Contributions of CCLM to advances in quality control

Abstract

The discipline of laboratory medicine is relati vely young when considered in the context of the history of medicine itself. The history of quality control, within the context of laboratory medicine, also enjoys a relati vely brief, but rich history. Laboratory quality control continues to evolve along with advances in automation, measure ment techniques and information technology. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) has played a key role in helping disseminate information about the proper use and utility of quality control. Publication of important advances in quality control techniques and dissemination of guidelines concerned with laboratory quality control has undoubtedly helped readers of this journal keep up to date on the most recent developments in this field.

Demystifying Reference Sample Quality Control

“…In US clinical laboratories, quality control practices are hugely divergent in addition to being costly (2 ). In a recent review, Kazmierczak stated, "the costs associated with performing quality control testing and the costs associated with evaluating, reviewing and maintaining quality control records are not trivial" (3 ). He cited a developing nation hospital study that found the costs of quality to be 22% of total direct laboratory expenses, with 89% of the costs for maintaining quality associated with calibration and analysis of quality control material necessary to confirm the accuracy and reliability of test results (4 ).…”