New considerations for quality assurance in electrolyte analysis

Abstract

This report describes the day-to-day quality control method for electrolyte analysis using standard reference serum or control serum. The day-by-day coefficient of variation (CV) was within 0.8% and 1.1% for the standard reference serum and control serum, respectively. The accuracy and stability of results was higher for the control serum than the standard reference serum. From a cost performance perspective, it is better to use the control serum for monitoring day-to-day variations; and for monitoring the accuracy of the electrolyte analyzer, or verifying its performance, it is better to use standard reference serum. The serum can be used for the purpose of quality assurance if proper consideration is given to the conditions, e.g., correct use of electrolyte analyzer under appropriate circumstances, proper handling of materials, and so forth.