This is the report of third-year trial of external quality assessment for Immunoassay in Korea. We attempted two trials of external quality assessments in 1997.
A total of 6 specimens were distributed for the two trials. Besides of using commercially available control material, we also used home-made pooled sera as the
control material for immunoglobulin assay. In first trial, 4 specimens were distributed to 225 laboratories with a response of 203 laboratories (90.2% ). In second trial, 2 specimens were distributed to laboratories who responded to the first trial and to the 12 new member laboratories. Among 237 member laboratories, 204 laboratories (86.1%) participated in second trial. The results are summarized as follows.
1. Most of the member laboratories use EIA method and chemiluminescence method more than RIA method.
2. Abbott AxSYM analyser is most widely used for Immunoassay tests. Use of chemiluminescence analyser, such as ACS 180 of Chiron Corp. etc, are increasing in
similar numbers In some of test items.
3. Among member laboratories using same type of analysers showed large coefficient of variations in some of test items.
4. In evacuation of serum immunoglobulins, member laboratories are using automated analysers such as nephelometer or turbidimeter instead of RID plates -manual methods-for fast and accurate result reports. Use of RID plates are keep on decreasing in its number.
5. In 1997, number of test items have been increased from 9 items to 13 items to expand number of test items to call for more participation of member laboratories in immunoassay external quality assessment program.
6. In 1997, we used home-made control material dedicated to Immunoglobulin assay for more precise evaluation of the performance of immunoglobulin tests.