PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS HAEMATOLOGY ... - Thistle QA

P.O. Box 131375, Bryanston, 2074
Ground Floor, Block 5
Bryanston Gate, 170 Curzon Road
Bryanston, Johannesburg, South Africa
804 Flatrock, Buiten Street, Cape Town, 8001
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
HAEMATOLOGY – CYCLE 40
Expiry date: 2015-­‐03
www.thistle.co.za
Tel: +27 (011) 463 3260
Fax: +27 (011) 463 3036
Fax to Email: + 27 (0) 86-­‐557-­‐2232
e-­‐mail : service@thistle.co.za
PI-­‐006
Please check your kit upon arrival and call Thistle immediately if there are any problems with your kit
or samples. We will advise you on the correct protocol to follow.
Introduction:
Method questionnaires are available for all the international Thistle programmes. It is important to read and understand this
document. If you have any queries please contact Thistle QA immediately for assistance.
Method Questionnaire Instructions:
This is available on our website or on request from Thistle QA.
Method changes or new laboratories – take note of the information below:
The method questionnaire should be completed and a copy retained by you for your records. Ensure that you complete the
method questionnaire in full. Your details will help us to classify your results correctly and thus provide you with useful
statistical data.
The Method questionnaire consists of two separate documents:
i. A list of laboratory analysers and supplier names, each with a numeric code, in order for you to select a code for
each analyte. This document is called the Instrument and Suppliers list.
ii.
The method questionnaire, which indicates the method codes available for each parameter along with the standard
unit indicated
On the method questionnaire, for each parameter you run, please tick the method appropriate to your lab. State your
instrument code, reagent code, and the units that you use in your laboratory only if they are different to the standard units
indicated. If codes are not available for your assay, please state the details of your method clearly in the section at the end of
the questionnaire.
Characteristics:
Your pack contains 6 x 2ml whole blood samples composed of human erythrocytes, mammalian leukocytes and platelets
suspended in a plasma-­‐like fluid with preservatives. The vials are labelled with a cycle and sample number.
Because of the nature of the material and stability thereof, the samples will be supplied every 3 months.
Factors that could influence the testing of the sample
Important: Vials should be stored at 2 – 8 °C in an upright position
Each batch of samples is stable for 3 months when stored unopened at 2 – 8 ˚C.
Opened tubes are stable for 2 days provided they are handled correctly as below.
Protect tubes from overheating and freezing -­‐ Please take care to ensure that the box does not come into contact with the
freezer plate at the back of the fridge, as this causes haemolysis.
Incomplete mixing of the tube prior to analysis invalidates both the sample withdrawn and any remaining material in the
tube.
Indications of Deterioration
After mixing, product should be similar in appearance to fresh whole blood. In unmixed tubes, the supernatant may appear
cloudy and reddish; this is normal and does not indicate deterioration. Other discoloration, very dark red supernatant may
indicate deterioration. Do not use the product if deterioration is suspected.
Do not shake the vial.
Please treat as a routine patient sample.
Thistle QA is a SANAS accredited organisation, No: PTS0001
Accredited to ISO 17043
Certificate available on request or at www.sanas.co.za Page 1 of 2

P.O. Box 131375, Bryanston, 2074
Ground Floor, Block 5
Bryanston Gate, 170 Curzon Road
Bryanston, Johannesburg, South Africa
804 Flatrock, Buiten Street, Cape Town, 8001
www.thistle.co.za
Tel: +27 (011) 463 3260
Fax: +27 (011) 463 3036
Fax to Email: + 27 (0) 86-­‐557-­‐2232
e-­‐mail : service@thistle.co.za
PI-­‐006
Preparation:
1. Allow the vial to warm at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing.
2. Mix the sample by holding the tube horizontally between the palms of the hands. Do not pre-­‐mix on a mechanical
mixer.
3. Roll the vial between your palms for 20 -­‐ 30 seconds, occasionally inverting the tube. Mix vigorously, but DO NOT
SHAKE.
4. Continue to mix in this manner until the red cells are completely suspended. Tubes stored for a long time may
require extra mixing.
5. Gently invert the tube 8 -­‐ 10 times immediately before analysing the sample.
6. After sampling
a) Automatic sample handling: remove the tube from the sample handler immediately after sampling.
b) Manual sample handling: Carefully wipe the rim of the tube and cap with a lint free tissue and replace the cap.
7. Return the tube to the refrigerator within 30 minutes after use.
Safety:
Warning: Potentially Biohazardous Material
Each donor has been tested and found to be negative for HbsAg, Anti-­‐HCV, HCV (RNA), HIV-­‐1 and HIV-­‐1/2. Each donor is also
found to be negative for Syphilis (RPR or STS). For complete protection exercise the normal precautions required for handling
laboratory specimens. Dispose of used samples as you would patient samples.
Return of Results:
Each of the samples has a number printed on the label. We recommend analysis dates as shown below. Please send your
results at the latest on the final cut-­‐off dates given below. If the recommended analysis date does not allow you to get
results to us on time, please analyse earlier. Use the correct dates for the sample numbers in the kit sent to your laboratory.
If in doubt, please contact Thistle immediately for assistance. No results will be accepted after the final cut-­‐off date.
Additional Notes:
Web site submission is available – please enter via web site using the user name and password given to you by Thistle QA.
EDI system users must work through their relevant QA Divisions to ensure that results are imported in due time.
The reports will be posted / e-­‐mailed within 7-­‐10 working days after the FINAL cut-­‐off date.
Collusion and/or falsification of EQA results are not good accreditation practice.
Return Dates for Results
Haematology
Sample No: Analysis Dates: Final Cut-­‐off Dates:
7 08 December 2014 15 December 2014
8 22 December 2014 29 December 2014
9 05 January 2015 12 January 2015
10 19 January 2015 26 January 2015
11 02 February 2015 09 February 2015
12 16 February 2015 23 February 2015
Thistle QA is a SANAS accredited organisation, No: PTS0001
Accredited to ISO 17043
Certificate available on request or at www.sanas.co.za Page 2 of 2