Specialized Testing Quality Control
Specialty Tests with High Stakes
Inflammation, body fluid and sickle cell testing are specialty tests performed largely by manual or semi-automated bench methods. Unlike automated platforms, these methods have no built-in check on the test process — nothing flags an error before the result reaches the patient’s chart. Quality control supplies that check, detecting the technique errors that manual methods are prone to and that can directly affect diagnosis.
How QC Creates Value
Quality control can positively impact many areas in your testing workflow. Below are some examples of how QC can impact laboratories’ results.
Detecting Operator Error
Manual tests depend on the operator performing the test correctly. CLIA regulations require quality control procedures to detect operator error; utilizing quality control that monitors performance of manual methods provides a necessary safeguard.
Validating Tests Where Proficiency Data Is Not Available
Tests such as ESR or body fluid cell counts do not appear on the CLIA proficiency testing analyte list, thus verification rests entirely on the laboratory’s own QC program.
Handled Like a Patient Sample
CLIA requires control materials to be tested in the same manner as patient specimens. A material requiring its own preparation step before it can be read does not meet that standard. Ready-to-use QC meets this requirement, supporting your laboratory’s compliance with CLIA standards.
Explore the Specialized Testing QC Portfolio
Streck offers a broad portfolio of quality controls for specialized testing, compatible with manual and semi-automated methods. For sickle cell testing, the SICKLEDEX® Hemoglobin S solubility test kit pairs with the Sickle-Chex® control to cover both the assay and its verification.
Inflammation & ESR
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) quality controls are manufactured from human red blood cells, so the control can be used in the same manner as a patient sample. Compatible with Westergren and Wintrobe methods.
Body Fluid Analysis
Body fluid controls contain a patient-like mix of intact RBCs, urate, CPPD crystals and human white blood cells. Assayed for 5-part WBC differential.
Sickle Cell Screening
Sickle Cell Screening solution with SICKLEDEX screening kit requiring only 20 µL of patient sample for testing and Sickle-Chex to validate your results.
Glycated Hemoglobin Monitoring
A1c-Cellular® is a whole blood control that challenges the lysis that is not evaluated by competitor controls.
Semen Analysis
Sperm-Chex controls validate the accuracy of manual sperm counting methods
Peer Comparison Program
STATS® Interlaboratory Quality Control
Free interlaboratory program to benchmark you laboratory’s performance against peer groups.
Standards & Evidence
Manual testing methods are subject to variability and thus highlight the importance of utilizing quality controls to ensure patient results. Below are links to published data and technical documents to support your laboratory’s QC program.
Behind Every Sample
What Five Technologists Found in Four Samples
Four CSF specimens, five blinded technologists, all coefficients of variation published.
Scientific Research
Citation Library
Published research on control formulation and method verification, searchable by application and platform.
Partner With Streck
Leading instrument manufacturers partner with Streck to provide their customers with dependable third-party quality controls. Streck is the leader in cell stabilization for over 50 years and continues to manufacture and develop high performing controls.
- Sophisticated R&D to rapidly develop products
- Advanced QC, with barcoded solutions and included STATS Interlaboratory Quality Control program for increased value
- Highly trained technical and sales support
Built for the Assays Others Overlook
Streck controls for specialized tests use application-specific formulations, extended stability for batch testing, and ready-to-use formats suited to optimize workflow. Manufactured from stabilized human cells, they provide an independent check across the full procedure, including manual steps.
- Application-specific formulations rather than adapted generic materials
- Extended open- and closed-vial stability
- Ready-to-use formats require no reconstitution and, in most cases, no pipetting
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