September 19, 2016
Dear Participant,
Enclosed are the following Serology External Quality Assurance Scheme panels for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV and anti-TP. The panels sent to you were based on the type of assay that you registered to participate in. These samples are potentially infectious and should be handled using universal precautions .
To ensure proper handling, testing and reporting of results, the following procedures must be strictly adhered to:
HANDLING AND REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS:
A. SAMPLES
· Each panel coded 16HIV, 16HBV, 16HCV, 16SYP consists of 5 samples each labelled A-E.
· You will only receive the panel/panels you have registered for.
B. STORAGE AND STABILITY
· Samples were shipped at ambient/room temperature
· Upon receipt, samples must be stored at 2-8 oC until ready to test.
C. REPLACEMENT SAMPLES
· Inspect samples upon receipt. If any sample(s) is missing or damaged, contact NRL-SLH/SACCL within 1 week to request for replacement.
· A replacement fee will be charged for replacement requests due to mishandling of samples (e.g. lab accident, improper storage or handling) to cover the cost of samples, shipping and handling.
D. HANDLING OF SAMPLES
· Vortex and centrifuge all panel samples at 10,000rpm for 10 minutes prior to testing.
· Process the panel samples in the same way as a sample would normally be processed by your laboratory.
E. TESTING OF SAMPLES
· Test the panel samples using the testing strategy in use in your laboratory.
· If your laboratory has multiple instruments of the same type (e.g. two Roche Elecsys, ) please do not test the panel samples on both instruments. Sample volume has not been provided to enable this. If your laboratory has multiple instruments of the same type and would like to monitor each instrument, it is suggested that in each PT/EQAS test event your laboratory rotates which instrument is used and that your laboratory records such information.
· If multiple operators at your laboratory perform the same testing, please do not test the samples multiple times so that each operator tests the samples. Sample volume has not been provided to enable this. If multiple operators at your laboratory perform the same testing and you would like to monitor each operator, it is suggested that in each PT/EQAS test event your laboratory rotates which operator performs testing of PT/EQAS panels and that your laboratory records such information.
· If your laboratory is using several kits to test each disease, do not test the samples on all kits available. Sample volume has not been provided to enable this. Use a maximum of two kits in testing your panel.
· After testing, store remaining samples at -20 oC or lower until you receive the results of this test event for future reference.
F. REPORTING
· Encoding of results to OASYS starts on October 17, deadline of submission on November 15, 2016. ALL participants, are required to encode their results to OASYS. Failure to encode means no result submitted and does not warrant the issuance of Certificate of Participation for the current Test Event.
· Submit results via the OASYS website (www.oneworldaccuracy.com). Results are only able to be submitted in OASYS from the Test Event Open to the Results Deadline (refer to OASYS Test Event Dashboard). To access the procedure on how to encode results to OASYS, open your OASYS account, click ” Submit results for an assay ? ” or go to NRL-SLH/SACCL Website (www.nrlslhsaccl.com.ph),click Services---NEQAS, read OASYS-Grid Help for Program with Assays Version 3.0
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· If you do not have a username and password to access the OASYS website, please use ‘Forgot Username/Password’ function on the website
· Participants who require assistance with OASYS or EQAS data submission should contact NRL-SLH/SACCL as soon as any difficulties are experienced, to allow sufficient time for submission of results before the test event closing date.
· Laboratory Worksheets can be downloaded from your OASYS account, fill-in all the information needed, the same as what you have entered in OASYS. Write legibly in bold letters. Do not use abbreviations.
· Original copy of your Worksheets should be returned to NRL-SLH/SACCL through courier not later than November 15, 2016 to :
STD AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory (SACCL)
National Reference Laboratory for HIV AIDS and STIs
Bldg 17 San Lazaro Hospital Cmpd.
Quiricada St. Sta. Cruz, Manila, 1003
ATTENTION: Dr. Elizabeth O. Telan
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact OASYS Support from NRL-SLH/SACCL through Tel Nos. (02)3109528/29; 3105786; 7114117 or email at .
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