Quality control for serological testing

Objectives

The quality control of serological assays remains controversial. The aim of this project was to describe the problems associated with a working model for controlling these assays and solutions, including using a source of well-defined targets and acceptable limits, a process to identify lot-to-lot reagent variation and an interpretation of the result that accounted for the clinical situation. False-negative results are problematic but can be reduced by identifying and comparing reagent lot variation with previous results.

Methods

The components of the Quality Assurance strategy are the following: Lot-to-lot reagent and calibrator variation assessment; dynamic, big-data approach to determine accurate targets and acceptable limits for manufacturer-provided QC material; negative QC monitoring process; use of commutable EQA with a sufficient method subgroup size to assess bias; clinical assessment of any statistically flagged error; and provision of support to the clinician for the interpretation of results.

Results

The model described has been used for twelve months, and acceptable variation has been maintained.

Conclusions

The paper presents a solution that emphasizes the early detection of reagent lot variation and patient risk rather than instrument control.

Reducing the risk of a false result to patients requires optimal assay quality control and an effective mechanism to support the clinician’s use of these results in diagnosis and monitoring. The problems of serological assays are well-known, but there remain few integrated solutions in the literature.