On 10 Oct 2007, at 10:40, Gethin Roberts wrote:
> In Wales we are currently working towards procurement of an  
> "integrated"
> LIMS. OJEU ? Feb 2008.
> I'm heading a project to standardize biochemistry test names, codes,
> units and (where possible!) reference intervals.

I think the key question is whether that is going to give  
transferable results...

Best wishes

Jonathan



On 10 Oct 2007, at 10:40, Gethin Roberts wrote:

> In Wales we are currently working towards procurement of an  
> "integrated"
> LIMS. OJEU ? Feb 2008.
> I'm heading a project to standardize biochemistry test names, codes,
> units and (where possible!) reference intervals. I've also represented
> Wales on Jonathan Berg's W Midlands Biochemistry Harmonisation group.
> Looking at the spreadsheet I can see how this can easily develop  
> into a
> pig's breakfast!
> We hope to proceed in Wales by setting up a code list for tests with
> agreed names and (SI) units. Any translation necessary for the IHR
> and/or clinical portal in Wales would occur further down the line.
> Although we hope to agree some consensus reference ranges the  
> reality is
> that most results transmitted will (hopefully) have a standard code  
> and
> unit but different ref ranges depending on lab.
> I would be grateful for any advice on how likely this approach is to
> succeed and any other comment on the most effective way forward.
>
> Gethin Roberts
> Consultant Clinical Biochemist
> Bronglais Hospital
> Aberystwyth
> 01970 635784
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: IT working group of the Association of Clinical Biochemists
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jonathan Kay
> Sent: 10 October 2007 08:32
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Conversion units - PMIP[MESSAGE NOT SCANNED]
>
> I don't think its safe for receiving systems to change any components
> of reports unless it is known that results between the different
> methods are transferable.
>
> Some minor conversions of units are probably OK (eg mmol to micromol)
> and should be based on systems sending well formed ISO units (IFCC/
> IUPAC to us), and be limited to those cases.
>
> If this approach isn't taken it is likely that eg enzyme results from
> different laboratories will be merged when the results are not
> transferable. (Because system implementers will look at the units and
> see they are the same... )
>
> NB: This is a criticism of UK laboratories, not information system or
> projects.
>
> Jonathan
>
> On 9 Oct 2007, at 21:23, Richard Jones [Pathology] wrote:
>
>> TPP (and I assume other GP suppliers) are now receiving data from
>> multiple labs with a mixed range of units. Though they store the
>> original unit when they display tables or graphs they have a need
>> to convert to a common base unit.
>>
>> They have set up the following conversions. I would be grateful if
>> anyone with a little time could check these for me and comment on
>> whether you think they are valid. see spreadsheet.
>>
>> Incidentally they have also noticed a number of labs sending
>> messages with 'inappropriate' units and other message content. I
>> have contacted CfH (at a very high level) to try to get their help
>> desk to resolve it without any reply - clearly the potential safety
>> issue is not recognised / understood.
>>
>> How do you think we should proceed?
>>
>> I have attached an anonymised list (at least only with lab ID
>> codes). Should I share the uncoded version?
>>
>> My feeling is that CfH should be picking this up and following
>> through to the labs.
>>
>> Comments welcome.
>>
>> Rick
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Dr Rick Jones
>> Assoc Clin Director, Yorks and Humber SHA NPfIT
>> Sen Lect, Yorkshire Centre Health Informatics, Univ of Leeds
>> [log in to unmask]
>> http://www.ychi.leeds.ac.uk <http://www.ychi.leeds.ac.uk/>
>> http://elipse.redirectme.net <http://elipse.redirectme.net/>
>> http://www.pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk <http://
>> www.pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/>
>> 0113 343 4961
>>
>> <Anonymous Copy of Invalid Units.xls>
>> <Copy of Invalid Units.xls>
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