The commutability of reference materials for serum glucose measurements

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the commutability of certified reference materials, external quality assessment program materials and calibrators for serum glucose measurements which were performed in 24 routine measurement procedures. Methods 35 fresh patient specimens and some reference materials were analyzed by isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (as the comparative method) and 24 routine measurement procedures (as the evaluated methods). The relationships between the results from the evaluated method and the comparative methods were evaluated to identify the commutability. Results It showed that 5 certified reference materials, 2 trueness verification materials, and 5 calibrators were commutable in all 24 routine measurement procedures. The other samples were displayed the presence of commutability issue in different degrees. Conclusion It is important to pay more attention to the problems brought by commutability of reference materials in clinical laboratory.(Chin J Lab Med, 2015, 38: 296-300) Key words: Blood glucose; Reference standards; Reference values