Hello all, We use Invitech kits, which are read manually. We moved over a couple of years ago due to cost savings and training assistance with Invitech. The kits are read manually and can actually read down to ~15 iu/L (25 iu/L kit). Each location is EQA'd individually through Q-Point (Frimley Park). The samples are sent directly to the ward areas (20 locations) and results sent back. The results are collated by Q-Point and sent to the point of care co coordinator. Some areas perform better than others with regards to returning results. Kind regards, Funmi Akinlade MSc FRCPath Principal Clinical Scientist Queen's Hospital, Romford, Essex 01708 435 506 (direct dial) or x 3961 From: ACB Point-of-Care Testing [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Vaughan Natalie (RC9) Luton & Dunstable Hospital FT Sent: 11 June 2013 14:34 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Query: how to approach EQA for pregnancy test strips Following on from Anne's comments, we have started performing a specimen containing 20-30 IU/L at all our initial training sessions so that staff see what a faint positive looks like and I think this is really important. In my experience no matter how many times you say the results should be read at exactly 3 minutes (or whatever is stated for your device) until the staff have seen a faint line come up at the end of the time period they will often take their own decisions. We have all our sites registered with NEQAS who regularly send out testing specimens near detection limits which is very helpful. We are also investigating an automated reader and would be interested to hear from people with experience of these? Our initial trial data looked very promising. Kind Regards Natalie Natalie Vaughan (nee Smith) Clinical Biochemist & POCT Supervisor Ext 7969 01582 497969 To contact the POCT team please call: Ext 7991 or 01582 497991 From: ACB Point-of-Care Testing [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Anne Dawnay Sent: 11 June 2013 14:16 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Query: how to approach EQA for pregnancy test strips we use Alere hCG Easy also - same issues. In our train-the-trainer pack we now include pictures of what a 20-30 IU/L sample looks like and emphasise the importance of reading at the right time and in good light so that very faint bands can be seen. We EQA all sites bi-monthly - WEQAS samples distributed by lab and results returned to us for WEQAS entry. Any errors are followed up with the individuals concerned. best wishes Anne Dr Anne Dawnay PhD FRCPath Consultant Biochemist Chair UCLH POCT Committee 020 344 72954 ________________________________ From: ACB Point-of-Care Testing [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Adebisi-Daniel Tope (THE WHITTINGTON HOSPITAL NHS TRUST) Sent: 11 June 2013 13:58 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Query: how to approach EQA for pregnancy test strips --- This message was sent from an email address external to NHSmail but gives the appearance of being from an NHSmail (@nhs.net) address. The recipient should verify the sender and content before acting upon information contained within. The identified sender is [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> --- Hi Lesley, We use Alere hCG Easy, it read by eye. Individual areas are set up for EQA with NEQAS . We've also had detection issues with low concentrations and have asked to company to come in to do some training. Hope this helps. Kind regards Tope Tope Adebisi-Daniel Point of Care Testing Coordinator Whittington Health 02072883158 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> ________________________________ From: ACB Point-of-Care Testing [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Shipway Lesley (ROYAL UNITED HOSPITAL BATH NHS TRUST - RD1) [[log in to unmask]] Sent: 11 June 2013 13:40 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Query: how to approach EQA for pregnancy test strips --- This message was sent from an email address external to NHSmail but gives the appearance of being from an NHSmail (@nhs.net) address. The recipient should verify the sender and content before acting upon information contained within. The identified sender is [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> --- Hi All, Can you help me with a query or two - we currently have around 20 locations in the Trust (more with Community Hospitals, etc.) who complete pregnancy testing with test strips. Only 3 areas are EQA'd and there is some challenges to accurate detection around the 25 - 30iu cut off point. Can you let me know, any or all of: 1. What strips do you use; 2. Whether this is with a reader; 3. How you EQA them (individual distribution with NEQAS, internal comparison vs EQA'd scheme, split NEQAS distribution, etc); 4. Are you happy with POCT pregnancy testing in your area(s). Thanks! Lesley Lesley Shipway CSci FIBMS Assoc CIPD Pathology Quality Manager Royal United Hospital NHS Trust Combe Park Bath BA1 3NG Tel: (01225) 82 17 70 Fax: (01225) 46 10 44 For comments and feedback on our services go to: http://www.ruh.nhs.uk/gps/pathology/index.asp?menu_id=1 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> ******************************************************************************************************************** This message may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient please inform the sender that you have received the message in error before deleting it. Please do not disclose, copy or distribute information in this e-mail or take any action in reliance on its contents: to do so is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Thank you for your co-operation. NHSmail is the secure email and directory service available for all NHS staff in England and Scotland NHSmail is approved for exchanging patient data and other sensitive information with NHSmail and GSi recipients NHSmail provides an email address for your career in the NHS and can be accessed anywhere ******************************************************************************************************************** ******************************************************************************************************************** This message may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient please inform the sender that you have received the message in error before deleting it. Please do not disclose, copy or distribute information in this e-mail or take any action in reliance on its contents: to do so is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Thank you for your co-operation. NHSmail is the secure email and directory service available for all NHS staff in England and Scotland NHSmail is approved for exchanging patient data and other sensitive information with NHSmail and GSi recipients NHSmail provides an email address for your career in the NHS and can be accessed anywhere ******************************************************************************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This email is confidential and is intended solely for the person or entity to whom it is addressed. If this is not you, please forward the message to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. We have scanned this email before sending it, but cannot guarantee that malicious software is absent and we shall carry no liability in this regard. We advise that information intended to be kept confidential should not be sent by email. We also advise that health concerns should be discussed with a medical professional in person or by telephone. NHS Direct can also provide advice. We shall not be liable for any failure to follow this advice. University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust: Working to make our hospitals better. This communication, together with any files or attachments transmitted with it contains information which is confidential and may be subject to legal privilege and is intended solely for the use by the person(s) or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient you must not copy, distribute, publish or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this communication in error, please notify [log in to unmask] and delete it from your computer systems. Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust reserves the right to monitor all communications for lawful purposes. Receipt of this email does not imply consent to use or provide this email address, or any others contained therein, to any third party for any purposes. The contents of this email are protected under international copyright law. To save energy and paper please print this email only if you really need to. _____________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned for viruses using antivirus software by Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. Whilst every care is taken to avoid the transmission of virus code; please ensure that you have up to date virus detection software before opening any E-mail messages or attachments ______________________________________________________________________________