Interlaboratory Data Management – July 2019
Interlaboratory Data Management – July 2019
Acusera 24•7 Live Online is an interlaboratory data management and peer group reporting package complementing the Acusera range of true third party quality controls. Designed to assist in the management of daily QC activities, Acusera 24•7 Live Online will help to meet regulatory requirements, improve error detection, reduce false rejections and ensure accurate patient results.
Delivering an online platform for effective QC data management, our software provides unique access to instantly updated real-time peer group data, automatically generated QC statistics, QC multi-rules, interactive charts and comprehensive reports.
‘The laboratory shall have a procedure to prevent the release of patient results in the event of quality control failure. When the quality control rules are violated and indicate that examination results are likely to contain significant errors the results shall be rejected… Quality Control data shall be reviewed at regular intervals to detect trends in examination performance’.
ISO 15189:2012
Why implement an interlaboratory program?
Acusera 24•7 Live Online is an essential QC tool for laboratories of all sizes. By participating and implementing our software your laboratory will be able to do the following;
- Quickly identify trends, system errors and reagent issues, minimising expensive repeat tests
- Automatically calculate Measurement Uncertainty, Total Error and Sigma Metrics
- Bridge the gap between daily quality control and external quality assessment
- Improve EQA performance by eliminating any undetected bias
- Facilitate regulatory compliance
- Minimise false rejections through the use of QC multi-rules
- Increase confidence in assigned QC target values
- Speed up troubleshooting processes, shortening delays in reporting
Acusera 24•7 key features and benefits
Peer group statistics are now uniquely updated live in real-time ensuring immediate access to the most up to date information available while ultimately reducing time and money spent troubleshooting, re-running samples and performing instrument maintenance. Peer groups may be based on worldwide statistics or an affiliate group of laboratories meaning you can instantly discover how you compare to other laboratories using the same lot of QC and identify if issues are unique to your laboratory or a widespread problem.
Available at no extra cost the unique dashboard allows instant identification of any QC failures and from the last seven days. Designed to significantly reduce the time spent analysing data, this highly convenient and user-friendly function means corrective action can be taken immediately with minimum disruption to the laboratory’s output. Alerts are also provided when a control lot is reaching expiry, reducing the risk of using expired material.
Levey-Jennings, Histogram and Performance Summary Charts are generated on demand, delivering quick and easy performance monitoring. With Acusera 24•7 Live Online, users have the ability to add multiple instruments, parameters and lots to a single chart allowing comparative performance assessment and immediate visualisation of any ongoing or emerging trends.
The user-friendly interface and interactive nature of the chart allows you to view data for a specific date range, zoom in on a specific data point, comment on individual data points and record events including calibration and reagent lot changes for enhanced review of trends.
Our software now automatically calculates %Bias, Total Error and Sigma metrics, enabling enhanced performance assessment and improved QC strategy design for your laboratory. The added benefit of Uncertainty of Measurement (UM) helps to meet ISO 15189 requirements. In addition results may be rejected or alerted based on QC multi-rules or user defined performance limits including Rilibak, CLIA and biological variation.
The Acusera Advisor tool will conveniently recommend a set of QC multi-rules and a minimum QC frequency for each assay based on previous performance history. Tailoring QC multi-rules to each assay in this way will make QC processes more efficient whilst ensuring high error detection rates.
Designed to help speed up the review process a range of comprehensive reports are available including, Statistical Metrics Reports, Uncertainty of Measurement Report, Exception Report, and the Audit Trail Report which provides a secure, electronic record of the creation, modification and deletion of data. This effective method of documenting the review process can help laboratories meet regulatory requirements and gain accreditation.
Evaluate and review any poor performing QC tests
The Data Review report displays data for all QC tests which have fallen outside your laboratory’s user-defined performance limits. Data may be filtered by date, instrument, lot number or rule violation. It may also be filtered to display only alerted/rejected results. The report can be exported or printed easily, to document the review process.
As always, results are colour-coded for added convenience. Once results have been evaluated, managers can record their actions by marking each result as ‘reviewed’. A ‘reviewed’ result will no longer appear on the Dashboard.
Our fully automated connectivity solution is designed to meet the needs of all laboratory types and sizes. QC data can be quickly and efficiently imported from LIMS to Acusera 24•7 Live Online without the need to import files or manually enter data.
- Reduce workload by eliminating issues associated with manual data entry
- Increases productivity and efficiency
- Captures and imports only QC data
- Secure real-time connection without disruption to the laboratory
- The software is also capable of bi-directional communication with LIMS
Protected: QCMD – Molecular External Quality Control (NEW)
RX series (Concept 3)
The RX series range of clinical chemistry analysers includes both semi-automated and fully automated testing for a range of clinical settings. With a world leading test menu comprising of routine chemistries, specific proteins, lipids, therapeutic drugs, drugs of abuse, antioxidants and diabetes testing, the RX series offers laboratories the complete clinical chemistry package and results you can trust. The RX series was built with three core values in mind – Reliability, Accuracy and Precision.
Consolidation of Routine & Specialised Testing on One Single Platform
With an extensive product portfolio covering over 100 disease markers within routine and nice testing, the RX series removes the need for a separate nephelometry system for specific proteins and allows laboratories to bring all testing in-house; thus ensuring minimal downtime and providing real cost savings through consolidation.
Low Reagents & Sample Volumes
Built with excellence in mind, the RX series range of analsyers require a low sample volume to deliver consistent high quality results which is beneficial when working with paediatric patients and animals. Combined with our high quality reagents, the RX series reduce the possibility of misdiagnoses, offering accurate, reliable and precise results each time, every time.
Unrivalled Customer Support
Our team of trained engineers are on hand to work with you in preserving the continuity of your operations while maximising the potential of your RX series instrument. We know time is critical in any laboratory and our global network means we are uniquely positioned to meet your needs with local service and support whenever you need it.
Fully Automated
Test Menu
Semi-Automated
Test Menu
Niche
Test Menu
QCMD – Molecular External Quality Control
QCMD is a world leading External Quality Assessment (EQA) / Proficiency Testing (PT) scheme, dedicated to improving the quality of molecular diagnostic assays used in the detection of infectious diseases.
With an extensive database of over 2000 participants in over 100 countries, QCMD is one of the largest providers of molecular EQA in the field of molecular diagnostics.
Frequency
A variety of programme options are available. Choose the number of challenges that best suit your laboratory’s requirements.
Online EQA Management System
ITEMS provides an online tool to easily manage all EQA activities from programme registration to submission of results and provision of EQA reports. Different levels of user access are available so data can be accessed by whoever needs it.
High level of participation
Over 2000 participants in more than 100 countries ensuring peer group numbers are maximised.
Comprehensive reports
Receive individual reports for each challenge and a final supplementary report at the end of the cycle visual assessment of performance.
International accreditation
Programmes are accredited to ISO 17043.
- Blood Borne Viruses
- Central Nervous System Diseases
- Drug Resistance
- Exotic / Emerging Diseases
- Gastrointestinal Diseases
- Immunocompromised Associated Diseases
- Multiple Pathogen / Syndromic Infections
- Respiratory Diseases
- Serology
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Transplant Associated diseases
- Typing
- New Pilot Studies
After the close of the results return phase, EQA participants will receive an individual report outlining their performance relative to their method and technology groups. A supplementary report may be commissioned – this includes any additional relevant information regarding the annual EQA distribution, as well as scientific expert commentary and feedback on the overall results within that distribution.
Contact Us
QCMD Website
RIQAS EQA
*Randox are authorised by QCMD to provide the QCMD EQA schemes under a strategic global partnership. The EQA design, composition, data analysis & reporting remain the responsibility of QCMD. Please refer to specific geographical regions for further details on availability.
Protected: RX series (Concept)
Acusera 24.7 Packages Explained
Packages for Customisation
Acusera 24.7 now boasts even more customisation with the introduction of three distinct packages; Platinum, Gold & Silver.
The Acusera 24.7 software is an interlaboratory data management and peer group reporting package complementing the Acusera range of true third party quality controls. Designed to assist in the management of daily QC activities by providing access to an impressive range of features, including interactive charts and real-time peer group data, Acusera 24.7 will improve error detection, reduce false rejections, ensure accurate patient results, and help you meet regulatory requirements, such as ISO 15189.
The introduction of the new Acusera 24.7 packages ensures a solution to suit laboratories of all sizes and budgets. All three membership packages give our users access to the world-renowned Acusera 24.7 global peer group, but users now have the flexibility to choose whether they require access to additional features to help revolutionise their QC strategy.
Package Benefits
| FEATURE | PLATINUM | GOLD | SILVER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to real-time peer group data | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| FEATURE | PLATINUM | GOLD | SILVER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple levels of user access | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Unlimited number of registered users | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| FEATURE | PLATINUM | GOLD | SILVER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Multi-Rules | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ability to use other manufacturer controls or custom controls | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| FEATURE | PLATINUM | GOLD | SILVER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data import via Acusera 24•7 Connect | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manual data entry by panel | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Semi automated data entry via EDI | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Recording of instrument events | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| FEATURE | PLATINUM | GOLD | SIGNIFICANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic calculation of Mean, SD and %CV | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Result History | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic calculation of %Bias and Total Error | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Automatic calculation of Inter-Precision, Sigma Scores, Uncertainty of Measurement and Expanded Uncertainty | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| FEATURE | PLATINUM | GOLD | SILVER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistical Analysis Report | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Peer Group Statistics Report | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Exception Report | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Statistical Metrics Report | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Uncertainty of Measurement Report | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| FEATURE | PLATINUM | GOLD | SILVER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levey-Jennings Chart | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Histogram Chart | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Performance Summary Chart | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-Levey Jennings/Histogram Charts | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| FEATURE | PLATINUM | GOLD | SILVER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dashboard | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Advisor Tool | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Data Review | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Learn More About Acusera 24.7 Packages
To learn more about Acusera 24.7 you can visit the webpage, download the brochure or contact us using the form below.
A week dedicated to unsung heroes! – Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 2017
From April 23rd to April 29th we are celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week! This is a week dedicated to raising awareness for those who work in a laboratory & the hard work that goes unnoticed every day in laboratories around the world.
Have you ever wondered what happens between submitting your patient sample and receiving your results? Have you ever wondered who conducts the detailed laboratory testing for your annual check-up such as cholesterol and glucose levels? Or who analyses these results? The answer, a Medical Laboratory Professional (MLP). MLP’s provide up to 70% of the medical laboratory results for physicians and others to make informed decisions about a patient’s diagnosis and aftercare treatment plan. The work that laboratory professionals do each and every day is integral to providing excellent patient care. They perform and interpret billions of laboratory tests every year.
Providing accurate and reliable test results is of the utmost importance for laboratory professionals and also for us at Randox. With a passion for Quality Control, and with more than 30 years’ experience developing Laboratory QC for the in vitro diagnostics market, we believe in producing high quality material designed to streamline procedures, whilst reducing costs in laboratories of all sizes and budgets. These qualities have been reflected in our Acusera true third party quality controls, Acusera 24.7 interlaboratory data management software, Acusera Verify Calibration Verification material and RIQAS, the largest international EQA scheme.
Randox Quality Control would like to take this opportunity to thank all the laboratory professionals around the world and especially our own laboratory staff – you truly are the “Unsung Heroes of Healthcare”.
Acusera 24.7 Live Online Demos – CLMA Knowledgelab 2017
We’re looking forward to meeting you at CLMA Knowledgelab, booth #338!
Live Demos
Stop by our booth for your chance to check out our Acusera 24.7 Live Online version 2.0. It’s smarter, faster and more powerful than ever before, with unique access to live peer data, accelerating troubleshooting processes and pinpointing the cause of any QC failures. Additional features include the automatic calculation of Measurement Uncertainty & Sigma Metrics, comprehensive charts, bi-directional LIMS connectivity and a complete make-over of our dashboard. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this software live.
Our Randox Consultants will also be on hand to discuss our other products available, which will help you ensure your laboratory produces results you can trust.
Acusera true third party quality controls
As a world leading manufacturer of multi-analyte, true third party controls, thousands of laboratories rely on Randox to accurately assess test system performance and ultimately empower them with the confidence required to release patient test results. With more than 390 analytes available across the Acusera range we can uniquely reduce the number of individual controls required while simultaneously reducing costs, time and storage space. A choice of formats is available ensuring flexibility and suitability for laboratories of all sizes and budgets.
Acusera Calibration Verification
Our Acusera Linearity range has been specifically designed with convenience in mind, helping you to easily meet accreditation requirements. Our liquid ready-to-use verifiers are supplied in varying levels and are available in multiple configurations to meet the specific requirements of individual analysers while challenging the complete reportable range; ultimately ensuring accurate patient testing. All linearity sets are supplied with complimentary data reduction software, providing instant access to reports and real-time peer group data.
Fabricado en Europa – Randox Control de Calidad
Ubicados en Europa, la misión de Randox Control de Calidad es la producción de materiales de alta calidad que ayuden a racionalizar los procesos de control de calidad, además de ayudar a ahorrar tiempo y dinero a cualquier laboratorio, independientemente de su tamaño y presupuesto. Gracias a nuestra extensa oferta de productos, en los que se incluyen controles internos de tercera opinión, un software para la gestión de datos inter laboratorios y una amplísima variedad de Programas de Evaluación Externa de Calidad (PEEC), podrá obtener una visión completa del rendimiento de su laboratorio.
Al ser uno de los mayores fabricantes de controles auténticamente conmutables, ofrecemos soluciones para el control de calidad económicas, de la más alta calidad y diseñadas para la evaluación de los resultados de las pruebas de los pacientes. Con nuestra gama de controles Acusera podrá controlar lo que hasta ahora le supondría hasta 4 controles diferentes con un único vial Acusera, que junto con nuestra estabilidad sin igual y la elevada vida útil, le ayudarán a ahorrar tiempo y dinero. Además, las concentraciones son clínicamente relevantes, garantizando la precisión y fiabilidad de los instrumentos a lo largo de toda la variabilidad clínica.
Acusera 24.7 gestión de datos interlaboratorios
Acusera 24.7 le permitirá obtener resultados más precisos y reducir el tiempo que implica la supervisión e interpretación de los datos del control de calidad. Además, tendrá acceso a una gran variedad de funciones como a los datos del grupo par actualizados en tiempo real y el cálculo automático de la Incertidumbre, el Error Total y las Métricas Sigma. Con Acusera 24.7 podrá asegurar la calidad de sus análisis a través de la resolución más rápida de los problemas mediante esta plataforma centralizada.
RIQAS es el Programa de Evaluación Externa de Calidad (PEEC) de preferencia, empleado por más de 45.000 participantes en 124 países. Gracias a la frecuencia de los informes, podrá identificar los errores rápidamente, reduciendo la necesidad de realizar repeticiones innecesarias y costosas, haciendo que su laboratorio ahorre tiempo y recursos valiosos.
Acusera 24•7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Is it possible to compare multiple instruments on a single Levey-Jennings Chart?
With Acusera 24•7 users can combine multiple instruments, as well as analytes and QC lots on a single chart. This will enable comparative performance assessment and facilitate immediate visualisation of any ongoing or emerging trends. It may also be useful for troubleshooting out of control QC events.
Is it possible to compare different levels of control on a single Levey-Jennings Chart for identification of concentration related bias?
Yes data for multiple QC lots can be displayed on a single, convenient Levey-Jennings chart allowing any concentration related problems to be identified quickly.
How often is peer group data updated?
With Acusera 24•7, peer group data is uniquely updated live in real-time. The instant nature of the peer data will help reduce time and money spent troubleshooting, re-running QC samples and performing any instrument maintenance. With real-time peer group data you can compare to other laboratories around the globe using the same lot of QC material and identify if there are any issues and whether they are unique to your lab or a widespread issue.
Is there a limit to the number of users?
There is no limit to the number of concurrent users – you can have as many as you want. There are 5 different levels of user access – Admin, Group Co-Ordinator, Manager, User and Technical Support. It is worth noting that User access can be customised per user to ensure access to only the required functionality
How can the software help me to meet ISO 15189:2012 requirements?
Unique to Acusera 24.7 , our software will automatically calculate Measurement Uncertainty (UM) and provide your laboratory with a printable report that can be used to help meet ISO 15189:2012 accreditation requirements. In addition to this the software can help to prevent the release of patient results in the event of a QC failure for example when the Quality Control rules are violated.
Is it possible to use RiliBAK as my allowable limits?
QC data can indeed be rejected or alerted based on RiliBAK guidelines. Other options are also available, including, CLIA, Biological Variation, RIQAS TDPA and user defined performance limits.
Is Acusera 24.7 secure?
To authenticate users, a number of security measures are used, including; participant number, username and a password combination (for individual role-based accounts). Password complexity standards are enforced on user account setup. CAPTCHA is enforced after several failed login attempts to prevent or guard against automated attacks. HTTPS and X509 certificate authentication is in place meeting industry security standards.
I have never used interlaboratory software before, is there training provided with my purchase of 247?
There are a number of different options available in terms of training. The easiest, most convenient and accessible form of training is through the use of our walk through demo that has voice-over and text so everyone can follow. With our software comes a user guide, this is a walk through that laboratories can use to guide them through the usage of the software. Additionally, there is also the possibility of a live demo from the sales consultant in your area who will be able to run through the software with you.
Can I create unique login credentials for each user?
Yes, each user will have their own personal log-in. If a lower level user, e.g. user, technical support or manager forgets their password they can have it reset by the administrator. However, if a group co-ordinator or admin forgets their password they should contact Randox directly who will be able to reset their credentials and resend to the administrator’s email address.
I currently use non-Randox Quality Controls, does this affect the ability of the software?
Not at all, our software is so flexible that it can be used with any other manufacturers Quality Control material. However, you will only have access to the internal functions of the software and will not have access to peer group statistics. For this reason we recommend the software is used alongside our Acusera true third party Quality Control solutions.
Is Acusera 24.7 the only software option available?
Yes this is the only option available – Unlike other manufacturers there is no need for any additional software packages or options. All functionality is available in the one software package.
My computer is very old, do I need a new, modern and up-to-date operating system to run the software?
Not necessarily. As long as you have stable access to the internet you can access Acusera 24.7 as it is a cloud based software.
My patient data is confidential. Will the software need access to this data?
Acusera 24.7 will not require access to your patient data. This is important for a laboratory but less for the software. Acusera 24.7 will only need access to the results of your Quality Control to ensure that your instrument/s are performing to standard and therefore ensuring that your patient results will be reliable and accurate.
I have forgotten my username and password – what do I do now?
If an individual with user level or manager level access forgets their username and password, they should contact the laboratory administrator. If an administrator or group co-ordinator forgets their username or password they should contact Randox who will verify the administrator and send new login details for the account.
Is Acusera 24.7 Connect required to import QC data?
Acusera 24.7 Connect is only required if you wish to import QC data automatically. Data can also be entered manually using the data entry screen or in a semi-automated manner using the EDI function.
I need to renew my license, is this done automatically?
If your licence has expired and you would like to renew you should get in touch with your local Sales Consultant.
My internet connection isn’t great. Will this affect the running of the software? What happens if the signal drops when entering results?
If connection is lost from the laboratory’s side, all data will be transferred to the web and once reconnected, the previous session will also be remembered. Emergency power generators and fall over servers are in place to ensure 99.8% uptime is guaranteed.
Are there any additional software requirements?
You must have access to a Java applet. This software is available as standard on almost all modern computers, laptops and notebooks.