Abstract

Our hematology laboratory has taken a part in U.K. National Quality Control Scheme for general hematology since 1978. We have participated in 20 trials, 22 trials, 2 trials, 8 trials in years of 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981, respectively for full blood count. The blood specimen 2 of 20 in 1978, 7 of 22 in 1979 and 3 of 8 in 1981 were partly hemolysed. The mean /R/ value of hemoglobin was below two, which could be classified into a good to satisfactory results. There was no significant difference between data obtained from both routine and stat laboratories. In platelet count, the automated methods provided a better results than the manual technique. The reticulocyted count and iron, TIBC, transferrin determinations and WBC differential count provided excellent to satisfactory /R/ value. The most common cause of deviated results was hemolysis of the specimens.