CSF Kappa Free Light Chains EQA (pilot)
| Accreditation Status: | currently not accredited to ISO 17043 |
| Date Scheme started: | Started 2026 |
| Clinical Applicability: | Diagnosis of neurological diseases characterised by intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis e.g. Multiple Sclerosis |
| Analytes: | CSF KFLC, Serum KFLC, CSF/Serum KFLC Quotient, KFLC Index, Intrathecal Synthesis Interpretation (SER/068) |
| Units for Reporting: | CSF and Serum KFLC (mg/mL), CSF/Serum Quotient and KFLC Index will be Qualitative |
| Samples Distributed: | Liquid format. Normal and pathological human cerebrospinal fluid, with a paired serum sample. |
| Number of Distributions per year: | 6 |
| Number of Samples per Distribution: | 2 |
| Frequency of Distributions: | Every two months as outlined in the Distribution Schedule |
| Schedule of Analysis: | Data entry is via the web for the submission of results. Data analysis commences 21 days after sample dispatch. Late returns are accepted and will contribute to the laboratory's cumulative performance statistics. |
| Data Analysis: | For the Quantitative element
All Laboratory Trimmed Mean (ALTM) with truncation at 2SD, SD, and CV%. Reports also show method and manufacturer specific statistics. Individual laboratory performance is expressed in terms of MRBIS, SDBIS, and MRVIS Qualitative responses are assessed by MI scoring in relation to the designated response. |
| Performance Scoring: | MI scoring and MRVIS |
| Criteria of Performance: | TBC (Pilot Scheme) |
| Persistent Poor Performance: | TBC (Pilot Scheme) |