title: Evaluation of the TEST 1 erythrocyte sedimentation rate system and intra- and inter-laboratory quality control using new latex control materials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test has been considered to be a simple procedure, not requiring quality control (QC). However, QC is essential for accuracy and precision. We evaluated the TEST 1 ESR system and performed QC procedures using newly developed latex control materials in three hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood samples (n=184), we compared TEST 1 ESR values with Westergren ESR data and evaluated intra-assay precision. Three levels of latex control materials were used to assess inter-assay precision. Reference range assessment was done using samples from 220 healthy individuals. Inter-laboratory QC with latex control materials in three hospitals was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Correlation between TEST 1 ESR and Westergren ESR results was good (p<0.001). Intra-assay precision [coefficients of variation (CV) 6.6%-21.7%] with patient samples and inter-assay precision (CV 0.0%-6.8%) with latex control materials were satisfactory. The reference ranges of 2-10 mm/h for males and 2-19 mm/h for females were established. Inter-laboratory QC data with latex control materials in three hospitals demonstrated good accuracy and satisfactory precision (CV 0.0%-14.4%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results demonstrate that the TEST 1 QC is reliable and the latex control materials are valuable for inter-laboratory proficiency testing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Choong-Hwan
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.forename: Young Joo
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.forename: Chan-Jeoung
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Hyun Kyung
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Eun-Jong
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.forename: Duck Hee
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.lastname: Honghoon
authors.forename: Jae-Seol
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Mi-Jung
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Seongsoo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.forename: Hyun-Sook
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Chi
authors.forename: Dong Soon
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D007840:Latex / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011786:Quality Control; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D007840:Latex