Instrumentation as a source of variability in the application of fluorescence spectroscopic devices for detecting cervical neoplasia.
We report on a study designed to assess variability among three different fluorescence spectroscopy devices, four fiber optic probes, and three sets of optical calibration standards to better understand the reproducibility of measurements and interdevice comparisons of fluorescence spectroscopic data intended for clinical diagnostic use. Multiple measurements are acquired from all sets of standards using each combination of spectrometer, fiber optic probe, and optical standard. Data are processed using standard calibration methods to remove instrument-dependant responses. Processed spectra are analyzed using an analysis of variance to assess the percent variance explained by each factor that was statistically significant. Analysis of processed data confirms statistically significant differences among the spectrometers and fiber optic probes. However, no differences are found when varying calibration standards or measurement date and time. The spectrometers and fiber optic probes are significant sources of variability, but appropriate data processing substantially reduces these effects. Studies of inter- and intradevice variability are important methodological issues for optical device trials and must be included in the quality assurance studies for the clinical trial design.
Pikkula
Brian M
BM
University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Biomedical Engineering Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box 193, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Shuhatovich
Olga
O
Price
Roderick L
RL
Serachitopol
Dan M
DM
Follen
Michele
M
McKinnon
Nick
N
MacAulay
Calum
C
Richards-Kortum
Rebecca
R
Lee
Jong Soo
JS
Atkinson
E Neely
EN
Cox
Dennis D
DD
D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D055096:Optical Devices; D055100:Optical Fibers; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*