Reference values in the nineties: from theory to practice?
Following a brief summary of the published documents on the theory of reference values, the reasons for the still limited practical implementation of the theory itself in clinical laboratories are discussed. It is suggested that cooperative efforts could overcome the difficulties in obtaining an adequate reference sample group, provided that some basic requirements are strictly fulfilled, such as the stability and the homogeneity of the analytical quality and of the reference population. Banks of biological materials will further reduce the complexity and the cost of production of reference values.
Montalbetti
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Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology, Ospedale Niguarda Ca Granda, Milano.
D002624:Chemistry, Clinical / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D012015:Reference Standards; D012016:Reference Values