ASVCP guidelines: Allowable total error hematology

The purpose of this document is to provide total allowable error (TE_a ) recommendations for commonly analyzed hematology measurands for veterinary personnel. These guidelines define relevant terminology and highlight considerations specific to hematology measurands. They also provide reasons and guidelines for using TE_a in instrument performance evaluation, including recommendations for when the total observed error exceeds the recommended TE_a . Biological variation-based quality specifications are briefly discussed. The appendix describes the derivation of the hematology TE_a recommendations and provides resources for external quality assurance/proficiency testing programs and a worksheet for implementation of the guidelines.