Hi Mark
We run an EQA scheme for the glucose meters bi-monthly and send a sample to each member of staff on the database and each is asked to return at least 3 results a year. Any staff who return 2 consecutive poor results or have an unacceptable return rate are removed from the database, asked to reattend training and Ward Mangers notified.
There are 1500 operators and 200 meters (3 hospitals) so managing the scheme is a significant commitment but we feel the investment is worth it as we have found that poor compliance/results often highlight other failing quality issues which would not necessarily be identified by company audits. The scheme also allows the proficiency of the operators to be documented and allow regular positive feedback to the vast majority of operators who do have good standards.
Regards
Emma James
POCT Coordinator
Manchester Royal Infirmary
-----Original Message-----
From: Miller, Tracy [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 09 May 2003 16:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FW: SOP for glucose EQA schemes
Dear Mark,
We currently run EQA for the Glucose meters bi monthly, the samples are sent
out for each meter but are accompanied by staff training lists and list of
staff that have performed testing to ensure that samples are rotated and not
completed by one individual. The message regarding quality control is
achieved primarily through training rather than SOP's and we have achieved a
92% return on the last distribution, instructions regarding the EQA are sent
with each sample. If area's fail to return results, letters are sent to the
ward manager. A second failure is another letter to the ward manager and
also copied to the head of nursing. A third failure would mean that the
Trust risk manager is involved and possibly the removal of the meter.
Internal QC should be performed every 24hours and recorded, compliance
regarding this is mixed but gradually improving.
We also run urine EQA for the urine analysis instruments Bi monthly, Blood
Gases monthly, hCG screening monthly and Bilirubin testing monthly and are
just about to start the HbA1C EQA monthly. All of these are POCT methods.
If I can be of any help please do not hesitate to contact me,
Tracy Miller
Hospital POCT Manager
Basildon & Thurrock NHS Trust
Telephone: 01268 598382
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Lynch [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 09 May 2003 13:42
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: SOP for glucose EQA schemes
Hello
I was wondering how often samples should be distributed for "in-house" EQA
glucose meter schemes (and other POCT for that matter). The general
consensus in my experience appears to be monthly. I feel this is too often
and was wondering what other people feel.
I was also wondering (I obviously have too much free time) do people send
their EQA samples to each individual user of a particular meter or one
sample to each meter (ward / department)?
Does anybody have a SOP for their EQA scheme(s) they would be willing to
share?
Mark Lynch (on behalf of the Northern Ireland regional POCT committee)
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