This guideline provides protocols that can evaluate commutability in any nonpatient processed samples when tested using quantitative measurement procedures. Such processed samples may be used for proficiency testing/external quality assessment (PT/EQA), measuring interval verification sample sets, or QC samples.

The guideline is intended to be used by developers of commercial diagnostic tests as well as laboratory-developed tests, manufacturers of measuring interval sample sets and QC samples, and PT or EQA providers. This guideline may also be useful to all clinical laboratory professionals wishing to investigate a processed sample's commutability.