Immunohematology Proficiency Testing Program

Instructions

Laboratories must participate in proficiency testing for each category and analyte for which the laboratory seeks or currently holds a permit. Proficiency test specimens should be introduced into the routine workflow of the laboratory and analyzed using procedures that are routinely employed for clinical specimens.

Specimens should be stored at 1-6°C when not in use. It is strongly recommended that testing be performed as soon as possible to allow time to request replacement specimens, if necessary. If specimens are not received within five business days of the mailout date, the specimens are received in unsatisfactory condition, or the shipment is incomplete, please contact the Immunohematology PT Program at (518) 485-5341.

The testing kit includes five "whole blood" specimens for ABO, Subgroups of A, Rh, Rh phenotype, direct antiglobulin testing (DAT), unexpected antibody detection, antibody identification and compatibility testing, if performed. One additional "whole blood" specimen is provided as the "blood unit" for laboratories that perform compatibility testing. The specimens were found to be negative when tested for infectious disease markers, but should be handled with the same precautions used for handling patient specimens.

For purposes of this exam:

• Subgroups of A – blood that does not react with anti-A1 lectin should be reported as A2 or A₂B, as appropriate.
• Direct Antiglobulin Test – report the results for all AHG reagents employed by the laboratory, i.e., polyspecific, IgG, and/or complement, as indicated.
• Rh Group – report "Rh positive" if weak D testing is positive.
• Rh phenotype – anti-e testing is required only if anti-E testing is positive.
• Antibody Identification – when entering results in the EPTRS, line 1 is a required field; lines 2 and 3 are not required fields and an entry should only be made if more than one antibody is identified. Antibodies that cannot be ruled out should be entered in the column "Other Suspected Antibodies, Not Excluded."
• Compatibility testing – specimens 1-5 represent "recipient blood" and should be crossmatched with specimen 6, which represents a "blood unit."

Test results must be entered and submitted electronically via the EPTRS. To access the Health Commerce System go to: https://commerce.health.state.ny.us. When logged into the Portal, please note "My Applications" on the left side of the page. Individuals with access to EPTRS should select "EPTRS" under the heading "My Applications." If you are unable to access EPTRS, contact the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP) at clepeptrs@health.state.ny.us.

The Proficiency Test results "Summary Page" must be printed and attestation statement signed by:

1. The Laboratory Director or the responsible Assistant Director AND
2. The Delegated Submitter (if applicable) AND
3. The Analyst(s) performing the testing.

The signed Summary Page should be kept at the laboratory; signatures may be verified during the next on-site survey.

The Close Date for submission of Proficiency Test results is provided online with each test event. Failure to submit results by midnight Eastern Time on the published Close Date will result in a score of zero and test event failure. An annual schedule of test events and Close Dates are available at www.wadsworth.org/labcert/clep/PT/PTschedule.htm.

If there are any questions or if extenuating circumstances prevent the timely return of results, please contact the Immunohematology PT Program at (518) 485-5341 at least 24 hours prior to the submission deadline.