ACCREDITATION STATUS:

UKAS accredited - Proficiency testing provider No. 7804

This programme is operated by UK NEQAS Leucocyte Immunophenotyping. The centre provides flow cytometry and molecular haematology based programmes. For further information on the operation of the programme or details on current accreditation status please contact UK NEQAS Leucocyte Immunophenotyping directly.

Email: admin@ukneqasli.co.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 114 267 3600

CLINICAL APPLICATION:

Detection of PNH populations to aid in diagnosis and monitoring therapy

PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:

To assess a laboratory's ability to detect and quantify PNH red cells, neutrophils and monocytes.

ANALYTES:

Analyte	Default Unit
cd14	Presence/absence of a PNH population and percentage size of population
cd15	Presence/absence of a PNH population and percentage size of population
cd157	Presence/absence of a PNH population and percentage size of population
cd235a	Presence/absence of a PNH population and percentage size of population
cd24	Presence/absence of a PNH population and percentage size of population
cd64	Presence/absence of a PNH population and percentage size of population
flaer	Presence/absence of a PNH population and percentage size of population

PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:

Results are entered online via the UK NEQAS LI website. Trials are live for 3 weeks. Results can be entered at any time during this period. Under exceptional circumstances late results are accepted at our discretion via email/fax.

DATA ANALYSIS:

Quantitative and qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis is based on the percentage PNH clone size within the red blood cell, neutrophil and monocyte populations. Qualitative analysis is based on the consensus opinion of the presence/absence of a PNH clone within the red blood cell, neutrophil and monocyte populations.

PERFORMANCE SCORING:

Scoring is based on the consensus opinion of the qualitative analysis. An out of consensus results for clone present/absent is classed as a 'Critical' result, requiring immediate investigation by the laboratory. A non return of results is classed as an 'Action' for each sample. Two 'Actions' within 3 samples is classed as a 'Critical'.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING:

Participant performance is monitored by means of a rolling n+1 sample window where n equals the number of samples per trial issue.

PERSISTENT POOR PERFORMANCE:

Three 'Critical' classifications in a 12 month period are classed as Persistent Unsatisfactory Performance.