This exciting new suite allows a range of analytes and a range of frequency options tailored to your specific needs. Operating as a Hub-and-Spoke, not only do individual end users receive an easy to understand report, but the Hub coordinator receives a range of reports and spreadsheets for them to efficiently run their own service in the way they want.

Scheme Particulars Indicative Details
Accreditation body UKAS
UKAS Accredited Proficiency Testing Provider No 7860
Number of distributions per year (nominal) Various [as per customer demand within the quoted parameters]
Specimens per distribution Various [as per customer demand within the quoted parameters]
Frequency of distribution Various [as per customer demand within the quoted parameters]
Material distributed Whole Blood, Serum, Urine [as per instrument requirements]
Nominal sample volume (mL) Appropriate to instrument requirements
Programme Director(s) / Organiser(s) Finlay MacKenzie
Analyte Approximate Range Default Scheme Units
Bilirubin 0 – 400 µmol/L
Creatinine 20 – 250 µmol/L
Glucose 1 – 40 mmol/L
HbA1c [IFCC] 20 – 120 mmol/mol
HDL cholesterol 0 – 3 mmol/L
Ketones 0 – 3000 µmol/L
Lactate 0 – 10 mmol/L
LDL cholesterol 0 – 5 mmol/L
Non-HDL cholesterol 0 – 10 mmol/L
TC/HDL ratio 1 – 5
Total cholesterol 2 – 10 mmol/L
Triglyceride 0.5 – 10 mmol/L
Urine Albumin 0 – 2000 mg/L
Urine Albumin / Creatinine ratio 0 – 120
Urine Creatinine 0 – 50 mmol/L
Urine Protein 0 – 6 g/L
Urine Protein / Creatinine ratio 0 – 200
  • Download Birmingham Quality POCT Suite [PCS02] (HbA1c Monthly) schedule 49 KB
  • Download Birmingham Quality POCT Suite [PCS07] (Creatinine Monthly) schedule 49 KB
  • Download Birmingham Quality POCT Suite [PCS12] (HbA1c Bimonthly) schedule 49 KB
  • Download Birmingham Quality POCT Suite [PCS901] schedule 49 KB
  • Download Birmingham Quality POCT Suite [PCS902] schedule 49 KB
  • Download Birmingham Quality POCT Suite [PCS913] (HbA1c & Lipids Monthly) schedule 49 KB

Please use the sign up form to register your interest in this scheme (quoting your UK NEQAS Laboratory ID where available).

To service your POCT EQA needs, we offer a range of POCT ‘bundles’ into which we can enrol you.

BQ has pioneered a POCT Suite approach. The key feature is that whatever approach is offered, it will be of the Hub-and-Spoke model. The ‘Spoke’ is the person/device doing the testing; the ‘Hub’ is the POCT Coordinator who is responsible for the service.

Essentially, we need to know your 5 fundamental requirements and then we will allocate you to the most appropriate and cost effective solution for you. We can then give you a detailed price.

diagram displaying hub and spoke model - 6 small circles surrounding a larger circle with connecting lines

We have experience of dealing with three or four participant Spokes in a Hub up to over 500 Spokes in a Hub.

Some devices can work on a variety of materials eg. Blood or Serum, but some are specific in their requirements. Even if we don’t yet have any users for your device, we can find a material that will work for you.

Our repertoire is continually expanding

  • We have a whole blood-based material for Glucose, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL Cholesterol, ratios, etc.
  • We have a dedicated whole blood-based HbA1c material
  • We have a range of human serum-based materials

We recommend monthly, 2 specimens per analyte but can offer monthly (1 or 2 specimens per analyte), bi-monthly (2 or 3 specimens per analyte) or quarterly (2 or 3 specimens per analyte). A 100% return rate is required to ensure you have maximum confidence in the data reported back to you. Fewer data points does make it difficult for you to assess overall performance as there is a larger uncertainty of overall Quality from an External Quality Assessment perspective.

We do not have a totally bespoke service for small numbers of Spokes, but if you have a particular atypical need and have a substantial database we may be able to extend our range of bundles.

Would you prefer envelopes packed in bulk for the Hub or a box of tubes and piles of paperwork that you yourself can assemble into packs for your spokes?

We would recommend a separate envelope posted out to each of your Participant Spokes.

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