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EQA Programme for Thiopurine S-Methyltransferase (TPMT) We undertook a pilot worldwide external quality assessment (EQA) programme for TPMT around eight years ago. Now that testing for TPMT is firmly established worldwide as an essential requirement before patients are commenced on thiopurine drug therapy, there is a clear need for an EQA programme. It is the intention of Birmingham Quality working in conjunction with Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust to now re-establish this UK NEQAS programme. The format of the programme will be as follows: * The programme will begin in April 2014 - the remainder of 2014 will be free of charge with paid registration starting in 2015 * There will be four distributions (one every three months for the next twelve months, each containing three samples * Whole blood specimens will be distributed in the usual way by Birmingham Quality * Online submission of results and publication of reports If you would like to participate in this pilot, please contact Birmingham Quality remembering to include the following information: · Your UK NEQAS laboratory ID number (if you have one) · A contact name, telephone number and e-mail address · The address to which the specimens should be sent · The number of tests performed in your laboratory each year · Information about which tests are performed in your laboratory (e.g. TPMT activity, phenotype, genotype etc) · As many details as possible about the kit or methodology you are using (manufacturer/product code/kit instructions/substrate/temperature/time of incubation/detection method etc) · Information about how you would normally report your results (e.g. reporting units, reference range etc) · The volume of blood required to perform the test · A copy of your Standard Operating Procedure E-mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Telephone: +44 (0) 121 414 7300 Jane French, Jenna Waldron & Jonathan Berg Jane French Consultant Clinical Scientist Tel: +44 (0) 121 414 7300 Email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Web: http://www.uhb.nhs.uk We're bringing the world's most advanced cancer treatments to Birmingham. Find out more at www.qecancerappeal.org<http://www.qecancerappeal.org> or text QEHB01 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 to our appeal. Birmingham Quality [UK NEQAS] Pathology - University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust East Wing, Institute of Research and Development, Birmingham Research Park, Vincent Drive, Birmingham, B15 2SQ [cid:image001.gif@01CF323B.6B898E70] ------ACB discussion List Information-------- This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry. Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content. ACB Web Site http://www.acb.org.uk Green Laboratories Work http://www.laboratorymedicine.nhs.uk List Archives http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html List Instructions (How to leave etc.) http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/