The Value of the Unity QC Peer Reporting Program

quality control data management

Increasing Lab QC Reliability with Unity Peer Programs

Introduction

A laboratory’s value is only as good as its documented performance. Analytically capturing accuracy, reliability, and efficiency is crucial to properly evaluate your Quality Control (QC) system, and in our post-pandemic world, automation is paramount. The Bio-Rad Unity™ Quality Control (QC) Peer Reporting Program is a best-in-class tool for evaluating the laboratory’s analytical performance by comparing results against thousands of other labs for the same QC materials. After more than 50 years of managing peer laboratory programs, the Unity program is a globally trusted source. The numbers speak for themselves:

With the added variety of over 300 independent controls and over 500 comprehensive analytes, Unity is the most robust worldwide peer reporting program available for clinical labs. Maximize your QC system by taking advantage of Unity’s top five key benefits:

 

5 Key Benefits of the Unity QC Peer Reporting Program

1. Easily identify trends and detect errors sooner

Identifying trends helps keep a lab ahead of the curve. Per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)1, “Comparison of an individual laboratory’s QC result to a peer group mean value can identify a trend or shift, or ascertain if other laboratories are experiencing the same changes.” Instrument issues, reagent changes, and shifts that occur between proficiency testing (PT) can all be detected automatically with Unity.

2. Meet quality accreditation and regulatory standards

Participation in a peer review program is recommended or required by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), CLSI, and other regulatory bodies. It can help the lab meet accreditation and implement Six Sigma practices. Participation in Unity peer groups shows regulatory and accreditation bodies that the laboratory strives for the best quality control possible.

3. Increase confidence in the reliability of your QC results

Reliability is the cornerstone of quality. By utilizing the largest clinical diagnostic peer groups in the world, Unity helps ensure reliable results. The variety and volume of both peer labs and instruments included in the interlaboratory program means the results received are statistically more reliable due to the breadth of data points. The lab can further increase confidence in their testing by receiving values for both assayed and unassayed control materials.

4. Comparison reports allow for real-time troubleshooting

On-demand notification of shifts in results enables real-time troubleshooting. Labs can address assay performance issues before they show up as a proficiency testing failure, helping save labs time and money by limiting retesting.

5. Electronic data submission and on-demand reports help streamline workflows

Implementing one analytic reporting system for all your lab’s needs helps streamline workflows, easing the burden on staff performing manual testing. Unity’s multiple report formats allow the lab to receive specific for more information. reports when they want them:

  • Instant access to peer reports provide on-demand laboratory comparison results
  • Worldwide Report summarizes reports from all consensus groups
  • Manufacturer’s Report filters reports based on instruments by a specific manufacturer
  • Statistical Profile Reports compare your lab’s statistics to peer, method, and all labs consensus groups
  • These reports and more are available within the Unity Peer Reporting Program

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Quality Control Lab Technician Using data Management

Conclusion

The Bio-Rad Unity Quality Control Peer Reporting Program goes beyond helping labs meet regulatory and compliance requirements, enabling labs to identify trends, troubleshoot in real time, view reports when needed, increase confidence in results, and streamline the QC process. Visit www.bio-rad.com/en-us/a/qm/data-management-systems to explore Bio-Rad Laboratories’ full portfolio of Unity QC data management options.

References

CLSI: C24 A4: Statistical Quality Control for Quantitative Measurement Procedures: Principles and Definitions, 4th Edition. CLSI., Wayne, PA, 2016.

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