Product Focus: Latest RIQAS Programmes
RIQAS is the largest international External Quality Assessment (EQA)/ Proficiency Testing (PT) scheme, with over 45,000 participants across 32 comprehensive programme options. Providing access to large, international peer groups you can be confident in the statistical validity of the results obtained.
In March 2016, we added eight new RIQAS EQA programmes to our already extensive portfolio. The new programmes included; CSF, Sweat Testing, Immunosuppressant drugs, Trace Elements in Serum, Trace Elements in Urine, Trace Elements in Blood, Anti-TSH Receptor (TRAb) and Cyfra 21-1.
Like all programmes the latest additions are designed to cover the full clinical decision range, reassuring clinicians and patients that the results released are accurate and reliable. The added benefit of monthly reporting supports the rapid identification of errors, this combined with a report turnaround of 24-72 hours from the submission deadline allows faster implementation of any necessary corrective actions, reducing the need for expensive and time consuming patient sample retests.
With Cycle 2 of the new programmes just around the corner we thought we would take this opportunity to explore what each programme has to offer.
Week 1- Trace Elements in Serum, Trace Elements in Urine, Trace Elements in Blood
RIQAS provide three trace element programmes designed for use in clinical and toxicology laboratories specialising in the testing of trace metals, heavy metals and minerals. Options are available for blood, serum and urine ensuring a matrix similar to that of the patient sample. Each programme will help ensure the accuracy of test results in patients who have experienced accidental or occupational exposure to such toxic metals
Main Features and Benefits;
- Lyophilised samples
- Monthly reporting
- Testing covers the full range of clinically relevant decision levels
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.net
- 12 month subscription
Week 2- CYFRA 21-1 & Anti-TSH Receptor
The RIQAS CYFRA 21-1 EQA programme is designed to cover the analysis of the tumour marker CYFRA 21-1 in clinical laboratories when monitoring the response to treatment of cancers such as non-small cell lung carcinoma, cervical, breast and bladder cancer.
Main Features and Benefits;
- Lyophilised samples
- Monthly reporting
- Testing covers the full range of clinically relevant decision levels
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.net
- 12 month subscription
Our dedicated Anti-TSH Receptor EQA programme is designed to supplement our general immunoassay programme by including the thyroid hormone Anti-TSH Receptor also known as TRAb.
Main Features and Benefits;
- Lyophilised samples
- Monthly reporting
- Testing covers the full range of clinically relevant decision levels
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.net
- 12 month subscription
Week 3 – CSF & Sweat Testing
The RIQAS Cerebrospinal Fluid EQA programme has been designed to monitor the performance of several analytes in CSF.
Main Features and Benefits;
- Liquid ready-to-use samples
- Monthly reporting
- Testing covers the full range of clinically relevant decision levels
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.net
- 12 month subscription
The RIQAS Sweat Testing EQA programme has been designed to cover the analysis of Sweat Testing in clinical laboratories measuring the concentration of Chloride, Sodium and Conductivity in sweat, used in the testing of Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
Main Features and Benefits;
- Liquid ready-to-use samples
- Monthly reporting
- Testing covers the full range of clinically relevant decision levels
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.net
- 12 month subscription
Week 4 – RIQAS Immunosuppressant EQA programme
The RIQAS Immunosuppressant Drug EQA programme has been designed to cover the analysis of Cyclosporin, Everolimus, Sirolimus and Tacrolimus in clinical laboratories.
Main Features and Benefits;
- Lyophilised samples
- Monthly reporting
- Testing covers the full range of clinically relevant decision levels
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.net
- 12 month subscription
