Leukaemia Immunophenotyping (Part 1) (Accredited)

This programme is run in conjunction with the Leukaemia Diagnostic Interpretation (Part 2) programme.

The purpose of this programme is to assess a laboratory’s ability to immunophenotype a leukaemia sample using flow cytometry and immunochemistry. This programme is designed to represent testing pathways in a clinical laboratory.

Please note that a laboratory who registers for Part One is automatically registered for Part Two and is required to complete both parts. However, Part Two only registration is allowed for laboratories that do not routinely undertake immunophenotyping.

Individual registration for Part Two is also encouraged for continued professional development.

This part of the trial is designed to assess a laboratory’s ability to immunophenotype a leukaemia sample using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry (where applicable).

To allow for a closer representation of leukaemia immunophenotyping, participants are requested to treat samples as part of their routine testing pathways. Participants are able to select the appropriate antigens/panels for analysis of samples with the aid of the clinical details, Full Blood Count (FBC) results and digital image provided on the exercise data entry page. Results should be submitted in terms of positive or negative expression of your selected antigens as related to the malignant population; this is the primary mechanism used in performance monitoring. In addition, the intensity of reaction of your chosen antigens should also be provided.

Stabilised blood obtained from consenting patients will be issued. This material can be readily analysed using whole blood lysis techniques. The samples are pre-diluted so dilution to obtain a suitable white cell count for analysis is not required.

No blood film will be provided with the sample. Participants should not use the stabilised sample to make peripheral blood smears as the stabilisation process is designed to preserve the cells for flow cytometric analysis, and so this may result in aberrant blood film morphology that could be misleading.

This programme issues samples a minimum of 4 times per annum and a maximum of 6.

No activities in relation to this EQA programme are subcontracted.

To register for this programme, please click here.