Clinical evaluation of the Procleix SARS-CoV-2 assay, a sensitive, high-throughput test that runs on an automated system.

Testing is crucial in controlling COVID-19. The Procleix® SARS-CoV-2 assay, a transcription-mediated amplification nucleic acid test that runs on an automated system, was evaluated using inactivated virus and clinical samples. The sensitivity of the assay was assessed using heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and compared to 3 other tests. Clinical validation utilized 2 sets of samples: (1) Nasal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples (n = 963) from asymptomatic individuals, and (2) nasopharyngeal samples from symptomatic patients: 100 positive and 100 negative by RT-PCR. The Procleix assay had greater sensitivity (3-fold to 100-fold) than the comparators and had high specificity (100%) in asymptomatic subjects. In symptomatic patients, the Procleix assay detected 100% of PCR-positives and found 24 positives in the initial PCR-negatives. Eighteen of these were confirmed positive and 6 were inconclusive. These studies showed that the Procleix SARS-CoV-2 assay was a sensitive and specific tool for detecting COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic: first wave, impact, response and lessons learnt in a fully integrated Regional Blood and Tissue Bank. A narrative report.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is placing blood and tissue establishments under unprecedented stress, putting its capacity to provide the adequate care needed at risk. Here we reflect on how our integrated organisational model has faced the first impact of the pandemic and describe what challenges, opportunities and lessons have emerged. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The organisational model of the Catalan Blood and Tissue Bank (Banc de Sang i Teixits, BST) is described. The new scenario was managed by following international recommendations and considering the pandemic in a context of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), allowing rapid measures to be taken. These aimed to: ensure donor safety, promote proper responses to patients' needs, ensure the health and well-being of personnel, and prepare for future scenarios. RESULTS: The BST has adapted its activities to the changes in demand. No shortage of any product or service occurred. Donor acceptance, safety and wellbeing were maintained except for tissue donation, which almost completely stopped. To support the health system, several activities have been promoted: large-scale convalescent plasma (CP) production, clinical trials with CP and mesenchymal stromal cells, massive COVID-19 diagnoses, and participation in co-operative research and publications. Haemovigilance is running smoothly and no adverse effects have been detected among donors or patients. DISCUSSION: Several elements have proven to be critical when addressing the pandemic scenario: a) the early creation of a crisis committee in combination with technical recommendations and the recognition of a VUCA scenario; b) identification of the strategies described; c) the integrated donor-to-patient organisational model; d) active Research and Development (R&D); and e) the flexibility of the staff. It is essential to underline the importance of the need for centralised management, effective contingency strategies, and early collaboration with peers.

Quality indicators for extra-analytical processes in clinical laboratory: ten years’ experience / Indicadores de calidad para los procesos extra-analíticos en el laboratorio clínico: 10 años de experiencia

Introduction. The selection and definition of quality indicators is essential for proper control of processes. This is not always easy, particularly with extra-analytical indicators, due to the complexity and degree of comparison of processes between laboratories, and the fact that data collection is not always automated. For this reason, the indicators and specifications need to be dynamic and re-designed in accordance with changes in the system. The aim of this paper is to describe the methodology used in the selection and definition of quality indicators, and their specifications for extra-analytical processes in public laboratories in Catalonia. Material and methods. During the study period (2004-2013), the members of the working group reported the mean annual value for each indicator, and the overall yearly mean of all participants was calculated. These results were compared and analyzed during periodic meetings, with regards to the pre-established specifications of the different laboratories. Results. Quality indicators and their specifications are presented. The evaluation of the validity of each quality indicator was made taking into account aspects including usefulness of the indicator in process monitoring, a clear definition, and a precise and reliable quantification. This methodology has made it possible to contrast the validity of the indicators or to reconsider the specification. Conclusions. The last 10 years’ experience of the Catalonian Health Institute Working Group on Quality Indicators in designing indicators and establishing quality specifications has proved very useful for improving the monitoring of processes in clinical laboratories included in the group (AU)

Introducción. La selección y definición de los indicadores de la calidad es imprescindible para controlar adecuadamente un proceso. Ello no siempre es fácil, sobre todo en el caso de los indicadores extraanalíticos, dada la complejidad y grado de comparabilidad de los procesos entre laboratorios y la necesaria recogida de datos que en muchas ocasiones no está automatizada. Asimismo, los indicadores y especificaciones deben ser dinámicos y rediseñarse en función de los cambios del sistema. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la metodología utilizada en la selección y definición de indicadores de calidad y especificaciones para los procesos extraanalíticos en los laboratorios públicos de Cataluña. Material y métodos. Durante el período de estudio (2004-2013), los miembros del grupo han informado del valor medio anual para cada indicador, y se ha calculado la media anual de todos los participantes para cada uno de ellos. Estos resultados se han comparado y analizado a través de reuniones periódicas, con respecto a las especificaciones preestablecidas de los diferentes laboratorios. Resultados. Se presentan los indicadores de calidad y sus especificaciones. La evaluación de la validez de cada indicador de calidad se llevó a cabo teniendo en cuenta los aspectos incluyendo la utilidad del indicador en la supervisión de procesos, una definición clara y una cuantificación precisa y fiable. Esta metodología ha permitido contrastar la validez de los indicadores o reconsiderar la especificación. Conclusiones. Los últimos 10 años de experiencia del Grupo de Trabajo del Instituto Catalán de la Salud de Indicadores de Calidad en el diseño de indicadores y en establecer especificaciones de calidad ha demostrado ser muy útil para mejorar el seguimiento de los procesos en los laboratorios clínicos integrados en el grupo (AU)