Liquid Controls vs Lyophilised Controls
Results of our Liquid vs Lyophilised Poll
Having conducted a recent poll on our Social Media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter) asking our customers what format they preferred their quality control material in – liquid or lyophilised – we saw a large preference for liquid controls.
What does this poll result really tell us?
That most people prefer Liquid controls? Yes.
Lyophilised controls are not as popular amongst our social following? Yes.
However, it also tells us that even though most people chose a liquid format there was still almost a quarter of people who prefer to use lyophilised controls. Liquid and lyophilised controls both have their advantages and disadvantages, this blog is designed to help you decide which is the best fit for your lab.
Liquid Controls
Firstly, it is important to note that there are two distinct types of liquid control available on the market;Liquid ready-to-use and Liquid for ease-of-use, better known as Liquid Frozen. Both types of liquid controls reduce the potential for reconstitution errors and prevent contamination from poor quality water.
Liquid frozen controls must be thawed in a refrigerator before use, making them a little less convenient than the liquid ready-to-use alternative. They require no reconstitution so associated errors are removed. Due to the frozen nature of these controls, they are often shipped on dry ice to prevent thawing in transit, as such transportation costs can be significant.
Liquid ready-to-use controls are arguably the most favoured of the three formats and it is easy to understand why. The controls are simple to use, they require no preparation and there is no need to thaw before use.– With zero preparation required, these controls can be removed from the packaging and used right away! What’s more, they can be conveniently stored at 2-8oC minimising expensive shipping costs.
Another major benefit of using a liquid ready-to-use control is the fact that they are ideal for POCT (Point of Care Testing). The ability to use these controls on the spot is extremely beneficial to POC providers.
Lyophilised Controls
Lastly, the choice of 22% of respondents – lyophilised. This is freeze dried material which requires the laboratory professional to reconstitute the sample using sterilised water and mixing before use. Although this format is not as easy to use as either liquid control it does come with benefits. The enhanced stability of this control sees a shelf life of almost double the two years that is normal with a liquid control, however, the potential for reconstitution errors and the fact it is not as simple to use lead to the majority of people opting for a more convenient liquid control.
Randox Quality Control Range
With Randox QC there are a vast array of controls available in liquid ready-to-use and liquid frozen formats. Areas we have liquid frozen formats available in, include; Clinical Chemistry and Immunoassay.
Liquid ready-to-use controls can be found in the following; Liquid Cardiac, Blood Gas, Liquid Urine, Urinalysis, Specific Protein, Ammonia Ethanol, Haematology, Liquid HbA1c and Liquid Tumour Markers.
Lyophilised controls available with Randox QC can be found within; Chemistry, Immunoassay, Cardiac, Coagulation, HbA1c, Lipids and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring.
To register an interest in any of our controls simply contact us at acusera@Randox.com and let us know how we can help and support you or alternatively click here – where you will be redirected to our contact page.
Liquid CSF Quality Control
Providing a true third party solution for the measurement of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), the Acusera Liquid CSF Control is designed to deliver an unbiased, independent assessment of analytical performance for 14 analytes, helping to ensure the results clinical laboratories release are accurate and reliable.
With an extended open vial stability of 30 days at 2oC – 8oC, the Acusera Liquid CSF Control will reduce waste, while remaining easy and convenient to use.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use samples requiring no preparation
- Human based material
- True third party control providing unbiased performance assessment
- Assayed target values available
- Shelf life of 2 years from the date of manufacture
- Open vial stability of 30 days for all analytes when stored at 2oC to 8oC
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liquid CSF Control Level 1 | 10 x 3ml | 14 | CF10138 | |
Liquid CSF Control Level 2 | 10 x 3ml | 14 | CF10139 | |
Analytes
- Albumin
- Albumin (electrophoresis)*
- Alpha – 1- globulin (electrophoresis)*
- Alpha – 2- globulin (electrophoresis)*
- Beta- globulin (electrophoresis)*
- Chloride
- Gamma – globulin (electrophoresis)*
- Glucose
- hsIgA*
- hsIgG
- hsIgM*
- Lactate
- Protein (Total)
- Sodium
*No claims are made regarding values and stability.
PTH Quality Control
Providing a true third party solution for the measurement of Intact PTH, the new Acusera PTH Control will deliver an unbiased,
independent assessment of analytical performance with any instrument or method.
This notoriously unstable marker, present in a number of immunoassay controls, is now available in a liquid frozen format with an impressive 30 day open vial stability, reducing waste while remaining easy-to-use.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid Frozen
- 100% human serum
- Assayed target values available for many immunoassay platforms
- Stable to expiry date at -20°C to 70°C
- Open vial stability of 30 days at 2°C to 8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
PTH Control Level 1 | 3 x 3 ml | 1 | PTH10110 | |
PTH Control Level 2 | 3 x 3 ml | 1 | PTH10111 | |
PTH Control Level 3 | 3 x 3 ml | 1 | PTH10112 | |
Analytes
- Intact PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)
Related Products
Sweat Testing External Quality Assessment
The RIQAS Sweat Testing EQA programme has been designed to cover the analysis of Sweat Testing in clinical laboratories measuring the concentration of Chloride and Conductivity in sweat, used in the testing of Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
- 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
- Cycle Starts – March 2025
Not accredited to ISO/IEC 17043
Cat No | Kit Size | Frequency | Parameters | |
---|---|---|---|---|
RQ9173 | 12 x 2ml | Monthly | 2 | |
Parameter
- Chloride
- Conductivity
Please note, product availability may vary country to country.
CSF External Quality Assessment
The RIQAS Cerebrospinal Fluid EQA programme has been designed to monitor the performance of CSF in clinical laboratories where samples are tested to diagnose a range of medical disorders.
- 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
- Cycle Starts – March 2025
Not accredited to ISO/IEC 17043
Cat No | Kit Size | Frequency | Parameters | |
---|---|---|---|---|
RQ9168 | 12 x 3ml | Monthly | 7 | |
Parameters
- Albumin (conc)
- Chloride
- Glucose
- IgG
- Lactate
- Total Protein
- Sodium
Please note, product availability may vary country to country.
Related Products
Canine CRP Quality Control
A dedicated control designed for the use in the quality control of the Randox Canine CRP assay.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- Human CRP in a stabilised protein matrix
- Stable to expiry date at 2oC – 8oC
- Once open stable to expiry date at 2oC – 8oC
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canine CRP Control Level 2 | 3 x 1ml | 1 | CP2803 | |
Canine CRP Control Level 3 | 3 x 1ml | 1 | CP2804 | |
Analytes
- Canine CRP
Microalbumin Calibrator
Dedicated Microalbumin calibrator designed for use with Microalbumin assays on a wide range of clinical analysers. 6 levels are provided in a liquid ready-to-use format making it both easy and convenient to use.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- 100% human serum
- Stable to expiry date at 2oC – 8oC
- Once opened stable to expiry date at 2oC – 8oC
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Microalbumin Calibrator Series | 6 x 2ml | 1 | MA1567 | |
Analytes
- Microalbumin
Toxicology Control Calibrators
Analytes
- Oxazepam
Drugs of Abuse Array I Plus Calibrator
Multi-analyte calibrator designed for use with the Drugs of Abuse Array I Plus.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- Stable to expiry date at 2oC – 8oC
- Urine- Reconstituted stability of 14 days at 2oC – 8oC
- Whole Blood – Reconstituted stability of 7 days at 2oC – 8oC or 14 days at -20oC
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drugs of Abuse Assay I Plus (Urine) Calibrators | 9 x 1ml | 14 | EV3744 | |
Analytes
- Amphetamine
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepine 1
- Benzodiazepine 2
- Buprenorphine
- Cannabinoids
- Cocaine Metabolite
- MDMA
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Creatinine
Drugs of Abuse Array II Calibrators
Dedicated calibrator designed for use the Drugs of Abuse Array II control.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- Stable to expiry at 2oC – 8oC
- Urine- Reconstituted stability of 7 days at 2oC – 8oC or 28 days at -20oC
- Whole Blood – Reconstituted stability of 7 days at 2oC – 8oC or 28 days at -20oC
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drugs of Abuse Array II (Whole Blood) Calibrator Series | 9 x 1ml | 11 | EV3687 | |
Analytes
- 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
- Ketamine
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Methaqualone
- Buprenorphine
- Fentanyl
- Generic Opioids
- Oxycodone I
- Oxycodone II
- Propoxyphene
- Creatinine
Drugs of Abuse Array III Calibrators
Multi-analyte calibrator designed for use with the Drugs of Abuse Array III control.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability/li>
- Stable to expiry date at 2°C – 8°C
- Reconstituted stability of 7 days at 2°C – 8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drugs of Abuse Array III (Urine) Calibrator Series | 9 x 1ml | 11 | EV3829 | |
Drugs of Abuse Array III (Whole Blood) Calibrator Series | 9 x 1ml | 11 | EV3797 | |
Analytes
- Chloral Hydrate Metabolite
- Ethyl Glucuronide
- Fentanyl
- Ketamine Metabolite
- Meperidine
- Meprobamate
- Zaleplon
- Zolpidem
- Zopiclone
- 7-amino Flunitrazepam
- Creatinine
Drugs of Abuse Array IV Calibrator
Multi-analyte calibrator designed for use with the Drugs of Abuse Array IV control.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- Stable to expiry date at 2°C – 8°C
- Reconstituted stability of 7 days at 2°C – 8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drugs of Abuse Array IV (Whole Blood) Calibrator | 9 x 1ml | 14 | EV3808 | |
Analytes
- Acetaminophen
- Dextromethorphan
- Escitalopram
- Fluoxetine
- Haloperidol
- Ibuprofen
- Methylphenidate
- Salicylate
- Salicyluric Acid
- Sertraline
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Creatinine
Drugs of Abuse Array V Calibrators
Multi-analyte calibrator designed for use with the Drugs of Abuse Array V control.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- Stable to expiry date at 2°C – 8°C
- Reconstituted stability of 7 days at 2°C – 8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drugs of Abuse Array V (Urine) Calibrator Series | 9 x 1ml | 10 | EV3815 | |
Drugs of Abuse Array V (Whole Blood) Calibrator Series | 9 x 1ml | 10 | EV3847 | |
Analytes
- Bath Salts 1 (Methcathinone and Mephedrone)
- Bath Salts 2 (MDPV)
- Benzylpiperazines
- Mescaline
- Phenylpiperazines
- Salvinorin
- Synthetic Cannabinoids 1
- Synthetic Cannabinoids 2
- Synthetic Cannabinoids 3
- Synthetic Cannabinoids 4
Immunology / Protein Control Calibrators
β-2-Microglobulin Calibrator
Dedicated β-2-Microglobulin calibrators designed for use in the calibration of b-2-Microglobulin assays. With an excellent working stability of 30 days at 2ºC to 8ºC, waste is kept to a minimum.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- 100% human serum
- Stable for 30 days at +2-8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
β-2Microglobulin Calibrator | 3 x 1ml | 1 | BM10444 | |
β-2Microglobulin Calibrator | 3 x 1ml | 1 | BM1362 | |
Analytes
- β-2 Microglobulin
CRP Calibrator
Dedicated CRP calibrator designed for use in the calibration of CRP assays. Calibrators are available to suit high sensitivity, mid range and full range assays.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- 100% human serum
- Stable for 30 days at +2-8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
CRP High Sensitivity Calibrator Series | 6 x 2ml | 1 | CP2478 | |
CRP Full Range Calibrator Series (0.1-160mg/l) | 6 x 2ml | 1 | CP2499 | |
Analytes
- CRP
Cystatin C Calibrator
Dedicated Cystatin C calibrator designed specifically for use with the Randox Cystatin C assay. Five different levels are provided in a liquid stable format for ease of use and convenience.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- 100% human serum
- Stable to expiry date at +2-8°C
- Open vial stability of 30 days at +2-8°C
- Multi-point calibrator
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cystatin C Calibrator | 5 x 2ml | 1 | CYS10445 | |
Analytes
- Cystatin C
IgE Calibrator
Dedicated IgE calibrator specifically designed for use with immunoturbidimetric IgG assays.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- 100% human serum
- Stable to expiry date at +2-8°C
- Open vial stability of 30 days at +2-8°C
Cat No | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
IgE Calibrator Series | 6 x 1ml | 1 | IE2492 | |
Analytes
- lgE
Immunoglobulin Calibrator
Multi-analyte calibrator covering 3 immunoglobulin assays. Designed specifically for use with the Randox range of immunoglobulin assays.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- 100% human serum
- Stable to expiry date at +2-8°C
- Open vial stability of 30 days at +2-8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Immunoglobulin Calibrator | 3 x 1ml | 3 | IT3861 | |
Analytes
- IgA
- IgM
- lgG
Specific Protein Calibrator - For use with samples that do not require pre-dilution
Multi-analyte calibrator set covering 12 serum proteins. Five different levels are provided in a liquid stable format for ease of use and convenience.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- 100% human serum
- 5 levels provided
- Stable to expiry date at +2-8°C
- Open vial stability of 30 days at +2-8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Specific Protein Calibrator (Undiluted Samples) | 5 x 1ml | 12 | IT2691 | |
Analytes
- ASO
- Complement C3
- Complement C4
- CRP
- Ferritin
- Haptoglobin
- Prealbumin
- Rheumatoid Factor
- Transferrin
Specific Protein Calibrator - For use with samples that require pre-dilution
Multi-analyte calibrator set covering 3 serum proteins. Five different levels are provided in a liquid stable format for ease of use and convenience.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- 100% human serum
- 5 levels provided
- Stable to expiry date at +2-8°C
- Open vial stability of 30 days at +2-8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Specific Protein Calibrator (Diluted Samples) | 5 x 1ml | 3 | IT2692 | |
Analytes
- IgA
- IgG
- IgM
Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR) Calibrator
Providing a true third party solution for the measurement of Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR), the Acusera sTfR Calibrator will deliver an unbiased, independent assessment of analytical performance.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- Human based serum
- Stable to expiry date at +2-8°C
- Open vial stability of 28 days at +2-8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
sTfR Calibrator | 6 x 1ml | 1 | TF10161 | |
Analytes
- Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR)
Diabetes Control Calibrator
Fructosamine Calibrator
Dedicated Fructosamine calibrator specifically designed for use with the Randox Fructosamine assay.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- Human based serum
- Stable to expiry date at 2°C – 8°C
- Reconstituted stability of 4 weeks at 2°C – 8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fructosamine Calibrator | 3 x 1ml | 1 | FR2993 | |
Analytes
- Fructosamine
HbA1c Calibrator
A human based whole blood calibrator designed for use in the routine calibration of the HbA1c assay.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- 100% human whole blood
- Treated in the same manner as a patient sample
- Once opened stable to expiry date at 2°C – 8°C
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
HbA1c Calibrator Series | 5 x 2ml 1 x 8ml | 1 | HA3444 | |
Analytes
- HbA1c
HbA1c II Calibrator
A human whole blood calibrator designed for use in the routine calibration of the HbA1c II assay.
Features & Benefits
- Supplied in a lyophilised format
- 100% human whole blood
- Treated in the same manner as a patient sample
- Once opened the calibrator is stable for 14 days at +2°C to +8°C
- Traceable to NGSP
Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
---|---|---|---|---|
HbA1c II Calibrator Series | 5 x 0.5mL | 1 | HA8124 | |
Analytes
- HbA1c II