Trials structure

Participants have requested that the trial surveys offered are broken down into logical packages which allow the customer to purchase only those which are relevant to their area of interest:

QA1 Haematology screening

This is a routine haematology/haemostasis screening package which offers Hb, RCC, MCV, WCC, platelets, reticulocytes, PT, APTT and fibrinogen as the analytes. Surveys are issued every two weeks and there are 24 trials per year. Samples are dispatched on Tuesday to be tested by 11.00am on Wednesday of the following week. For non-UK participants, samples are dispatched 4 days earlier to allow more time for delivery.

Participants enter results online via the CQAS web site, which allows statistical analyses, production and reporting of a report on the same day. Participants can download their reports from the web site in a pdf file.

Rolling twelve month cumulative performance graphs are issued every 6 trials for both blood count and routine coagulation.

Scheduled blood film analysis is provided on a quarterly basis.

In addition, control calibration exercises for PT/APTT/Fibrinogen are dispatched intermittently at no extra cost.

QA2A Coagulation screening

This comprises PT, APTT and Fibrinogen estimations. It is an alternative to the full screen offered in QA1 but the distribution and reporting are identical.

Same additional control calibration exercises for PT/APTT/Fibrinogen dispatched intermittently at no extra charge.

Report as for QA1.

QA2B Blood count

This is available if required, at the same fortnightly frequency as QA1 with identical distribution and reporting.

Blood film trials also scheduled 4 times ayearat no extra cost.

Report as for QA1.

QA3 Haemoglobinopathy

The haemoglobinopathy package consists of 8 surveys per year.

These alternate on a 6 - weekly basis between quantitation and interpretation exercises. In the former, participants are asked to carry out two assays of HbA2, two of HbF and one of HbS.

The interpretation exercise involves screening an unknown sample, looking at data supplied and utilizing this data along with clinical details to suggest the likely abnormality.

Report issued within 7 days of the closing date.

QA4 Factor assays

This package consists of 8 surveys per year. Two samples for Factor VIII and one for Factor IX assay are dispatched on a six weekly basis. Assays for other coagulation factors (e.g. X, XII) are provided at less frequent intervals at no extra charge.

Within the cost of this package, participants may also register for von Willebrand Factor Antigen and, if performed in the laboratory, Ristocetin Co-Factor. Three samples for von Willebrand Factor Antigen and, if required, 3 for Ristocetin Co-Factor are dispatched every 12 weeks with a 4 week closing date to allow for batch testing.

Report issued within 7 days of closing date.

QA5 Capillary Anticoagulation Control (Near Patient Testing)

This package is designed for the users of a variety of near-patient testing systems such as CoaguChek S, XS, Thrombotest and Manchester Capillary Reagent. One sample is distributed every month with suitable reconstitution fluids and test method dependent on instrument/reagent combinations. A rapid-turnaround of results is employed. Samples represent a variety of anticoagulation intensities and are provided as freeze-dried plasmas with instructions on how to standardize their usage in a "whole blood" procedure. These are instrument-specific. A number of GP practices take part in this package.

Report issued within 5 days of closing date.

QA6 Thrombosis screen

Two samples for antithrombin estimations and one each for protein C and protein S are distributed four times per year. This package has a 4 week closing date to allow for batch testing. Analysis includes assessment of all method principles.

Report issued within 7 days of closing date.

QA7 Plasma viscosity

Two samples are distributed every four weeks.

Report issued within 2 days of closing date.

Rolling twelve month cumulative performance graphs are issued every 3 trials.

QA8 D-dimer

Two liquid samples distributed four times per year.

This package has a 2 week closing date.

Analysis includes assessment of all quantitative methodologies.

Report issued within 7 days of closing date.

QA9 Lupus Anticoagulant

Two lyophilised samples distributed four times per year.

Analysis includes assessment of all quantitative methodologies.

Report issued within 7 days of closing date.

QA10 Comparative Plasma

Where by six plasma samples previously sent as trials can be dispatched with peer group comparison data.

This is a one off supply of plasma of a given parameter to be discussed with the scheme prior to dispatch.

(This package is subject to sample availability.)