How to use Quality Control Reagents

We recommend that:

• IQC sera be further aliquoted into volumes sufficient for one to four weeks testing.
• Aliquots should be stored in air tight containers at -20°C or lower until required.
• Thawed aliquots should be thoroughly mixed and kept at 2-8°C during use.
• Once thawed, do not re-freeze.
• IQC material is not exposed to fluctuations in temperature either by leaving it outside the refrigerator or through repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Use of IQC sera

• IQC sera should react around the middle of the dynamic range of each assay to which it is applied.
• The date is noted when an IQC aliquot is thawed.
• The batch number and expiry date of each IQC serum are noted.
• IQC sera are included at least once per run, or daily for automated systems.
• OD/CO values are plotted on a graph to monitor for fluctuations in performance.

Also refer to the guidance notes on Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Virology and Serology Laboratory

Last reviewed: 19 August 2008