Establishment and implementation of reference systems in laboratory medicine

Good patient care requires accurate and comparable laboratory test results. To achieve standardization, a reference system consisting of a hierarchal framework of validated and reliable analytical methods linked by reference materials must be in place. Supported by national and municipal research programs, construction of reference systems has been pursued and progress been made. Candidate reference methods have been set up or developed for some important tests, and the methods have been used in the calibration or evaluation of routine methods, study of commutability of control materials and characterization of reference materials. Phenomenal roles of reference systems are expected in diagnostic reagent manufacturing, internal quality assurance and external quality assessments. Key words: Reference standards;  Laboratory techniques and procedures;  Evaluation studies