At its recent meeting in Birmingham, the Department of Health’s Pathology Harmony group considered the implementation on reporting new units for haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The deadline for all clinical laboratories to report in g/L is set as 31 March 2013. Pictured are Professor Keith Hyde, (seated centrally), who led the haematology subgroup, surrounded by members of the DH Pathology Harmony group at the recent meeting in Birmingham.
This important change harmonises an area of potential clinical risk. At present, UK pathology departments report in two different units that give results differing by a factor of 10. For example, a very low result could be misinterpreted if the wrong unit is assumed. There is a clinical risk of misinterpreting results, especially those given urgently over the telephone.
The Pathology Harmony recommendation of moving to g/L has been agreed by the pathology professional groups. However, many laboratories still need to change their units, as in 2007 an audit showed that only 17% reported in the new g/L units. Pathology Harmony is aiming to ensure all laboratories and their users are aware of this harmonisation.
Speaking about this change, Dr Mike Galloway, National Clinical Advisor for Haematology, said, “It is vitally important that laboratories act locally to ensure that they have a plan to implement and communicate this important change, both within the hospital and to their general practitioners.” The Pathology Harmony website includes a page of helpful information with tips on ensuring a successful implementation of this change and communication to users.