Life Technologies Corp, Carlsbad, Calif, offers a web-based tool for quality control management in molecular diagnostic labs.
Called EZQC Online, an extension of the company’s EZValidation Online Tool, it contains three modules:
- a guidance tool for initial validation and verification of molecular tests
- a tool to help labs meet CLIA standards for calibration verifications
- and a tool for ongoing quality control monitoring that provides an opportunity for peer-to-peer comparisons.
With streamlined validation of molecular assays, the time needed to validate can be reduced to as little as 2 days.
The Validations/Verifications module includes a comprehensive database of guidelines and templates that can be used to quickly design validation protocols and analytical reports.
Some other features include:
- a monitoring module that allows labs to monitor test performance on an ongoing basis, alerting personnel to data drift and potential failures before they occur
- a tool that labs can use to gauge the performance of their assays against other labs. The data are anonymized and levels of data sharing are set by each user to ensure confidentially of results
- a networking feature that provides a forum for labs to collaborate, share guidelines, and experiences
[Source: Life Technologies]
