Diana has a few remedies.