Verification of the ACL Top 50 Family (350, 550, and 750) for Harmonization of Routine Coagulation Assays in a Large Network of 60 Laboratories.

OBJECTIVES

To verify a single platform of hemostasis instrumentation, the ACL TOP 50 Family, comprising 350, 550, and 750 instruments, across a large network of 60 laboratories.

METHODS

Comparative evaluations of instrument classes (350 vs 550 and 750) were performed using a large battery of test samples for routine coagulation tests, comprising prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time, fibrinogen and D-dimer, and using HemosIL reagents. Comparisons were also made against existing equipment (Diagnostica Stago Satellite, Compact, and STA-R Evolution) and existing reagents to satisfy national accreditation standards. Verification of manufacturer normal reference ranges (NRRs) and generation of an APTT heparin therapeutic range were undertaken.

RESULTS

The three instrument types were verified as a single instrument class, which will permit standardization of methods and NRRs across all instruments (n = 75) to be deployed in 60 laboratories. In particular, ACL TOP 350 test result data were similar to ACL TOP 550 and 750 and showed no to limited bias. All manufacturer NRRs were verified with occasional minor variance.

CONCLUSIONS

This ACL TOP 50 Family (350, 550, and 750) verification will enable harmonization of routine coagulation across all laboratories in the largest public pathology network in Australia.