1 – Program overview

This external quality assessment program evaluates the different methods for detecting circulating anticoagulants. The main commercial reagents are represented.

Statistical reports are sent with supporting comments from the expert clinical biologists / program coordinators.

Participating labs can choose to be assessed for all the analytes of this program, or simply a subset of analytes of interest.

2 – Assessment frequency

Number of surveys per year: 4
Number of control samples per survey: 2
Number of samples per year: 8

3 – List of analytes assessed 

• aPTT
• Mixing test
• Rosner index
• Normalised sensitive/insensitive aPTT ratio
• Dilute Russell’s viper venom test (dRVVT screening and confirmation)
• dRVVT screening and confirmation on mix
• Staclot LA^®
• HemosIL Silica Clotting Time^® (screening and confirmation)

Results are evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively (negative, positive or equivocal).

4 – Description of the control samples

Lyophilised human control plasma (citrate) (samples to be resuspended in 1 mL of distilled water).

warning Sample volume: if necessary, order an additional kit.