Saturday, December 10, 2022

Basic Requirements for NABL Accreditation of Biochemistry Laboratory

 


BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY

NABL ACCREDITATION BASIC REQUIREMENTS

(Small Sized Laboratory, Less than 100 Patients Per day)

 

1.     Designate/Appointment of Lab Director, Quality Manager, Technical Manager.

2.  Quality Manager should obtain internal Auditor Certification for standard ISO 15189:2012.

3.  Appointment of Authorized Signatory for signing of patient test reports (MD Biochemistry/MD Pathology/ PhD Biochemistry)

4.  Minimum three DMLT / B.Sc (Lifescience - Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Microbiology) qualified staff with experience in biochemistry sample testing & reporting.

5.  Daily minimum 2 Levels of IQC Material Testing before patient sample testing. Records to be maintained.

6.  Deep Freezer (-20 degree Celsius) for storage of reconstituted IQC Materials.

7.  Before submission of NABL ApplicationAt least Two cycles of EQAS participation reports required for the scope of  tests applied. Suggested EQAS program in india are  CMC (Vellore)/RML EQAS/Metropolis EQAS Plus Program/Biorad EQAS/Randox- RIQAS etc.,). https://mindemits.blogspot.com/2021/01/pt-eqa-providers-medical-testing-in.html

8.     Fully Automated Analyser with necessary backup analyser (or) MoU with nearby NABL Accredited lab (with scope of Biochemistry) in case of breakdown/reagent un-availability. Automated Analyser required IQ/OQ/PQ & Calibration Certificate.

9.   Separate Refrigerator for storage of patient samples for 24 hours. 

10.  For All scope of tests required test method verification (at yearly basis) – Precision (Within Day & Between Day) /Accuracy Comparison /Carry-over testing.

11.  Reporting the critical alert results and record the results in critical alert record.

12.  One round of Internal Audit (as per ISO 15189:2012 & NABL 112) & Management Review should be conducted before submitting NABL Application.

13.  Monitor the room temperature & humidity by using Digital Thermo hygrometer.

14.  Reagent Grade Distilled Water for Automated Analyser/QC Reconstitution

    15.  Separate Area for Sample Collection Facility (with privacy & proper arm rest chair for phlebotomy) & Patient Waiting Area.

16.  Equipment Calibration frequency :

  • Centrifuges - Every 12 months with NABL Accredited Calibration lab.  
  • Micropipettes – Initial manufacturer certificate and calibration checks for every 12 months with NABL Accredited Calibration Service Provider
  • Temperature monitoring devices – Every 12 months with NABL Accredited Calibration Service Provider.
  • Refrigerator/Freezers - Every 12 months with NABL Accredited Calibration Service Provider
  • Automated Analyser – Every 12 months/ Recommended by manufacturer.

17.   Documents/SOPs Requirement.

  • Quality Manual (as per ISO 15189:2012) 
  • Quality System Procedures (as per ISO 15189:2012) 
  • Primary Sample Collection Manual (with addressing Blood sample collection procedure for Biochemistry) 
  • Lab Safety Manual 
  • Test SOPs for the NABL scope of Accreditation (as per clause 5.5 of ISO 15189:2012) 
  • Risk Assessment Report (on annual basis) 
  • Quality Indicators Report (on Monthly basis) 
  • Laboratory Contingency Plan 
  • List of Approved Suppliers & Supplier Evaluation (on annual basis)

 

18. Following are key records with update of minimum of 3 to 6 months patient data.

·         Test Request Form

·         Sample Receiving Record / can be captured in LIS.

·         Sample Rejection Record

·         Analyte Calibration Log

·         IQC Record

·         IQC Corrective Action Record

·         EQAS File

·         Critical Results/Alert Reporting Record

·         Repeat Testing Record

·         Advisory Service Record

·         Revised Reports file

·         Reagent Lot Verification

·         Stock Record

·         Equipment Maintenance Log

·         Daily Temperature Log (Room, Refrigerator, Deep Freezer)

·         Process Non-conformance Record

·         Sample Storage & Discard Record

·         Incident / Accident Record

·    Personal Records (Appointment Letter, Job Description, Educational Certificates, Training record, Competency Evaluation, Vaccination) 

                            .        Record of Customer complaints and Feed backs 


PREPARED BY

V.SELVAM, M.Sc

Mobile : 9940014466

Email : selvamqms@gmail.com

This is my digital business card: https://www.dibiz.com/selvammindemits

 

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

PT / EQA Providers (Medical Testing) - Details and Registration weblinks, Year 2021

 EQA/PT PROVIDERS (MEDICAL TESTING) - DETAILS/REGISTRATION 2021 - Web links :

(INDIA & INTERNATIONAL PROVIDERS IN INDIA)

PT EQA MEDICAL TESTIGN


CMC EQAS (Vellore) - Biochemistry

Disciplines Scope : Clinical Chemistry, Thyroid Hormones, Cortisol, HbA1c, Reproductive Hormones, Biochemical Markers For Downs Screening , Urine Chemistry,  Tumor Markers

NABL Scope  (ISO 17043) https://nabl-india.org/nabl/file_download.php?filename=4280.doc

http://home.cmcvellore.ac.in/clinqc/aboutRegistration.aspx


ISHTM CMC EQAS (Vellore) - Haemostasis & Transfusion Medicine

Disciplines Scope : Haemostasis (PT, APTT, TT, Factor VII, Factor IX, VWF:AG,VWF:RCO, Fibrinogen),  Transfusion Medicine (Blood Grouping & Typing, Direct Coombs and Indirect Coombs test, Compatibility test, Antibody Screening , Antibody Identification, Transfusion Transmissible Infections Screen Module (serology – HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis and malaria –smear), Donor Haemoglobin Screen

https://www.cmceqas.org/registration.php


CMC EQAS - Microbiology & Virology, Vellore

https://iammeqascmc.org/

http://microbiology.iammeqascmc.org/home/enrolment

http://virology.iammeqascmc.org/credential/register


RML Quality Assurance Program (RML-QAP), Lucknow

Disciplines Scope : Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology, Haematology, Urine Routine Analysis, Histopathology, Cytopathology, Serology, HbA1c

NABL Scope  (ISO 17043) http://13.127.105.244/nabl/file_download.php?filename=5009.doc

http://www.rmlpathology.com/quality-assurance-program

http://www.rmlpathology.com/theme/web/core/rml/images/document/participant-manual.pdf


ISHTM AIIMS EQAS (New Delhi), Haematology (CBC & PS)

NABL Scope  (ISO 17043) http://13.127.105.244/nabl/file_download.php?filename=6679.doc

https://www.ishtmaiimseqap.com/assets/front/images/instructions.pdf

https://www.ishtmaiimseqap.com/register


NEUBERG ANAND ACADEMY OF LABORATORY MEDICINE – QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME (NeuQAP), Banglore

Disciplines Scope Biochemistry, Special Chemistry , Hematology , Serology, Extended Serology, ACP , Histopathology , Cytogenetics , immunopathology , HbA1c

NABL Scope  (ISO 17043) https://nabl-india.org/CertificateFile/PTP.php?appid=MTIzMTE=&check=lbanelif&Phase=MA==

https://www.neu-qap.com/LabRegistration.aspx


BIORAD - EQAS, USA

https://www.qcnet.com/

https://classic.qcnet.com/signUp/addUser.asp?lci=en


RANDOX - RIQAS, United Kingdom

http://riqasconnect.randox.com/riqas/Default.asp

http://riqasconnect.randox.com/riqas/documents/en-inst.pdf



PREPARED BY

Mr.V.SELVAM, M.Sc

Mobile : 9940014466

Email : selvamqms@gmail.com

https://www.dibiz.com/selvammindemits

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Molecular Testing Lab - Floor Plan Design (Medical Testing Lab for RT-PCR RNA Virus/ COVID-19) and ICMR Approval Requirements for Covid-19 Testing Lab

ICMR (India) was giving approval for RT-PCR Testing labs for Covid 19 Testing based on NABL Accreditation (for Private Labs) and Personnel & Infrastructure requirements.

NABL launched online portal for "NABL Accreditation for medical testing laboratories of RT-PCR RNA Virus/ COVID-19". Accreditation was being provided  within 10 days of sending online application through online assessment (through Zoom app). Lab needs to get NABL Accredited for any one Infectious RNA Virus - RT PCR Tests (Such as HCV, HIV, Dengue).

Hereby provided basic layout without measurement for molecular testing Lab for RT-PCR Testing of RNA Virus. 

Below provided layout can be used as basic reference for designing the molecular testing lab for medical diagnostics.

Covid 19 Lab, RT PCR Lab Layout


Note : For TrueNat or Catridge based PCR Methods, PCR Master mix & Template Addition rooms may not required. However contact the manufacturer representatives before start of infrastructure work for PCR Lab.

Note :  ICMR Providing Expedited Approval ( within 7 days) for Covid 19 Testing based on submitting Lab Details and NABL Application copy For TrueNat or CBNAAT PCR Equipment's. Lab should get NABL Accredited and Scope & Accreditation Certificate copy should be submitted to ICMR within 4 weeks from the date of  Provisional Approval for Covid 19 RT PCR Testing.



ICMR  Approval Requirements for Setting up a Real Time PCR Testing Facility for Covid -19

Staff , Equipment and Consumables Requirements 
(Excerpts from "ICMR - Application invited from Govt & Private Medical Colleges for setting up Covid-19 testing facility, date 8.4.2020")


Staff Requirements :

    A. Availability of following minimum staff: 

          Medical Microbiologists – 1 or more with experience of work in Molecular                                  Virology. 
           
         Technicians – At least 4-6 (2-3/shift) with relevant experience of work in                                      Molecular Virology.
          
          Multi-Task Staff – 1 or more for washing / cleaning 

    B. Desired expertise of the staff: 
          
         Good understanding of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, trained for                                     handling respiratory samples for viral diagnosis, RNA extraction and real-time                          PCR.

         Experience of work in virology and handling clinical specimens, especially                                respiratory samples. 


Equipment's : 
  • Biosafety cabinet (BSC) class 2A or 2B2 (calibrated)
  • -20 °C deep freezer with UPS, for storage of reagents (primers/ probes/ positive controls) 
  • -80°C deep freezer with UPS, for storage of aliquoted samples/ viral RNA in cryovials 
  • 4°C refrigerator (for storage of viral transport medium, and for short term storage of samples and extracted RNA)
  • UPS (2 nos., 2KVA each, with 2 hours back-up, for real time PCR instrument and nucleic acid extraction systems – if not available, then to be carried);  and confirm about power backup for the two deep freezers (check about duration of power outages, if any)
  • Real-time PCR machine 
  • Microcentrifuge / Refrigerated Centrifuge

Consumables :
  • For sample collection:  
               a. Personal protective equipment (PPE) 
               b. Viral Transport Medium (VTM) 
               c. Flocked Dacron swabs (2 swabs/ sample collection from 1 patient

  • During Processing:  
           a. Biosafety cabinet class IIA/ IIB 
           b. Personal protective equipment:  N95 masks, coveralls (protective                                               against blood and body fluids), nitrile gloves, shoe cover, head cover 
           c. Vortex mixer 
           d. Microcentrifuge (Cold centrifuge)
           e. Cryovials (2 ml)  
           f. Cryobox 
           g.Pipette aid 
           h.Disposable plastic pipettes 
           i. Sprit lamp 
           j. Forceps (if no spirit lamp, then disposable forceps for each sample) 
           k. 70 % ethanol (also required for next stage, i.e., extraction)
           l. 1% sodium hypochlorite (4% stock, to be freshly reconstituted daily to 1% with  water)                     
           m. Discarding jars 
           n. Biomedical waste disposal (BMW) bags (with ties for sealing; preferably                                     autoclavable, if discarding autoclave is available/ used locally) and bins 
           o. Iceboxes with gel packs or regular ice supply in laboratory (from                                                  icemaker) 
           p. Tube rack (15 ml tubes) 
           q. For tube / cryovial labelling - Marker pens, cellotape, or label printouts                                       (printer with label maker)

Nucleic Acid Extraction 
  • Manual extraction using kits for Viral RNA extraction: Viral RNA mini kits (Qiagen) or other viral RNA extraction kits for manual extraction  
  • 1.7 ml Eppendorf tubes (separate ones also required for next step) 
  • Cryovial/ Eppendorf tube rack (separate ones also required for next step) 
  • Microcentrifuge (small equipment) 
  • Micropipettes- 100-1000ul, 20-200ul (additional separate micropipettes of required volumes also listed for next stage, i.e. real time PCR) 
  • Filter barrier tips: 1000ul, 200ul 
  • Tissue rolls 
  • Hand sanitizers 
  • Biohazard labels 

 Real Time PCR
  • Real time PCR machine (open system) – calibrated for the fluorophore dyes which are present on the probes .
  • Reagents for setting up Real-time
           PCR primers and probes specific for SARS-CoV2 targets 
           PCR master mix reagents (e.g., Thermo Fisher/ Invitrogen AgPath/ Superscript III Platinum real time PCR reagents) with buffer and enzyme                         

  • PCR Reagents
             Primers for E gene screening and  
             Probes for E gene screening and RDRP/ ORF 1b targets 
             PCR Buffer and enzyme mix  o Positive contro

  •  PCR workstations – 1 for mastermix preparation; 1 for RNA addition 
  •  Cryovial racks 
  •  PCR tubes/ PCR plates 
  •  PCR plate adhesive seals and plate sealer 
  •  Micropipettes- 0.5-10ul (2 nos., 1 for PCR master mix and 1 for RNA addition), 2-20ul,20-200ul 
  •  Filter barrier tips – 10ul, 20ul, 200ul 
  •  Microspin (small equipment) 
  •  Plate centrifuge (small equipment) 
  •  Electronic micropipette (optional small equipment, but convenient and reduces time duration of testing) 
  •  Nuclease free water - for PCR 
  •  RNaseP 

NABL Guidelines for Storage of Molecular Testing Specimens :
(NABL 112 Guideline, Issue 4, Issue Date 11.2.2019)

Test/Sample

Minimum Retention  Period & Storage Conditions

DNA

5 Years at -20°C

2 Years at -20°C for infectious disease molecular Testing

Extracted RNA

5 Years at -70°C

2 Years at -70°C for infectious disease molecular Testing




Source Reference :
1. https://www.icmr.gov.in/ctestlab.html
2. https://nabl-india.org/
3. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/249549


POSTED BY: 

Mr.V.SELVAM, M.Sc (Biochemistry)
Consultant - ISO 9001 & NABL (ISO 15189 & ISO 17025)
Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
✆ +91-9940014466


Friday, May 22, 2020

QC Rejection Rules (Westagard Rules) in Simplified Table

Internal quality control results are monitored by using Levy Jennings Chart (LJ Chart / Control chart) with applicable westgard rules.  Herewith i provided the five basic  westgard rules in simplified table to make decision on Accepting/Rejecting the QC run. 

Laboratory professionals can download the below  table (download link provided) and displayed as poster in respective lab sections for easy reference.

qcrules

When a rule is violated :

Warning Rule = use another rules to inspect the control points

Rejection Rule = "Out of Control"
  • Stop Testing
  • Search for recent events that could have caused changes
  • Examine environmental conditions.
  • Identify and correct problem
  • Repeat  testing on patient samples and controls
  • Follow manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide
  • Refer to instructions of manufacturers of equipment, reagents or QC / calibrator
  • Do not report patient samples until problem is solved and controls indicate  proper performance

Points of QC Failures : 
  • Instrument Failure:  
    • Check for error messages (printed or displayed). 
    • Refer to the troubleshooting section of the instrument manual. 
  • Reagent, Quality Control Materials, Calibrators: 
    • In correct reconstitution, i.e. wrong or contaminated diluent or use of the wrong volume of diluent. 
    • In correct storage, e.g. left at room temperature for excessive amount of time. – Prepare fresh (allow enough time to dissolve) 
    • NOTE: Bulk liquid reagents may be contaminated. 
  • Human: 
    • Reread the method 
    • Check whether the correct sample volumes or reagents were used.
    •  Make sure that a step in the procedure was not missed. 
    • Were the correct parameters entered?

Mr.V.SELVAM, M.Sc (Biochemistry)
Consultant - ISO 9001 & NABL (ISO 15189 & ISO 17025)
Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
✆ +91-9940014466

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Biorad & Randox - QC Product Comparison Review (Lyophilized Clinical Chemistry Control)

BIORAD RANDOX QC


Biorad(USA) & Randox (UK) QC are preferred third party Internal Quality Control (IQC) materials in worldwide. They are major key players in the global IVD quality control market. Herewith provided comparison review of Lyophilized Clinical Chemistry Control Material based on product details & kit literature published in their webportal.

The comparison will be useful for Lab Directors,Clinical Biochemists,Medical Biochemists & Medical laboratory professionals to choose easily their QC materials according to Equipment & Test Scope.

S.No
Particulars
Biorad (USA)
Randox (UK)
1.      
Product Name
Lyphochek - Assayed Chemistry Control
Acusera – Assayed Chemistry Premium Plus Control
2.      
Product Code
Level 1 : C-310-5
Level 2 : C-315-5
Bilevel MiniPak : 313X
Level 2 : HN1530
Level 3 : HE1532
Level 2 & Level 3 : HS2611
3.      
Matrix Type
Human Serum ,
Lyophilized
Human Serum,
Lyophilized
4.      
QC Levels
Level 1 (Normal),
Level 2 (Abnormal)
Level 2 (Normal),
Level 3 (High)
5.      
Available Pack Sizes
12 × 5 mL – Level 1
12 × 5 mL – Level 2
02 × 5 mL – Level 1 & Level 2
20× 5 mL – Level 2
20× 5 mL – Level 3
2× 5×5 mL – Level 2 & Level 3
6.      
Shelf life
3 Years
4 Years
7.      
Reconstituted Stability @ 15ºC
Not Provided
8 hours
8.      
Reconstituted Stability @ Refrigeration (2-8 ºC)
7 Days
 Except :
- T3 (Free), Acid Phosphatase (Total) and Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) – 3 Days
7 Days
 Except:
- Bilirubin & Total PSA – 4 days
- NEFA – 1 day
9.      
Reconstituted Stability @ Frozen (-10 to - 20ºC)
30 Days
 Except :
- Tobramycin : 20 Days
- T3 (Free) : 10 Days
28 Days
 Note :
After stabilization Total and Prostatic Acid Phosphatase is stable for 2 hours at +15°C to +25°C, 2 days at +2°C to +8°C, and 28 days when frozen once at –18°C to –24°C.
10.   
Reconstituting Material
Distilled Water
Distilled Water
11.   
QC Target/Range
+/- 3 SD
+/- 2SD
12.   
Total No of Analytes
80 Analytes
70 Analytes




S.No
ANALYTES LIST
Biorad (USA)
Lyphochek - Assayed Chemistry Control
Randox (UK)
Acusera – 
Assayed Chemistry Premium Plus Control
1.      
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin
2.      
Alpha-1-Globulin (Electrophoresis)
3.      
Alpha-2-Globulin (Electrophoresis)
4.      
Alpha-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase (αHBDH)
5.      
Acetaminophen

6.      
Acid Phosphatase (Total)
7.      
Acid Phosphatase (Prostatic)
8.      
Acid Phosphatase (Non-Prostatic)
9.      
Alphafetoprotein (AFP)
10.   
Albumin
11.   
Albumin (Electrohoresis)
12.   
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
13.   
ALT/SGPT
14.   
Amylase
15.   
Amylase (Alpha)
16.   
Amylase (Pancreatic)
17.   
Apolipoprotein A-1
18.   
Apolipoprotein B
19.   
AST/SGOT
20.   
Beta-1-Globulin (Electrophoresis)
21.   
Bile Acids
22.   
Bilirubin (Direct)
23.   
Bilirubin (Indirect)
Bilirubin (Total)
24.   
Calcium
25.   
Calcium (Ionized)
26.   
Carbamazepine
27.   
CEA
28.   
Ceruloplasmin
29.   
Chloride
30.   
Cholesterol (HDL)
31.   
Cholesterol (LDL)
32.   
Cholesterol (Total)
33.   
Cholinesterase
34.   
CO2
35.   
Complement C3
36.   
Complement C4
*
37.   
Copper
38.   
Cortisol
39.   
Creatine Kinase (CK)
40.   
Creatinine
41.   
D-3-Hydroxybutyrate
42.   
Digoxin
43.   
Folate
44.   
Gentamicin
45.   
GGT
46.   
GLDH
47.   
Globulin
48.   
Gamma-Globulin (Electrophoresis)
49.   
Glucose
50.   
Haptoglobin
51.   
hCG-β Subunit
52.   
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
53.   
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
54.   
Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
55.   
Iron
56.   
Iron (UIBC)
57.   
Lactate (Lactic Acid)
58.   
LAP-Arylamidase
59.   
LDH
60.   
Lipase
61.   
Lithium
62.   
Magnesium
63.   
NEFA
64.   
Osmolality
65.   
Paracetamol
66.   
PAP
67.   
Phenobarbital
68.   
Phenytoin
69.   
Phosphorus
70.   
Potassium
71.   
Protein Electrophoresis
72.   
Protein Total
73.   
Protein (Total) PSA
74.   
Salicylate
75.   
Sodium
76.   
T3 (Free)
77.   
T3 (Total)
78.   
T3 Uptake/T-Uptake
79.   
T4 (Free)
80.   
T4 (Total)
81.   
TBG
82.   
Theophylline
83.   
Tobramycin
84.   
Transferrin
85.   
Triglycerides
86.   
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
87.   
TIBC
88.   
Urea
89.   
Urea Nitrogen
90.   
Uric Acid
91.   
Valproic Acid
92.   
Vancomycin
93.   
Vitamin B12
94.   
Zinc


Note :  * No Claim is made for expected value or stability





S.No
INSTRUMENTS LIST
Biorad (USA)
Lyphochek - 
Assayed Chemistry Control
Randox (UK)
Acusera – 
Assayed Chemistry Premium Plus Control
1.      
ABAXIS-PICCOLO
2.      
ABX PENTRA 400
3.      
ABBOTT ARCHITECT cSYSTEMS
4.      
BECKMAN COULTER ACCESS / 2 / 2i
5.      
BECKMAN COULTER AU SYSTEMS
6.      
BECKMAN COULTER SYNCRON/UniCel DxC SERIES
7.      
BIOSYSTEMS A15
8.      
BIOSYSTEMS A25
9.      
BIOTECHNICA/WIENER BT & CB SERIES
10.   
ELITECH/VITALAB SELECTRA SERIES
11.   
ILAB 600 /650 /ARIES/TAURUS
12.   
KONELAB 20/30/60/THERMO SCIENTIFIC INDIKO PLUS
13.   
MINDRAY BS-200/300/400
14.   
ORTHO VITROS SERIES
15.   
ROCHE / HITACHI COBAS C SYSTEMS
16.   
ROCHE COBAS INTEGRA
17.   
RANDOX RX SERIES
18.   
SIEMENS ADVIA CENTAUR CP
19.   
SIEMENS ADVIA CENTAUR SYSTEMS
20.   
SIEMENS ADVIA CHEMISTRY SYSTEMS
21.   
SIEMENS ATELLICA CHEMISTRY SYSTEMS
22.   
SIEMENS BN SERIES NEPHELOMETERS
23.   
SIEMENS DIMENSION SERIES
24.   
SIEMENS DIMENSION VISTA SYSTEMS
25.   
SIEMENS IMMULITE / IMMULITE 1000
26.   
SIEMENS IMMULITE 2000 / 2000 XPi


Note: Target Values can be obtained from “Method List” for Equipment not listed.
Note: Target Values can be obtained from “Mean of All Instruments” for Equipment not listed.

Source Reference :
https://www.bio-rad.com/
https://www.randox.com/




POSTED BY: 

Mr.V.SELVAM, M.Sc (Biochemistry)
Consultant - ISO 9001 & NABL (ISO 15189 & ISO 17025)
Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
+91-9940014466