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Article: Answering your questions.(Tips from the clinical experts)
- Article from:
- Medical Laboratory Observer
- Article date:
- October 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Nelson Publishing. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Confirmation for "zero" results
Q I have a question regarding the dilution of samples with a known standard to verify a "zero" result. 1 understand the reason this is done, but I have trouble applying it to a test that normally has "zero" for a result (e.g., alcohol, salicylates). I cannot recall a single instance where this dilution has discovered a discrepancy between the original report and the diluted result in the many years I have been in the lab. Is it necessary to confirm a result that we, in fact, are expecting? Is there a valid reason for doing this extra testing, especially given the state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies now in use?
A ...