Quality control for tests of erythrocyte rheology

Tests of erythrocyte rheology are sensitive to variables in the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of the test process. Elimination or standardization of these variables is essential for good quality control and guidelines on the standardization of rheological tests have been prepared by the Expert Panel on Blood Rheology of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology. A further step to improving quality control is the development of rheological control preparations that are used whenever tests of erythrocyte rheology are performed. Candidate control preparations, and their potential contribution to quality assurance of rheological testing, are reviewed.