HLA-B27 expression by flow cytometry: an analysis of 7 years quality assurance data

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs Pty. Ltd. has been monitoring HLA-B27 assignment by flow cytometry for 7 y ears as part of the Immunology Program. Here we present data that demonstra tes a gradual improvement in reports of false positive and negative results . Many participating laboratories demonstrate an ability to assign HLA-B27 status correctly by flow cytometric means. This ability appears to be indep endent of reagent and methodology. However a small number of laboratories p roduce consistently unacceptable results that suggest poor quality assuranc e practice. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.