We are committed to generating the most accurate, reproducible and reliable test values for each patient sample that comes through our laboratory. One way that we uphold this standard of excellence is through our enrollment in continuous proficiency testing. Even though we are very confident in our laboratory procedures and technicians, proficiency testing provides an added-level of third-party validation and recognition from reputable agencies.
High-Complexity, High Quality Clinical Laboratory Testing
As the foremost high-complexity clinical laboratory for the measurement of biomarkers relative to HPA-T Axis function, the quality of our patient testing is our number one priority (delivering these results quickly is a close second). In addition to being CLIA and COLA certified, NeuroLab has enrolled in proficiency testing as means of third party validation.
NeuroLab’s Proficiency Testing Program
Enrollment in a proficiency testing program means that at regular intervals throughout the year, a proficiency testing program sends “challenges” to our lab for all federally regulated analytes on our test menu. These challenges consist of samples with known concentrations of analyte (only known to the agency). Our lab processes the samples as part of our daily workflow and treats them as if they are patient samples. Then, the values generated from the samples are sent back to the agency where they are grouped, analyzed, and reported back to all participating labs. If values obtained are not within 80% of the known value, a score of “unsatisfactory” is given and the lab is required to investigate what may have caused the erroneous results. A second score of “unsatisfactory” may require the lab to cease patient testing until the problem is resolved.
NeuroLab’s Outstanding Results
To date, NeuroLab has consistently passed our proficiency testing challenges, which are conducted several times throughout each year. We have never received a score of “unsatisfactory” for any regulated analyte on our test menu.
Sanesco will remain enrolled in PT testing for our regulated analytes and we are continually on the lookout for third party groups to help validate the accuracy of our nonregulated test offerings.
