Evaluation of Accuracy and Precision on Hematological Results from Medical Laboratories on External Quality Control Material, In Nairobi City County, Kenya
Abstract
Background: This study examines the accuracy and precision of laboratory test results obtained from different laboratories in Nairobi, Kenya, specifically in the context of hematological external quality control materials. The research aimed to assess the quality of these test results, with potential implications for healthcare standards in the region.
Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design, collecting laboratory test results from multiple facilities in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on hematological external quality control materials. The collected data underwent rigorous statistical analysis, including measures of accuracy and precision, to evaluate the quality of test results. This method allowed for a comprehensive assessment of laboratory performance in this critical aspect of diagnostic medicine.
Results: Distributions to the Nairobi City County hospitals of samples per nine months was nine cycles, one cycle per month. Each of the nine cycles was independent. Eleven (9.8 %) laboratories that analyzed white blood cell count had their results outside the established external quality control range. Eighteen (16 %) laboratories that analyzed red blood cell count had their results outside the established external quality control range. Sixteen (12 %) laboratories that analyzed haemoglobin had their results outside the established external quality control range. Eighteen (13.6 %) laboratories that analyzed hematocrit had their results outside the established external quality control range. Twelve (11 %) laboratories that analyzed mean cell volume had their results outside the established external quality control range. Twelve (11 %) laboratories that analyzed mean cell haemoglobin had their results outside the established external quality control range. Nine (8%) laboratories that analyzed mean cell haemoglobin concentration had their results outside the established external quality control range. Finally, twenty (18 %) laboratories that analyzed platelets had their results outside the established external quality control range. Thirty-three (25%) clinical laboratories had their haematological results in different parameters outside the external quality control range.
Conclusion: The performance of the participating clinical laboratories was encouraging. Majority of participating clinical laboratories generated external quality control results which were within the generated range of the specific analyzed hematological parameter. A few clinical laboratories generated results which were outside the external quality control range. Regular external quality assessment programs are essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results, especially in Africa, where inadequate laboratory testing is prevalent. The development of stable and reliable external quality control materials is critical for the success of EQA programs.
Keywords:
Accuracy, Internal and External Quality Control, Precision, Analytical.
