Statistical evaluation in laboratory information systems

Patient measurements as well as quality controls are carried out using instruments in the central laboratory. Both are subject to constant monitoring, which informs users as soon as a pre-defined measurement range or target value is departed from. The quality controls allow users to set up a QC lock following a QC error. This can then result in blocking validation of patient results. The user must then manually decide whether the affected QC result can be approved, along with the patient results to which it applies. Independent of quality control, users can track measurement fluctuations in patient routines. Fluctuations may result from special indications, such as dialysis patients. The system supports the "floating median," which as a parameter allows for continuous monitoring of patient measurements. If a pre-defined measurement range is departed from, a validation block can be set up for patient results.