1 – Scheme overview

The target values and acceptable limits for each peer group are defined based on the previous year’s EQA schemes and provided at the beginning of the year (target values are set by the results of 80 laboratories).

Each month, we externally process your IQC data (individual calculations) using the acceptable limits for trueness and imprecision.

Samples are provided in kits of 10 vials, which once resuspended, contain 1 mL.

You can enter your results (N, mean and CV only) directly on our website.

Control samples are CE marked in accordance with European directive 98/79 EC and French law. view certificate

2 – List of analytes assessed

• whole hCG
• hCG free β chain
• AFP
• Estriol
• PAPP-A

3 – Description of the control samples

Lyophilized human control serum (sample to be resuspended in 1 mL of distilled water).

Expiry date of the IQC - Down's Syndrome Risk Markers of 2022: 2024-06

4 – Storage of reconstituted samples

from +2°C to +8°C

• 4 days for: hCG free β chain
• 7 days for: All other analytes

from -18°C to -25°C: 14 days, frozen in aliquots, for all analytes.