Scheme Information Sheets
UK NEQAS for Plasma Metanephrines
| Scheme Particulars | Indicative Details |
|---|---|
| Accreditation body | UKAS |
| ISO/IEC Accreditation status | ISO/IEC 17043:2023 |
| UKAS Accredited Proficiency Testing Provider No | 7860 |
| Objective of Scheme | Provides EQA coverage for Plasma Metanephrines, this includes the anaytes Metanephrine, Normetanephrones and 3 Methoyxtyramine. The plasma metanephrines test is used for the presumptive diagnosis of catecholamine-secreting phaeochromocytomas or paragangliomas. The measurement of plasma metanephrines has been shown to be a highly sensitive test for the detection of phaeochromocytoma – a negative test result virtually rules out the diagnosis. Testing may also be used when a tumour has been treated or removed to monitor for recurrence. The scheme provides both endogenous and manipulated Lyphophised specimens to cover both the normal and pathological concentration ranges |
| Pre-, Analytical, Post- status | Analytical |
| Number of distributions per year (nominal) | 11 |
| Specimens per distribution | 3 |
| Number of Specimens per annum | 33 |
| Frequency of distribution | Monthly |
| Scoring system | ABC |
| Material distributed | Pooled, Lyophilised human Plasma with or without exogenous added analyte |
| Programme Director(s) / Organiser(s) | Finlay MacKenzie |
| Criteria for participation | All, but overseas by courier |
| Nominal sample volume (mL) | 1.1 |
| Sample presentation TACs | All analytes in the same tube |
| Data in Chemistry on-line Dashboard | Yes |
| Analyte | Approx Range | Default Units | Target Value | B Score Limit (%) | C Score Limit (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma 3-methoxytyr | 50 – 4000 | pmol/L | GLTM | 25.0 | 30.0 |
| Plasma met | 50 – 4000 | pmol/L | GLTM | 25.0 | 30.0 |
| Plasma normet | 50 – 4000 | pmol/L | GLTM | 25.0 | 30.0 |
| Abbreviation | Expansion |
|---|---|
| ALTM | All Laboratory Trimmed Mean |
| GLTM | Group Laboratory Trimmed Mean – which is the Method Principle Mean |
| MLTM | Method Laboratory Trimmed Mean – usually a manufacturer system / analyser mean |
| XALTM | An external value that may be from a Reference Method System |
| OGLTM | A Method Principle Mean used as the target for all laboratories |
| OMLTM | A specific Method Mean used as a target for all laboratories |
| MED | Median |
Please use the sign up form to register your interest in this scheme (quoting your UK NEQAS Laboratory ID where available). We would encourage you to provide us with details of which analytes you measure and the analyser and ‘kit’ (reagent and calibrator) you are using. This will help us tailor the scheme to your needs.
