Tools, Technologies and Training for Healthcare Laboratories

POC automated CBC analyzer

A 2008 evaluation study of a new point of care analyzer instrument for rapid complete blood counts. Two key parameters, WBC and Hemoglobin, are analayzed. What does it mean when the study claims the precision and accuracy of the instrument are "within acceptable limits"?

Abbott ARCHITECT c8000

This is a new one for Westgard web: we're going to provide Sigma analysis for a study where Sten Westgard was in fact a co-author on the paper. This poster was presented at the AACC 2008 conference and analyzed the Abbott ARCHITECT c8000

A direct enzymatic assay for %HbA1c

We take a look at a new direct enzymatic method for %HbA1c.

Six Hcy methods

Elevated concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) are clinically associated with disorders and cardiovascular disease. A recent paper compared six different methods for this important analyte. But in the absence of a CLIA quality requirement, how can we compare performance?

direct HbA1c method

At the 2008 AACC/ASCLS convention, a poster was presented for a new direct enzymatic assay for %HbA1c. How does it stack up against HPLC and immunoassay methods? How do you judge a method when you've got multiple comparison methods and multiple quality requirements?