Standardisation of laboratories engaged in lipid analyses of population health examination surveys

Abstract

The quality control exercise demonstrated that although the majority of the laboratories met the strict criteria for systematic error for TC and HDL-C, standardisation of methods is still needed to improve the accuracy of biomarker measurements of laboratories engaged in population health surveys. A protocol is recommended for obtaining reliable and comparable biomarker data between countries.

The current status of lipoprotein (a) measurement in clinical biochemistry laboratories in the UK: Results of a 2021 national survey

“…In parallel with efforts to harmonise Lp(a), analysis and reporting of routine lipid profiles would also benefit from better standardisation, specifically consensus on the measured parameters included (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides), calculated variables including non-HDLcholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and Total:HDL-C ratio, and the requirements for fasting, as unacceptable interlaboratory differences have previously been reported. 28,29 There are limitations of the present survey. Firstly, with an overall response rate of only 38%, the survey may not be truly representative of accredited UK laboratories and, in many cases, the responses did not include all the survey questions.…”

“…In parallel with efforts to harmonise Lp(a), analysis and reporting of routine lipid profiles would also benefit from better standardisation, specifically consensus on the measured parameters included (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides), calculated variables including non-HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and Total:HDL-C ratio, and the requirements for fasting, as unacceptable interlaboratory differences have previously been reported. 28 , 29 …”