As noted in a 1973 editorial, automation has resultedin precision displacing accuracy as the predominant standard for acceptable laboratoryresults; the author argues that ‘meaningful measurement’ must also address accuracy. Because measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in conjunction withtotal triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), free T3 (FT3), and free T4 (FT4) isused for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders, it is important for allthese assays to achieve optimal accuracy. A College of American Pathologists surveyreported significant biases, so that more than 50% of results were unacceptablyinaccurate in 13–60% of assays evaluated. This inaccuracy, coupled with dissimilar reference intervals, complicates testinterpretation and impacts the creation of clinical guidelines.
展开▼
