Jana Slobodnikova
Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin, Slovakia
Biography
Jana Slobodníková, M.D., born in 1961, graduated on Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine, specialization of Radiology I and II. Gr. Post-doc graduated – CSc. (PhD) completed at the age 38 years at the Institute of Experimental Oncology, Slovak Academy of Sciences. Ass. Prof. in 43 years from Tyrnaviensis University, hosting professor at age 45 from St. Elizabeth High School in Bratislava. She has been teaching at several universities in Prague, TrenÄín, Trnava and Bratislava. She is author of teaching text, university textbooks, lead workshops, she organize international congresses and workshops.
Abstract
Background: Tumor markers are important tools in laboratory diagnostics of cancer diseases, which allows us for continual supervision of patients´ stage and its time-dynamics. Thanks to these laboratory parameters, recidiving diseases can be treated significantly earlier. In our study we evaluated routinely tested tumor markers CA125, Ca199, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), prostate specific antigen (PSA), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and Ca153 with emphasis on their diagnostic value in clinical practice.
Aim: The goal of our preliminary study was to verify the informational quality of tested parameters in terms of precision, accuracy and reliability of results with the aim of the external quality control (EQC).
Material & Methods: All listed tumor markers were determined by laboratory methods based on the principle of electrochemiluminescence. The anonymous material for the analysis was provided by a supplier of the external quality control in the form of sample pairs with an undisclosed concentration of the analyte. After processing, there were obtained concentrations of particular analytes and they were sent back to the supplier of external quality control for evaluation. Acceptable outcomes were cut-off values which didn´t exceed 20% of the CV of the group, to which laboratory methodologically belonged.
Results: Based on the results, it can be concluded that in the tested period, laboratory succeeded in all measured parameters, while the critical difference was not even once exceeded. This is primarily about the robustness and reliability of the methodology and laboratory analyzers. It was therefore not necessary even once implemented corrective measures that would inevitably followed the findings of non-compliance. Despite these results, it should be noted, that laboratory diagnostics of tumor markers is time-continuous stream of samples, materials and information, during which there may be in non-compliance at any time.
Conclusions: It is necessary to understand that the external quality control is continuous process of systematic activities directed to the improvement of laboratory work.