Scandinavian journal of clinical and laboratory investigation
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Scand. J. Clin. Lab. Invest. · Jan 2004
ReviewPrerequisites for establishing common reference intervals.
Establishment of common reference intervals for homogeneous populations within regions is based on the same basic principles as the IFCC recommendations for individual laboratories, but a few additional prerequisites are needed. Thus, the need for common standardization and traceability during production of the reference values and with the application of the common reference intervals in the laboratories becomes crucial. Furthermore, the external control system must be geared to the purpose, using matrix-correct control materials with concentration values traceable to the same reference methods, and validation of results according to analytical quality specifications designed for the use of common reference intervals. ⋯ Therefore, the strategy and the criteria must be thoroughly described. Arguments for establishing common reference intervals are not needed. On the contrary, lack of such common reference intervals should be explained.