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

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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

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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

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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

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