Quality Assurance Unit - Scheme Details

PT0135

PrP Immunohistochemistry Technical PT scheme

On receipt of the unstained sections the PL should immediately immunolabel all unstained sections using their own routine PrP immunolabelling protocol. If available, appropriate tissue controls (those that have been processed in the PL) should also be immunolabelled and included when returned.

After immunolabelling, slides are interpreted and an assessment is written by the PL. The labelled slides should be returned to the RL along with a copy of the Immunohistochemistry PrP protocol used, a descriptive assessment of each case with a diagnosis and the appropriate control slides (that can be returned on request). If possible, two unstained sections from the PL’s positive control block should be included to help resolve any anomalies in interpretation should they arise. Immunolabelling and interpretation of the section controls and the supplied unstained sections are assessed at the RL. The RL compares corresponding immunolabelled sections with the descriptive assessment and immunolabelling produced by the PL. The PL is then sent a performance report. The Immunolabelled slides, and the accompanying assessment produced by the PL should be returned to the RL within 2 weeks of receipt of the unstained sections.

Usually four unstained multiblocked sections but this may vary and is dependent upon the continued presence of, or emergence of new TSE types

The Pathology Department, APHA, Weybridge UK, also known as the Reference Laboratory (RL), select a panel of unstained multiblocked sections, from a range of TSE positive and negative cases and despatch them to the Participating Laboratory (PL). If BSE cases are included, then they will be treated with formic acid (decontamination) prior to tissue processing and despatch.

All sample packaging and transportation must be compliant with IATA regulations. UN3373 Biological substance Category B. All samples must be robustly packaged for transportation in order to prevent breakage or release of the samples from the packaging during transit. Paperwork and any licences must accompany the samples. Return packaging costs are not covered.

As requested and on a first come first served basis. Please contact the QA unit at Sutton Bonington, UK, for details.

The QA unit at Sutton Bonington, UK, are responsible for all the contractual arrangements for this technical IHC scheme.
The Pathology Department, APHA Weybridge produce the unstained tissues sections and aim to distribute the sections with the minimum delay following sectioning. Similarly the labelled slides must be returned with minimal delay to the Pathology Department, APHA Weybridge, UK.
All contract discussions and the issuing of a final report on the exercise will be handled by The QA unit at Sutton Bonington, UK.

2009