Persistent Unsatisfactory Performance (PUP)
Three unsatisfactory performances in five trials or five issues of a particular parameter is judged as PUP. This can be any combination in 3 of unsatisfactory results or non returns without explanation. In multi-parameter analyses, each parameter is evaluated separatelye.g. in FBC trials PUP could be 3 MCV results with DI values greater than 2.0. However, one RBC with DI>2., then one MCV>2.0 and one WBC>2.0 DI is not PUP.
PUP is judged on a roll-on basis and where no further action has been undertaken by the participant to investigate and amend unsatisfactory performance.
The participant is contacted by the Scheme Organiser who will re-state the details of the unsatisfactory performances and request what investigations or actions are being undertaken to resolve the unsatisfactory performances or an explanation of the cause if already known. A further offer of assistance will be made.
The participant must reply to the Scheme Organiser within 2 weeks stating what actions or on-going investigations are being taken to resolve the highlighted problem.
Where there is an analytical problem deemed, by the Scheme, to be a manufacturer issue, the participant will be asked to keep the Scheme updated on any intervention by the manufacturer and can, if requested, intervene on behalf of the participant.
The participant will also be informed that the Scheme will pass details of the PUP status on to the National Quality Assurance Advisory Panel (UK). Laboratory identity will be disclosed to NQAAP but the laboratory code will remain anonymous.