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FACTOR VIII ASSAY PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT: EXPERIENCE IN THE UK
Author(s) -
Thomson Jean M.,
Poller Leon
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0036-553X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1984.tb02771.x
Subject(s) - stage (stratigraphy) , reagent , reliability (semiconductor) , factor (programming language) , test (biology) , medicine , coagulation , chromatography , chemistry , reliability engineering , gastroenterology , biology , computer science , engineering , physics , paleontology , power (physics) , quantum mechanics , programming language
Factor VIII:C assays have been regularly included in the UK (NEQAS) in blood coagulation programme since 1980. Test plasmas with mild or moderate defects of Factor VIII:C, together with plasmas containing normal Factor VIII:C levels have been included. The aim in their selection has been to provide sufficient challenge to ascertain the reliability of individual laboratories' Factor VIII:C assays. Centres employing uncalibrated “home‐pool” reference plasmas have obtained significantly lower results than users of the British Standard, on plasmas with Factor VIII:C levels within the normal range. The majority (almost 90%) of participants employ a one‐stage assay technique. Results on normal plasma using a two‐stage technique have been significantly lower than those performed by a one‐stage method. There were no consistent differences between results obtained with manual and automated techniques. Results with Dade reagent have been significantly higher than those from other phospholipid reagents, when the Factor VIII:C content has been normal. The definition of poor performance in Factor VIII:C assays is under active consideration. Various statistical approaches are suggested but the importance of the clinical relevance of the results must be taken into account in any such definition.