EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN THE POST-ANALYTICAL PHASE IN CROATIA

Background. International standard ISO 15189 promotes the implementation of an effective quality assessment program and recognizes the importance of the post-analytical phase. The sub clause 5.8 is divided into three main parts: the appearance and content of the laboratory findings, validation and the way of reporting laboratory Results. In order to harmonize the way of reporting laboratory results in Croatian medical biochemistry laboratories the Croatian Chamber of Medical Biochemists (CCMB) issued the document based on ISO 15189 requirements, recommendation of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). The implementation of those requirements was evaluated through External quality assessment (EQA) scheme in post-analytical phase. Methods. EAQ program in Croatia has been continuously performed since 1973 by the Committee for EQA Schemes under the auspices of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemists but the new scheme in post-analytical phase started in 2009. The comparability analysis of received laboratory reports and the mandatory requirements based on the CCMB requirements was done. Results. From 210 medical biochemistry laboratories in Croatia 140 sent their laboratory reports (70%). According to the obtained results a small number of laboratories did not use the recommended names, abbreviations, units or recommended reference intervals on their laboratory reports. Conclusions. Further improving in post-analytical phase especially in harmonization of reporting the patient samples results is a prerequisite for accreditation of medical biochemistry laboratories in Croatia according to ISO 15189.