Alternate Proficiency for sO2

  We utilize alternative assessment across multiple blood gas analyzers.  There's really nothing else you can do.  I wish CAP would include it as an evaluated parameter.  Wish I knew why they didn't.

Does anyone have experience with PT providers other than CAP - do they provide evaluations for sO2?

Hi James- What is your alternative assessment?  My analyzers are scattered all over the place.

We just started using the CAP SOQ Quality Crosscheck for an alternate proficiency for SO2 and HHb.

Lois, do you mean you just started using the SOQ samples and are evaluating based on your own criteria?  Because the SOQ does not include sO2 either as an evaluated parameter.

Yes, we evaluate with our own criteria. 

Previously we were using extra patient blood from previously sampled blood gas syringes, but the cross check so far seems to be working well.

Autilia - <10% TeA across analyzers with one analyzer assigned as "reference".  And yes, with your analyzers spread out, this is a challenge for sure.

We also use SOQ- I will evaluate the parameter separately- that could work for me.  Thank you all for your input!

I just looked at my SO2 values from the last cross check- and they are all the same number either >99 or >100%. :-(

The hospital I work at use an instrument called the Oxicom 2100, very outdated in the cath lab for O2 saturations. I perform alternate assessment to satisfy CAP by using the lab GEM 5000 as a reference to comparing three instruments with a high (90-99%) and low (60-75%) sO2 from a donor. So far CAP has been satisfied with this assessment. I am looking to update the instrument to an AVOX if approved.

Hi all
Coming a little late to the game...
We use the Nova Prime Plus Blood gas analyzer in our Cardiac Cath Lab.  We have to run proficiency samples on a specific setting which doesn't include the HHb or sO2.  After reading this I had the big epiphany that neither our SOQ or SO test for these analytes!  Had a panic for a few hours (days)....am now trying to figure out how to get this done.
Thank you very much for positing this.............

The Respiratory tech at my facility also made the same suggestion.  It is something that I must present to the Heart Center- Change is often slow and steady.

We use the AVOX and do the same reporting that James is suggesting. Too many compliance concerns with measured sO2 reporting. 

Just went through NOVA Prime Plus analyzer manual...............sO2 is a calculated value SO2% = (O2Hb/O2Hb + HHB) x100.  The SO/SOQ surveys adequately assess the oxyhemoglobin and tHb....just not the deoxyhemoglobin...therefore...........I will look on for an alternate assessment.  May even reach out to CAP for guidance.   Thank you everyone.