HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES
Quality Assurance
Programme Limited
In collaboration with
Public Health
Laboratory Services Branch
Centre for Health
Protection
External Quality
Assessment Programme
in
Viral Nucleic Acid
Testing
Survey materials
Plasma samples
No. of survey materials
Four
plasma samples in two pairs
Frequency
Once a year
Deadline for
Return of Result
16 days after day of
dispatch of survey materials
Quality Control
of Survey Materials
Homogeneity
Check
The samples are aliquotted into final packaged
form before randomly selected for homogeneity check. Homogeneity result of each
survey specimen should show CV£10%.
Stability Check
One set of survey materials will be tested before dispatch as
pre-distribution check. Another set will go through the delivery chain (tested
within two weeks) to ensure stability during the period of shipment. Results of
the pre-distribution and shipment stability will be compared with their
respective homogeneity means. Differences should within +/– 0.3 log10 IU/mL.
Test requested
Quantitation
of HBV DNA in unit log10
IU/mL
Request for
replacement samples
Participants can
request a replacement of survey
materials by submitting a formal request. The request
form can be downloaded at:
http://www.hkimlsqap.org/Information/Form/Specimen Replacement Form.pdf
Criteria
for Performance Evaluation of Viral Nucleic Acid Testing
Timely Reporting
Participants are
required to report the results before the due dates. Late return of results will not be scored.
Scoring of Result
- The
reported difference in concentration between paired survey specimens from the
participants is
compared.
- The acceptable range is +/– 0.3 log10 of the median difference in
concentration between the specimen pair returned by all participants.
- Two points will be given to return result within the acceptable range
- Zero points for return result outside the acceptable range.
Preliminary Result
Intended results
will be posted online 3 weeks after the dispatch of survey materials.
Survey Reports
Final survey report will be
issued to the participants documenting the identities of survey materials
dispatched, intended results, reported results, scores achieved and assay
methods used by participants. If there is a statistical difference in the
performance for test methods used by each group of participants, this will be
discussed. Late or nil return will be marked on the individual report of the
participant.
Certificate of Participation
A certificate of participation will also be issued
indicating the number of survey results returned timely.
Enquiry
Should there be any enquiry on the survey, participants are requested to contact HKIMLSQAP for
assistance.
Appeal
Should there be any data
discrepancy in the survey report or any disagreement with the performance
evaluation; participant can appeal to the chairman of HKIMLSQAP for amendment
and review.
Contact us:
(852) 2499 0015 [Phone]
(852) 2121 2798 [Fax]
info@hkimlsqap.org [Email]
The Chairman
Quality Assurance Programme Committee
Hong Kong Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences Quality Assurance Programme Ltd.
Flat 1711, 17/F, Block C,
Last updated on 09 February 2014.