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A new interesting article has been published in Virchows Arch. 2019 Jul;475(1):25-37. doi: 10.1007/s00428-019-02525-9. Epub 2019 Feb 5. Multicenter Study and titled:

European follow-up of incorrect biomarker results for colorectal cancer demonstrates the importance of quality improvement projects.

Authors of this article are:

Keppens C, Dufraing K, van Krieken HJ, Siebers AG, Kafatos G, Lowe K, Demonty G, Dequeker EMC.

A summary of the article is shown below:

Biomarker analysis for colorectal cancer has been shown to be reliable in Europe with 97% of samples tested by EQA participants to be correctly classified. This study focuses on errors during the annual EQA assessment. The aim was to explore the causes and actions related to the observed errors and to provide feedback and assess any improvement between 2016 and 2017. An electronic survey was sent to all laboratories with minimum one genotyping error or technical failure on ten tumor samples. A workshop was organized based on 2016 survey responses. Improvement of performance in 2017 was assessed for returning participants (n = 76), survey respondents (n = 13) and workshop participants (n = 4). Survey respondents and workshop participants improved in terms of (maximum) analysis score, successful participation, and genotyping errors compared to all returning participants. In 2016, mostly pre- and post-analytical errors (both 25%) were observed caused by unsuitability of the tumor tissue for molecular analysis. In 2017, most errors were due to analytical problems (50.0%) caused by methodological problems. The most common actions taken (n = 58) were protocol revisions (34.5%) and staff training (15.5%). In 24.1% of issues identified no action was performed. Corrective actions were linked to an improved performance, especially if performed by the pathologist. Although biomarker testing has improved over time, error occurrence at different phases stresses the need for quality improvement throughout the test process. Participation to quality improvement projects and a close collaboration with the pathologist can have a positive influence on performance.

Check out the article’s website on Pubmed for more information:

This article is a good source of information and a good way to become familiar with topics such as: Biomarkers, Tumor;Colorectal Neoplasms;Congresses as Topic;Europe;Follow-Up Studies;Formative Feedback;Genetic Predisposition to Disease;Health Care Surveys;Humans;Laboratory Proficiency Testing;Molecular Diagnostic Techniques;Observer Variation;Phenotype;Predictive Value of Tests;Quality Improvement;Quality Indicators, Health Care;Reproducibility of Results;Workflow.

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