New release of the EFLM Biological Variation Database Website

The EFLM Biological Variation Database delivers updated, evidence-based biological variation (BV) estimates to users worldwide and is freely available via the EFLM homepage and at https://biologicalvariation.eu/. Data can be accessed either by exploring the global meta-analysis derived biological variation (BV) estimates, by listing the more than 2400 individual BV datasets and by reviewing BV data registered for the different measurands. For all global BV estimates, automatic calculation of analytical performance specifications for imprecision, bias, total error and measurement uncertainty with recommendations on their use are provided, as well as reference change values and other tools for assessing changes in consecutive test results in the same patient.

BV data have many important applications in laboratory medicine. The literature describing studies of BV stretches back over 45 years and widely varying estimates are observed for many measurands. The EFLM Task Group for the Biological Variation Database reviews and records all published BV studies into the EFLM Biological Variation Database. In this process, all studies are appraised by the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC) and the BIVAC scores as well as a detailed minimum data set including information on the study design, study population, analytical method etc. are registered in the database. Based on these, real-time, updated global BV estimates are provided, derived from meta-analysis of BIVAC-compliant studies with similar study characteristics. Presently, over 2400 BV data sets and 550 publications are included in the database and global BV estimates are available for 132 measurands. Appraisal of not yet included measurands is continuously ongoing and data will be published as they are complete. The present release of the EFLM Biological Variation Database offers new functionality for users to review and apply the included BV data.