[Quality of hemoglobin and glucose analysis in general practice. Results from the NOKLUS (Norwegian Health Authority) surveys 1994].

In 1992 the Norwegian health authorities and the Norwegian Medical Association initiated a joint project to secure the quality of laboratory analyses performed in primary health care. Two coordinated activities were established: in each of the 19 Norwegian counties a medical laboratory adviser was engaged, linked to the central clinical chemistry laboratory in that county. These advisers assist general practitioners and primary care specialists in securing the quality of laboratory procedures performed on their own premises. In addition, a Norwegian centre for external quality assurance in primary care (Norwegian abbreviation NOKLUS) was established. In 1994 NOKLUS had about 1,600 participants (comprising 95% of the relevant general and specialist practices). Tolerated limits are based on target intervals combined with a percentage tolerated deviation. Fresh material is used for haemoglobin, and target values are determined by two independent laboratories using the reference method. The article describes the results of the surveys of glucose and haemoglobin tests in 1994.