IDF/ICAR project group on a reference system for somatic cell counting

When goods are moving, analytical results should be comparable and “equivalent”

• Worldwide
• In the long run
• Between different methods: The equivalence of analytical results should be reached at any place at any time;
• A reference system is defined as an anchoring system fed by a network of laboratories. It will be a tool to improve and safeguard equivalence, where the traditional approach of calibrating with reference methods shows limited performance

Routine methods are traditionally calibrated by using a calibration set of reference materials which reference values have been determined by reference method.

In many cases, the precision of the reference method is not satisfactory and gives uncertainty to the reference value. In addition, when applied in only one laboratory, the reference method cannot guarantee a reliable enough reference value. The stability and homogeneity of reference materials (RM) is also a key to get reliable reference. For some parameters, equivalence is difficult to be achieved by straightforward analytical means or reference materials.

Somascope TM, Somacount TM, Bactocount TM, Nucleocounter TM, DCC Counter TM, Fossomatic TM, etc.

A primary reference material for somatic cell counting has been developed. This material allows providers of reference materials to anchor their somatic cell count level to the new material so results are fully aligned. The material can further be used to calibrate the routine methods directly. The primary reference material for somatic cell counting thus provides the basis for harmonisation of somatic cell counting around the world.