Testing fertility and post-vas Proficiency Samples on SQA Systems – 2020 update

Testing fertility and post-vas Proficiency Samples on SQA Systems – 2020 update
Testingfertilityandpost vasectomyproficiencysamplesonSQAsystems

SQA-VISION / SQA-V ALL VERSIONS | July 22, 2020

 

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

  • Allow specimens, and any reagents used, to warm to room temperature (at least 30 minutes) before testing. Assume this is a liquefied specimen.
  • To dislodge the pellet, do not vortex. Aspirate the sample up and down 5 – 6 times using a transfer pipette (taking care to keep the pipette below the surface of the sample).
  • Run the analyzer to perform a count per the instructions below (based on instrument type).  If no sperm are present, report 0.0 M/mL.
  • For Fertility specimens, indicate whether the obtained sperm count would be considered normal or abnormal based on your laboratory’s reference range.

 

 

 

TESTING INSTRUCTIONS:

 

 

SQA-V Users:

  • Post Vasectomy samples should be run on the standard Post Vas mode of the SQA-V system per user guide instructions.  The optional “Manual Capillary Scan” will need to be performed per the SQA-V’s instructions to ensure an accurate proficiency test.
  • Fertility samples should be run on QC (Stabilized Sperm) mode:
  • Set up the SQA-V Controls default to Stabilized Sperm and apply in V-Sperm: SET-UP > SQA-V > SQA-V DEFAULTS > Select “Stabilized Sperm” > Enter “25” as the Target > Enter “25” As the Range > Apply.
  • Load the SQA-V Testing capillary and run the specimen as a control. On the SQA‑V/SPERMALITE, select: RUN CONTROLS > LEVEL 1.
  • Note: Do not run specimen as a patient or latex bead QC sample.

 

 

If the stabilized sperm sample run on the SQA-V GOLD in the stabilized sperm Quality Control mode results in ZERO (below the 2 M/mL dynamic range), re-run the sample in the Fresh mode as outlined below:

  • Turn on the SQA-V GOLD system and wait until auto-calibration/self-testing is completed.
  • Go to: MAIN MENU>TEST NEW PATIENT and enter:
  • From the next screen select:
  • Select “Yes” when asked “IS SAMPLE VOLUME SUFFICIENT FOR COMPLETE RETESTING ≥ 0.5 mL?”
  • Repeat testing.

 

 

SQA-Vision Users:

  • Post Vasectomy samples should be run on the standard Post Vas mode of the SQA-Vision system per user guide instructions.  The “Manual Slide Scan” PV test type should be performed to ensure accurate results.  Do not report automated results only.
  • Fertility samples should be run on Proficiency Mode:

 

 

Setting up the defaults:

  • From the MAIN MENU of the VISION PC, select SETTINGS > PROFICIENCY.
  • Enter a SAMPLE ID, DATE, and a NOTE (if necessary).
  • Click SAVE.

 

 

Testing proficiency samples on the SQA-Vision:

  • Select QC/PROFICIENCY from the main MENU and touch TEST NOW on the desired option.
  • Mix the sample well by aspirating it in and out 10 times with a transfer pipette. Avoid bubbles.
  • Load the SQA-V testing capillary and check closely for bubbles then wipe the capillary tip clean.
  • Insert capillary into the testing chamber when prompted to do so.
  • Report the results received.
  • Repeat the 5 steps above for all samples.

 

DOWNLOAD TECHNICAL BULLETIN HERE

Distribution:  All SQA-V and Vision Users | Authority:  Eric Carver, General Manager

“Remember, it ALL Started with a Sperm!”

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