Questionnaire survey ; Guideline ; Body fluid ; Body fluid cellular analysis
Abstract
To investigate the current status of body fluid analysis for cellular composition in Korea, an online survey was performed. Responses were received from 76 laboratories of general hospitals in Korea. The questionnaire included questions on pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes of body fluid cellular analysis (cell count using hemocytometers and cytospin) performed in each laboratory. The survey showed that the body fluid cellular analysis in Korea is not harmonized. Based on this, the “Committee for Standardization in Korean Society for Laboratory Hematology” suggests clinical laboratory guidelines for the pre-analytical (sample collection and handling), analytical (cell count, slide preparation), post-analytical (reporting, turnaround time), and quality control steps. We hope that the results of this survey and guideline will serve as a basis for setting future standards of body fluid cellular analysis in Korea, and ultimately have a positive impact on patient care.