A readily available source of serum for use as a precision quality-control material for ionized calcium measurement by ion-selective electrodes
1982
Using Calf Serum for Quality Control in Calcium Measurement
Sample size: 5
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): J. A. Fyffe
Primary Institution: University Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow
Hypothesis
Can calf serum be used as a reliable quality-control material for ionized calcium measurement instead of human serum?
Conclusion
Calf serum can effectively replace human serum for precision quality-control in ionized calcium measurement.
Supporting Evidence
- Calf serum was found to have total calcium, total protein, albumin, pH, and osmolality levels within human reference ranges.
- Results from calf serum were comparable to those from human serum over a five-month period.
Takeaway
Scientists found that calf blood can be used instead of human blood to check if machines measuring calcium levels are working correctly.
Methodology
Ionized calcium was measured using a Nova 2 Analyser, and calf serum was prepared and stored for quality control testing.
Limitations
The study does not explain the poorer coefficient of variation observed in one of the pools.
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