Simplified approach to uncertainty of measurement in the clinical virology laboratory

Abstract

Medical laboratories are required to ensure the quality of their diagnostic results. Quality assurance procedures include quality assessments (internal and external), quality controls (negative, positive, or internal controls), equipment monitoring, and audits. Quality control data may be used to evaluate the uncertainty of measurement. All clinical virology laboratories require a standard operating procedure detailing their consideration of uncertainty of measurement, as this parameter may impact on the overall quality of diagnostic results as well as the clinical interpretation thereof. This review aims to provide a simplified approach to the concept of uncertainty of measurement, specific for clinical virology laboratories.