Estimation of Measurement Uncertainties in Laboratory Medicine

This article discusses the issues on the veracity of measurement results in laboratory diagnostics, which are used as a basis in making medical decisions. For a correct diagnosis establishment, especially if the measurement results are close to the reference values of the parameters being determined, the accuracy and/or uncertainties of measurement results should be evaluated. The work considers the practical application of the document ISO/TS 20914:2019 "Medical laboratories ― Practical guidance for the estimation of measurement uncertainty," which uses the methodology of the Guide to the Expression of. Uncertainty in Measurement and outlines a practical approach to estimating uncertainties based on information available in a laboratory. This article presents an example of estimating measurement uncertainties performed in a medical laboratory. Particular attention was paid to the assessment of the measurement precision, i.e., type A uncertainty. The data available in the laboratory were analyzed, and the compliance of the obtained measurement results with current requirements was assessed. The implementation of ISO/TS 20914:2019 in activities of medical laboratories enables to evaluate the uncertainties of measurements conducted in the laboratory and the factors that make maximum contribution to measurement uncertainties.