title: Scoring and performance of analysis and interpretation of toxicologic cases assessed by external quality assurance.
abstract: Quantitative analysis of toxicology cases requires knowledgeable interpretation. We describe a scoring scheme that integrates analytical and interpretive performance for such cases using a reward/penalty scoring scheme. This scheme has been validated on cases circulated over the previous 5 years to volunteer participants in the UKNEQAS for Drug Assays Scheme. We have been able to identify a subset of poorly performing laboratories that should desist from toxicologic analysis and interpretation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom. ian.watson@aht.nwest.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Ian D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Pat A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Toseland
authors.forename: Brian L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Nigel E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Capps
authors.forename: Alison H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.forename: Grace
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.forename: Lance N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Sandle
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000032:analysis; D011786:Quality Control; D014116:Toxicology / Q000592:standards*; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations