General Information
The ECAT Foundation has developed external quality control kits for CoaguChek INR monitors (any type). These sets can be used for quality control of reference monitors in coagulation clinics, monitors used in hospital settings, medical centers etc. as well as individual monitors of patients.
Quality Control Kit
The quality control (QC) kit includes 4 lyophilised plasma samples (0.5ml) with INR values in the therapeutic range (INR 2 — 4.5). There are also vials with water and calciumchloride included in the QC set. Clear instructions are provided which makes performance of the quality control also possible by non-professionals.
It is possible to evaluate more than one monitor (up to 6-8) at the same time with one quality control kit. After reconstitution the plasma samples are stable at room temperature for at least 6 hours.
We advise to evaluate the performance of each monitor at least twice a year or after the change of a lot number of test strips. Because of the use of certified plasma samples the QC kit can be used at any time convenient for the user. There are no fixed survey periods. This makes the application of this external quality control programme very flexible.
Evaluation
The plasma samples are certified in a reference laboratory and the assigned values are traceable to the international reference preparation for human thromboplastin.
For evaluation an online webapplication can be used. The evaluation report will be directly available for download and printing. An example report can be downloaded here.
Because of the use of a set of 4 certified plasma samples it is possible to get, within a certain confidence interval, insight in the correctness of INR measurement within the therapeutic interval of a specific monitor.
Prices
The price of the QC kit is € 79,75 per set (excl. VAT and excl. shipment cost).
Shipment and handling cost per package:
- within the Netherlands: € 13,50
- within Europe (except the Netherlands): € 26,50
- outside Europe: price on request
Order form
To order these INR QC kits please use the online order form (Information/POCT Single kits – Order form)
Payment
An invoice is sent after the delivery of the QC kits. Payment should be done by bank transfer. Cheques are not accepted.
For participants of one of the EMU countries we ask for a VAT number. If the VAT number of your organisation is not available at our Financial Department, the ECAT is legally obliged to add 21% VAT to the invoice.
The General terms of delivery are applicable on this service.
Also available: POCT INR QC Programme (4 surveys per year)
The “POCT INR QC programme” includes 4 surveys per year. More information can be found in our “Programme Manual”. See in the menu Information/EQA Programme Manual (POCT information on pages 10 and 11). For registration for the “POCT INR QC programme” please use the “Registration form” on this website or send an e-mail to info@ecat.nl.