Blind sample material for competency on GH100 ACT-LR

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We just recently got the GH100 devices and are using them for ACT-LR testing.  We are still in the process of validating but just looking ahead...what does everyone use for blind samples for competency with these instruments?  We have around 75 employees who will be performing this testing.  With our previous instrumentation we used liquid QC for blind samples, however, I really don't want to use controls for the GH100s because of 1.  the technique required for reconstituting the QC material and 2. the small quantity of sample that you get from the QC before it clots.  We would have to use a large amount of QC vials to have enough for all operators to run the blind sample and it clots rather quickly so seems unlikely for us to use as blind samples.  

Just looking for some ideas if anyone has any...I've got at least 6 months to figure something out but would like to at least have a plan moving forward.  My email is aholland@catawbavalleymc.org if you would prefer to respond via email.

Thank you!

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yes, using DirectChek QC would not be the way to go.  What I have done in the past for competency samples is to use the "recipe" that has been around for adulterating citrated blood so it is a more realistic sample for testing.  I will email you the information.  As it is a dynamic sample, you cannot assign any sort of expected value to it, as any live ACT sample is in the constant process of clotting, but it is probably the closest thing to a live sample that you will get.

Hi Ashlee,

We are also beta-validating the GH100.  After reading your post, I called CAP to see if they have any PT material that would be less expensive than using controls. They emailed me their CT3 ACT Survey material instructions. There are 3 vials, and by the description it appears identical to the control vial with sleeve. So, one vial per run.

What is interesting is they don't list the Hemochron 100 on the kit instructions, see below,
CRITICAL REPORTING INFORMATION
These specimens are only suitable for use on IL Hemochron Signature Elite/Hemochron Jr./ACT+ models.

I'm awaiting their quote to see if it will be less expensive than the control.
Keep us in the loop if you hear of another material we can use.

Take care,
Athena

CAP PT would definitely be more expensive than just buying DirectChek QC, close to $300 probably.  And that is for only 3 vials twice a year.  A box of 15 QC is far less, but still not a great idea to use for competency.  And the CAP PT material is exactly the same as the QC material, with a different label.

Hi James, Do you mind sharing your recipe?  I've been looking for a way to do this as well! 
Thanks,
Blythe

sure - just emailed it to you :)

Hi James,

Could you share the "recipe" as well. We have over 100 operators to perform 3 competencies each the first year, and it will be a fortune using the controls.

Thank you in advance,
Athena

James- could you please share the recipe with me as well?  Thank you, Julie

James, could you share the recipe with me also?  I have almost 100 operators and it is horrible having to use the QC.

James, I would like the recipe as well, please.

James, could you load the recipe to the files? That might help everyone.

Thank you!

Hi all - here is the link to the ACT Competency Sample Instructions for those that were interested!

https://poct.groupsite.com/files/1110133

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Ashlee Holland
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