Standardization in clinical laboratory medicine: an ethical reflection
Bossuyt, X. Louche, Céline Wijk, A.
Bossuyt, X.
Louche, Céline
Wijk, A.
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Publication Type
Journal article
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2008
Journal
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Book
Publication Volume
67
Publication Issue
8
Publication Begin page
1061
Publication End page
1063
Publication Number of pages
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Abstract
Many efforts have been undertaken to standardise diagnostic tests. For example, the introduction of CRM-470, an international reference preparation for proteins in human serum has reduced the among-laboratory variance of protein quantification. (The examples provided are from the field of Clinical Laboratory Immunology and Protein Chemistry.) The Dutch Red Cross Institute together with the World Health Organization (WHO) prepared an international standard for quantification of antibodies to double-stranded DNA. The International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS), together with the American Arthritis Foundation and the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), made available reference sera selected by the International Committee on Autoantibody Testing in Rheumatic Diseases and Related Disorders for detecting anti-nuclear antibodies. These initiatives improved worldwide harmonisation of laboratory test results. However, despite efforts to harmonise laboratory tests, reference reagents are still lacking for many tests. For example, standardisation is unsatisfactory for IgG subclass determination. A number of promising new laboratory tests have recently become available, such as the determination of antibodies to (a) tissue transglutaminase, (b) Saccharomyces cerevisiae and (c) (cyclic) citrullinated peptides (CCP) and proteins (anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA)). These tests have been introduced without standardisation. Results obtained in different laboratories or in different clinical studies are not interchangeable, which impairs evidence-based medicine. In spite of this, there are encouraging initiatives, as more reference reagents are being prepared at this moment. A new reference reagent for anti-CCP antibody quantification is being prepared by the IUIS Autoantibody Standardization Committee. If the material is appropriate, it will become available as a standard through CDC. New reagents for standardisation of proteinase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) and myeloperoxidase ANCA have recently been made ready for use through CDC The implementation of standards lags behind the development and implementation of new technologies.
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Keywords
Governance & Ethics, Governance