Sigma-Metrics of Electrolyte Tests From a Recently Launched New-Generation Proficiency Testing Program of the Korean Association of Quality Assurance for Clinical Laboratory

Abstract

Dear Editor, A new-generation proficiency testing (PT) was launched by the Korean Association of Quality Assurance for Clinical Laboratory (KAQACL) in early 2016 [1]. Previously, PT for electrolyte tests included two main peer groups, direct and indirect ion-selective electrode (ISE) groups, which were independent of the manufacturer and model. However, the current peer group distinguishes the manufacturer of the test system participating in the PT, although it is not a specific test system. Using the revised KAQACL PT results, we evaluated the overall accuracy of Na+, K+, and Cl- tests by the manufacturer, as well as direct and indirect ISE results of electrolyte analyzers currently used in Korea.