Bio-Rad launches new specialty immunoassay QA programme for clinical laboratories
Bio-Rad Laboratories has introduced a comprehensive external quality assurance (EQA) programme that consolidates testing for 13 specialty immunoassay analytes into a single assessment scheme. The External Quality Assurance Services (EQAS) Specialty Immunoassay (SPIA) Programme aims to streamline proficiency testing workflows whilst maintaining rigorous quality standards.
Programme coverage includes critical markers such as procalcitonin and interleukin-6 for sepsis monitoring, active vitamin B12 for anaemia assessment, and fructosamine for diabetes management. The consolidated panel enables laboratories to evaluate both normal and abnormal ranges across multiple disease states including thyroid disorders.
Laboratory efficiency considerations
The new programme addresses several practical laboratory challenges. By combining multiple specialty immunoassays into one scheme, laboratories can potentially reduce costs associated with participating in multiple separate EQA programmes. The ready-to-use liquid format aims to minimise handling errors and simplify workflow processes.
Quality assurance credentials
The programme operates under full ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation, ensuring compliance with international proficiency testing standards. This accreditation is particularly relevant for laboratories requiring documented evidence of external quality assessment for regulatory purposes.
Data management features
A notable aspect of the EQAS SPIA programme is its online platform for data submission and analysis. The system generates detailed performance reports, allowing laboratory professionals to:
• Access historical quality assurance data
• Identify areas requiring optimisation
• Monitor long-term performance trends
• Compare results against peer group data
The platform maintains participant confidentiality whilst providing comprehensive performance metrics, enabling laboratories to benchmark their analytical performance against peer institutions.
The EQAS SPIA programme represents a shift towards more integrated quality assurance solutions in clinical diagnostics, particularly for specialist immunoassay testing. By consolidating multiple analytes into a single programme, laboratories can streamline their external quality assessment processes whilst maintaining robust quality standards across various clinical testing areas.
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