Validity of Error Flags in Technicon SMAC and Perkin-Elmer KA 150 Analyser
Author Information
Author(s): E. Arthur Robertson, Andr6 C. van Steirteghem, Donald S. Young
Primary Institution: Clinical Chemistry Service and Laboratory Computer Service, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Hypothesis
Do the error flags generated by the Technicon SMAC system and the Perkin-Elmer KA 150 enzyme analyser accurately reflect the validity of the results?
Conclusion
The study found that results with error flags are likely to be wrong and require repeat analysis.
Supporting Evidence
- Results with error flags showed a higher percentage of grossly deviant results.
- Specimens collected during vitamin C administration had more error flags.
- Results deviating from expected values were more frequent for flagged results.
Takeaway
The machines that test blood can sometimes make mistakes, and when they do, they show a warning. This study checked if those warnings were right.
Methodology
Blood was collected from 10 healthy adults over six weeks, and results were compared between flagged and unflagged tests.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the presence of a hyperlipidaemic subject affecting results.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size and specific tests.
Participant Demographics
10 apparently healthy Caucasian adults.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
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