STATS®

STATS Facts
How do I get started?
Data Submission Questions
General Report Questions
Password/System Requirements
 
 
STATS FACTS
 
Q: What is STATS?
A: STATS is Streck’s interlaboratory quality control program which provides an opportunity for a laboratory to compare their results to other labs who utilize the same instrument/method on the same control lot of quality control material. STATS provides your lab with comparison reports that include relevant calculations using both your data and peer group data.
 
Q: What is STATS-Link?
A: STATS-Link is a complementary service that allows participants to view and download their reports online. When a report is available for viewing, participants are notified via e-mail, allowing the laboratory to evaluate their QC data in a timely manner. Each account is password protected and accessible 24 hours a day. STATS-Link participants must be enrolled in STATS to have this service activated.
 
Q: Is participation in an ILQC program required?
A: STATS can help you meet ISO 15189 and accreditation requirements.

    “Laboratories are encouraged to actively participate in interlaboratory QC programs…”
        --CLSI C-24-A2, Vol. 19, No. 5.
 
Q: Is it "Live" STATS?
A: Not at this time.
 
Q: Is there a fee/cost for the report?
A: STATS and STATS-Link are free services to all customers purchasing Streck quality control products.
 
Q: Which products offer ILQC?
A: STATS is provided for all hematology controls, flow cytometry controls, chemistry controls, urinalysis controls and linearity products. The STATS home page includes a link to the STATS due date calendar.
 
Q: What is the STATS contact information?
A: Phone: 800-898-9563
    Fax: 402-333-7874
    e-mail: STATSdata@streck.com

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HOW DO I GET STARTED?
 
Q: How do I enroll in STATS?
A: Click here for the STATS enrollment form. Complete the form and email or fax to STATS. If you have any questions, contact your sales representative or the STATS Department.
 
Q: How do I enroll in STATS-Link?
A: You can use the enrollment form located on the STATS homepage to sign up for both STATS and STATS-Link. Once the form is completed, the contact person listed will receive an e-mail that includes your lab number and temporary password.
 
Q: Do I have to have a minimum number of data points?
A: No, Streck will process reports with any and all data received.
 
Q: Can I just submit my labs means?
A: Yes, your report will reflect the data submitted.
 
Q: Do I have to submit data every month?
A: No, but it is encouraged so your lab can monitor your data and the peer group data while your current lot is in use.
 
Q: How do I reset my STATS-Link password?
A: Log in to your STATS-Link account using your lab # and current password. From the main menu choose Change Password. Your lab # field will be pre-populated. Follow the prompts to enter in your new password. Please note the password criteria at the bottom of the page.
 
Q: What do I do if I have a location or staff change?
A: Log in to your STATS-Link account using your lab # and current password. From the main menu choose Modify Account. On this screen you can change your facility contact information, including the e-mail address affiliated with your STATS-Link account.
 
Q: What do I do if I have an instrument change?
A: Please contact the Streck STATS Department for assistance with updating the instruments listed for your account.
 
Q: What if I do not know my STATS instrument or lab #?
A: Contact the STATS Department to obtain your instrument or lab number. Your instrument and lab # are required for every submission.

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DATA SUBMISSION QUESTIONS
 
Q: What is the best format to submit my data?
A: There are several options:

   • E-mail your QC data files from your instrument or LIS.
   • Excel forms for most products can also be accessed from the STATS homepage or the
     main menu in your STATS-Link account.
   • Paper forms for select products can be requested using the request supplies
     form located on the STATS homepage and the main menu in your STATS-Link account.

If you are still unsure of the best format option, please contact your sales representative or the STATS Department for further information.
 
Q: How do I e-mail my data?
A: Please refer to the link: STATS Data Submission via Email file
 
Q: What are the criteria for submitting data using a disk?
A:This submission option is available for instruments capable of downloading their data to a disk.

 1. Only daily data can be accepted on a disk; summary data cannot be processed.
 2. Disks may contain data for only one lot number. Disks containing data from multiple
      numbers cannot be processed.
 3. All levels of data for the same lot number should be submitted on one disk.
 4. If submitting more than one shift, each shift must be submitted on a separate disk.
      Please indicate which shift is on the disk by attaching a preprinted disk label and
      circling the corresponding shift number, or writing the shift number directly on the disk
      label.
 5. If your lab has more than one instrument, data for each instrument needs to be
      submitted on separate disks.
 6. You may choose to submit your QC data by e-mailing QC files directly to our STATS
      Department.
 
Q: How do I print data from my instrument?
A: Review the Quality Control section of your instrument manual.
 
Q: When is data due?
A: Due dates vary by product. The due date calendar for all applicable products can be found on the STATS homepage.
 
Q: What if I miss the due date? Can I submit my data late?
A: Yes, data can be submitted at any point during the month. If it is submitted after the data is processed for that month it will be held and processed the following month. There is no need to resubmit. Data will be accepted up to 6 months past the expiration date.
 
Q: Can I submit on-line?
A: Not at this time. You can utilize the electronic forms available for several products and submit via e-mail.
 
Q: How do I know if you received my data?
A: If your data is submitted via e-mail you will receive a confirmation e-mail. If you need to check on data that was submitted by another method, please contact the STATS Department.
 
Q: Can I get peer/group data?
A: You will receive peer group data in your report if at least one other customer in your instrument group has submitted data for the lot.
 
Q: How long does it take to process my data?
A: The average turnaround time is 6 days from the due date for the product.
 
Q: I want to submit older data, how far back can I go?
A: Data will be accepted up to 6 months past the expiration date.
 
Q: What if my QC data includes data that was previously submitted?
A: Before you submit your data electronically you should exclude these data points from your file. On paper copies, simply draw a line through the data points previously submitted to avoid biasing the peer group data.
 
Q: What if there is data on my submission I do not want to include?
A: Before you submit your data electronically you should exclude the data points from your data files. On paper copies simply draw a line through the data points you would like to exclude.
 
Q: How do I reorder supplies?
A: A STATS reorder fax form is available on the STATS homepage or on the main menu in your STATS-Link account.
 
Q: How do I get a copy of an assay?
A: All product assays are available online on the individual product Web page until each lot’s expiration date.

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GENERAL REPORT QUESTIONS
 
Q: What are the manager's reports?
A: Manager’s reports allow a group of labs to compare their results- essentially becoming their own consensus group. These reports are ideal for a Laboratory Manager who is responsible for multiple sites or multiple instruments of a common make and model.
 
Q: Why are there a different number of labs listed for current and cumulative submissions?
A: The left side of the report shows the number of labs that submitted data in the most recent report period. The right side of the report is the total number of labs that submitted on this lot for all report periods.
 
Q: How do I interpret the calculations included on my report?
A: The standard calculations provided are listed at the bottom of the Interpretive Comments page in your report. If you need additional information, please refer to Q.C. Concepts.
 
Q: Why can't I view my report?
A: You will need:

   Adobe Version: Latest Version available if possible, 9.0 acceptable
   IE Version: At least Version 7.0 if possible. 7.0 or above recommended

   Adobe Reader Settings: (this will eliminate any IE security settings from interfering
   with Adobe functionality)
     • Open Adobe Reader
     • Choose Edit from Menu, choose Preferences
     • Choose Internet from Categories within Preferences
     • Un-select "display PDF in Browser"
     • Choose OK and close Adobe Reader

   Please refer to the following link for more information on the above steps: PDF Help
 
Q: Can I get another copy of a report?
A: If you are enrolled in STATS-Link you can log in and obtain another copy of your report at any time. If you are not enrolled in STATS-Link, contact the STATS Department for another copy of a report.
 
Q: How do I know my report is ready to view?
A: You will receive an e-mail when your report is available in your account.
 
Q: How long will my report data stay online?
A: Your data report will stay online as an archived report for one year.

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PASSWORD/SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
 
Q: What are the password requirements?
A: Passwords must be at least 6 and no greater than 20 characters in length. The use of special characters such as @, #, $, %, etc. is prohibited. Passwords must contain at least 1 uppercase letter and 1 number.
 
Q: What are the minimum system requirements?
A: Must have at least Internet Explorer 6.0+, Mozilla FireFox 3+, Safari 528+, or Chrome 4.1+ installed to be able to view the STATS-Link website. In order to view reports, you will need at least Adobe Reader 7.0+ installed.

The following are links to get the latest version of each item listed above:
     • Internet Explorer
     • Mozilla Firefox
     • Safari
     • Google Chrome
     • Adobe Reader

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