Understanding Quality Control with Urinary Iodine Estimation

Abstract

Urinary iodine is a tedious assay since it is easily evaporated. A quality system is needed to maintain quality control in a urinary iodine laboratory. In this chapter, a quality system for the urinary iodine micromethod (UIMM) had been discussed briefly. The system covers the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical stages of the assay. Each stage depends on each other to complete the whole quality system which ensures the validity of the laboratory results. The laboratory procedures, started with method validation, are very important to be adhered strictly. The internal quality control (IQC) in every analysis and participation in External Quality Assurance (EQA) program will ensure validity of assay and will compare laboratory performance to the others. Evaluation from time to time using Sigma metrics is also vital to complete the quality system as troubleshooting and corrective actions taken will improve the UIMM from time to time. These are supported by the documents and records. A good quality system will guide the urinary iodine analysis operators to gain confidence in their work and the results they obtain for the respondents in monitoring elimination program of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).