ABSTRACT
Thailand Association of Clinical Biochemists (TACB) introduced External Quality Assurance schemes (EQAs) for urinalysis (UA) using urine strips in medical laboratories of Thailand. The few available External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs on urinary microalbumin rarely include an evaluation of clinical cases. The aim of the present study was to assess a descriptive analysis of biochemical urinalysis including urine microalbumin in the Thailand laboratory practice. From January 2021 to December 2021, four surveys were organized. EQA urine samples were distributed to the participants by mail. The participants measured the UA of 2 samples quarterly and returned the results together with the information about their instruments and suggestion for the performance of the laboratory report quarterly. Moreover, summary of the situation of each laboratory performance was feedbacked by online system. Fifty-eight laboratories participated in the survey. The EQA panels included positive and negative samples. The analytical results for passed parameters of urine chemical test range from 79.3-100%. All special tests; microalbumin, creatinine, and beta-HCG showed correct result from 85.1-96.1%. The overall accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity were 92.6, 85.7, and 75,4%, respectively. The major issues were observed: the low sensitivity for the detection of low-concentration samples and the incapacity of several methods to detect the positive sample. The assessment is needed to continuously evaluate the improvement proficiency of laboratories in Thailand.
ABSTRACT
In the next century, the increasing number of elderly and rising healthcare costs will bring with it metabolic bone problems, particularly osteoporosis. Deoxypyridinoline: Dpd in urine is a sensitive and specific marker for screening and monitoring of bone resorption in a variety of diseases affecting bone turnover and in risk groups especially in the postmenopause. The reference value among aging (21-60 years) of a healthy well defined group was studied by collecting the urine between 700-1000 hours and using the ELISA technique to determine the level of Dpd. The reference value of Dpd in 113 males and 298 females 1.3-6.5 and 1.5-6.9 nm Dpd/nm Creatinine respectively. The level of Dpd in females was significantly higher than in males at p < 0.028. However, the average value of deoxypyridinoline in postmenopause was higher than premenopause but not different at p = 0.05. There are many factors which influence the results so the overall reference value is only a guideline for screening in bone resorption.
