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Publications

Journal Article Epublish 1 citation

PubMed: 42374712 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2026-0934

Harmonization of measurement units: mission impossible or ethical imperative?

Clin Chem Lab Med 64(11):2367-2381

Authors: Mario Plebani, Marc Thelen, Martina Zaninotto, Lora Dukic, Etienne Cavalier, Jim Huggett, Barbara De La Salle, Eloise J Busby, Emmanuel J Favaloro, Wayne Dimech, Ruben L Smeets, Young Bae Hansen, Paolo Simioni

Affiliations

  • Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
  • Foundation for Quality Assessment in Laboratory Medicine (SKML), Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
  • QI.LAB.MED, Spin-off of the University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
  • Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
  • Department of Clinical Chemistry, CHU de Liège and Centre de Recherche Intégré Sur Les Médicaments (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
  • National Measurement Laboratory, LGC, Guildford, UK.
  • UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (UK NEQAS) for Haematology, Watford, UK.
  • Molecular and Cell Biology, National Measurement Laboratory at LGC, Guildford, UK.
  • Department of Haematology, Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
  • National Serology Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
  • Department of Clinical Biochemistry, North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.

Abstract

Harmonization initiatives in laboratory medicine have a long history. Nevertheless, despite substantial efforts by international federations, scientific societies, and expert working groups, their implementation and widespread adoption remain incomplete, with many initiatives still at a relatively early stage of development. More recently, several initiatives have sought to identify scientifically sound yet pragmatic approaches to the harmonization of measurement units. To contribute to this debate, we invited experts from different disciplines of laboratory medicine, as well as a clinician, to provide their perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and priorities for achieving greater harmonization. This Forum offers a unique opportunity to assess the current state of the art across multiple areas of laboratory medicine, including clinical chemistry, immunoassays, hematology, coagulation, molecular diagnostics, and serology. The contributions presented herein aim not only to highlight discipline-specific challenges but also to identify common principles and practical strategies that may guide future harmonization efforts. Although this paper does not propose a definitive roadmap for the harmonization of measurement units, its ultimate goal is to stimulate informed discussion and present a comprehensive spectrum of perspectives to international federations, national societies, regulatory authorities, and scientific journals. By doing so, it aims to support the identification of the most effective strategies for achieving greater consistency, comparability, and harmonization of laboratory reporting units worldwide.

MeSH

Research Design, Laboratories, Patient Safety, Physical Exertion