Laboratory Measurements of Hormones and Related Biomarkers: Technologies, Quality Management and Validation

Laboratory measurements have become an essential part of medical diagnostics. In pediatric endocrinology, measurements of hormones and related biomarkers like growth factors are practically indispensable. They initially allow the evaluation of the pathological stage and differential diagnosis of a patient. In the following, they are used to monitor and predict a therapeutic success and outcome. Thus, measurements of hormones and growth factors must be valid and reproducible in both technical and medical terms. The laboratory must warrant the technical validity and reproducibility of the hormone measurements through standardized laboratory procedures and adequate quality standards and quality management. It is, however, the responsibility of the treating physician, first to choose the right laboratory parameters to be examined, and second to ensure adequate test circumstances including the time of sampling, influence of nutrition and cyclic factors, co-medication and shipment of the sample. The physician/pediatrician is responsible for interpretation of the laboratory results and the use of this medical information in patient care. During the last two decades, laboratory diagnostics in endocrinology and in general have undergone a technological revolution in several ways. The major trends are the following.