Microbiology (Bacterial Identification) Programme
Microbiology (Bacterial Identification) Programme



The RIQAS Microbiology Programme includes the identification of the micro-organisms that can be made at Gram positive/negative, Genus and Species level.
Available in a bi-monthly format with 3 samples distributed twice per year. Each strain is presented in a lyophilised pellet form within a self-contained tube containing a pre-filled ampoule for reconstitution, therefore helping to avoid cross contamination.
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- Multiple registrations allow for comparison between lab staff
- Possible to be used as a training tool for new and current staff
- Samples are manufactured to the highest quality
- Bi-monthly reporting
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.Net
NOTE: Antibiotic resistance assessment (Resistant/Intermediate/Susceptible) is provided for your own and other guidelines. Commencing July 2022
Description | Frequency | Cat. No | |
---|---|---|---|
Microbiology Programme | Bi-monthly, 3 samples x 2 distributions per year | RQ9197 | |
Serum Indices External Quality Assessment
The RIQAS Serum Indices EQA programme is designed for the pre-analytical assessment of Haemolytic, Icteric and Lipemic (HIL) interferences.
Available in a bi-monthly format with the option to report either quantitative or semi-quantitative results for the HIL parameters, this programme also provides an assessment on how these interferences impact on up to 25 routine chemistry parameters. This provides invaluable information on whether a correct judgement is being made to report results.
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- Human based serum ensuring commutable sample matrix
- Bi-monthly reporting
- HIL parameters include the option of quantitative or semi-quantitative reporting
- Interpretation of chemistry parameter results
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.Net
NOTE: If you require additional Serum Indices EQA material, you can purchase RQ9194/A. This is an additional pack containing 9 x 1ml vials to be used as a supplement to your main RQ9194 Serum Indices programme.
Cat No | Kit Size | Frequency | Cycle Start | Returns | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RQ9194 | 2 x (9 x1ml) | Bi-monthly (9 samples per distribution), 2 distributions per cycle | October | 3 samples bi-monthly | |
Indices Assessment (Quantitative and Semi-Quantitative)
- Haemolysis
- Icteric
- Lipemic
Parameter Assessment (Quantitative)
- ALP
- ALT
- AST
- D. Bilirubin
- T. Bilirubin
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Cholesterol
- CK NAC
- Creatinine
- GGT
- Glucose
- HDL
- Iron
- Lactate
- LDH
- Lipase
- Magnesium
- Phosphate
- Potassium
- Protein Total
- Sodium
- Triglycerides
- Urea
- Uric Acid
Related Products
Does Your QC Cover Clinically Relevant Ranges?
Following recommendations from recognized institutions such as ISO and CLIA, more laboratories are using third party controls than ever before. However, great care should be taken when choosing which third party control to use. A number of factors should be considered, and primarily among these is whether the control challenges the complete Clinical Range and the Medical Decision Levels. ISO 15189:2012 states that ‘The laboratory should choose concentrations of control materials wherever possible, especially at or near clinical decision values, which ensure the validity of decisions made’.
Measuring the Complete Clinical Range
It is important to assess the full clinical range of an assay i.e. the range between the lowest and highest results which can be reliably reported. In order to make sure a laboratory instrument is working across the full clinical range, a QC which covers low, normal and elevated concentrations must be used.
Question: “If the full clinical range isn’t covered by QC, how will we know whether patient results which fall outside the range of quality controls are accurately reported?”
What are Medical Decision Levels?
Medical Decision Levels (MDL) are the analyte values at which medical professionals can determine whether a patient may be suffering from a certain condition. The MDL is determined by a consensus of medical professionals and clinical research. Patients’ test results are compared to the MDL and appropriate diagnoses or medical interventions can be made.
For example, the MDL of Glucose can indicate a certain diabetic status:
Analyte | Medical Decision Level | Diagnostic Status |
Glucose (fasting) | <100 mg/dL | Non-Diabetic |
100–125 mg/dL | Pre-Diabetic | |
>125 mg/dL | Diabetic |
Competitor QC
Many QC manufacturers ‘cut corners’ in an attempt to keep costs down, which often results in the sale of controls which do not cover the complete clinical range or vital medical decision levels. Below is an example of the Glucose concentrations present in a competitor control:
Competitor Chemistry Control Level 1 – 68 mg/dL
Competitor Chemistry Control Level 2 – 134 mg/dL
Competitor Chemistry Control Level 3 – 386 mg/dL
In the examples above, the competitor’s level 1 control covers the non-diabetic MDL, but the level 2 control is not within the ‘Pre-Diabetic’ decision range. The level 3 control is also much higher than can be expected for an elevated diabetic patient result (200 mg/dL or more).
Randox QC
Due to the superior manufacturing process used by Randox, QC target values are consistently within the MDL of tests. For example, the Glucose concentrations present in our Liquid Assayed Chemistry Premium Plus control are:
Level 1 – 57 mg/dL
Level 2 – 114 mg/dL
Level 3 – 236 mg/dL
The MDL for Glucose is covered by the Randox control, meaning laboratory professionals can be confident that patient results will be accurately interpreted.
Immunoassay Medical Decision Levels
Controls which cover the MDL can reduce the number of Quality Controls required by laboratories. For example, Randox Acusera Lyophilised Immunoassay Controls contain particularly low levels of TSH, Ferritin and Vitamin B12 in the Level 1 control, eliminating the need for an additional control at extra expense:
Analyte | Medical Decision Level | Randox Level 1 IA Control | Competitor Level 1 IA Control |
TSH | 0.1 or 0.27 uU/mL | 0.15uU/mL | 0.37 uU/mL |
Vitamin B12 | 190 pmol/L | 174 pmol/L | 327 pmol/L |
Ferritin | 12 ng/mL | 11.1 ng/mL | 49.6 ng/mL |
In this example the competitor offers an anaemia control with lower levels of TSH, Vitamin B12 and Ferritin at an additional cost. With Randox Acusera QC, only one control is required for anemia monitoring and detection.
Lipids External Quality Assessment
The RIQAS Lipid EQA programme is designed to monitor the performance of up to 8 lipid parameters. Two flexible and cost effective programme options are available.
- Accredited to ISO/IEC 17043
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- 100% human serum
- Bi-weekly reporting
- Choose from 3 or all 8 parameter options
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.Net
- Register up to five instruments per programme (volume permitting) at no extra cost for comparative performance assessment
Cat No | Kit Size | Frequency | Cycle Start | Parameters | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RQ9126/a | 12 x 3ml | Bi-weekly (2 x 6 monthly cycles) | January/July | 3 parameters (choose from 8) | |
RQ9126/b | 12 x 3ml | Bi-weekly (2 x 6 monthly cycles) | January/July | All 8 parameters | |
Parameters
- Apolipoprotein A1
- LDL-Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Apolipoprotein B
- Lipoprotein (a)
- Non-HDL Cholesterol*
- HDL-Cholesterol
- Total Cholesterol
Please note, product availability may vary country to country.
*Pilot programmes.
Related Products
ESR External Quality Assessment
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Programme was introduced for clinical laboratories and ensures accuracy across the complete clinical range. Two distinct liquid ready-to-use samples are supplied requiring no preparation with quarterly analysis.
- Liquid ready-to-use samples requiring no preparation
- 2 samples tested quarterly
- Comprehensive reports enabling performance assessment at a glance
- Reports available within 24-72 hours ensuring corrective actions can be taken sooner
- Compatible for use with most instruments excluding those using Capillary Photometry Technology
- Option to register up to five instruments per programme (volume permitting) at no extra cost for comparative performance assessment
- Online submission of results via RIQAS.net
Not accredited to ISO/IEC 17043
Cat No | Kit Size | Frequency | Cycle Start | Parameters | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RQ9163 | 2 x 4.5ml | Quarterly (1 x 12 month cycle) | March | 1 | |
Parameters
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Please note, product availability may vary country to country.
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