SPIDIA-RNA: second external quality assessment for the pre-analytical phase of blood samples used for RNA based analyses.

ABSTRACT: One purpose of the EC funded project, SPIDIA, is to develop evidence-based quality guidelines for the pre-analytical handling of blood samples for RNA molecular testing. To this end, two pan-European External Quality Assessments (EQAs) were implemented. Here we report the results of the second SPIDIA-RNA EQA. This second study included modifications in the protocol related to the blood collection process, the shipping conditions and pre-analytical specimen handling for participants. Participating laboratories received two identical proficiency blood specimens collected in tubes with or without an RNA stabilizer. For pre-defined specimen storage times and temperatures, laboratories were asked to perform RNA extraction from whole blood according to their usual procedure and to return extract

SUBMITTER: Malentacchi F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4226503 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature