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6th ESACP Congress, Heidelberg, April 7-11, 1999 |
A067
Aim: A Remote Quantitation Server EUROQUANT allows DNA-measurements obtained
from different DNA cytometry devices to be analysed in a standardized way,
concerning parameters, algorithms, statistical tests and diagnostic
classifications. According to the 1997 ESACP consensus on diagnostic DNA
image cytometry a framework of quality control measures should be tested at
this server.
Material & Methods: In 17 laboratories a total of about 1700 tumour
specimens from different sites were measured. Those laboratories used 12
different types of cytometry workstations. Further 300 measurements on
specimens of non-pathological cells were performed for the evaluation of the
stability of the machinery and of the preparation process. Afterwards the
measurement data from the cytometry devices have been transferred to the
EUROQUANT and analyzed automatically.
Results & Conclusions: Besides the DNA histograms a set of evaluations
was performed as to detect optical errors as well as inhomogeneities in the
measurements. Levy-Jennings-charts for several variables were computed as to
control the stability of the entire methodology over the time. The sampling
and diagnostic skillness of five users was tested by special server functions.
The study demonstrates both the effects of a server-based quality control and
the current state in DNA ploidy analysis. It is also demonstrated, how the
quality control tests reflect the process performance of the ploidy analysis
in its different levels. The study makes clear that the quality control must
be an immanent part of the daily routine as to allow a reliable diagnostic
interpretation and as to assure a steadily high product quality.
QUALITY STATUS OF DNA IMAGE CYTOMETRY IN EUROPEAN LABORATORIES
Haroske G, Meyer W, Kunze KD
Inst. Pathology, Dresden University of Technology, Germany