Serological - Proficiency Testing

ASCLD/LAB® Approved Provider since 1995

NEW! OFF-THE-SHELF PROFICIENCIES - NOW ALSO INCLUDING POWERPLEX™ 16 SWAB DATABASE PROFICIENCIES
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Proficiency tests are a quality assurance tool used to fulfill accreditation requirements, monitor analytical performance, verify technical procedures, and identify improvement areas. You may wish to refer to the ASCLD/LAB® Proficiency Review Program document.

Over 30 years of casework and teaching experience direct our efforts to produce PCR DNA, Conventional Marker, and Body Fluid Identification proficiencies which are practical and more closely simulate actual case evidence. Actual body fluids are used and our staff size allows more personal attention.

Proficiency Test Types
Protocol
Schedule
Ordering Information
Contact Information

PROFICIENCY TEST TYPES

Annual Proficiency Tests (APTs) are offered on a set schedule at the same times each year. Off-The-Shelf (OTS) proficiencies are available to be shipped at any time.

Both APT and OTS proficiencies are ASCLD/LAB® approved.

SERI offers the following test types:

DNA Case Scenarios
DNA Database
Lineage (YSTR and Mito)
Body Fluid Identification
Conventional Serology
Custom Made

DNA CASE SCENARIOS (CS)

These proficiencies include a description of a mock case scenario and allow the analyst to interpret results and draw conclusions. Both Blood (BC) and Sexual Assault (SA) case scenarios are offered. The Sexual Assault proficiencies contains semen and may require differential extraction.

Each set contains two buccal reference samples plus three unknowns. Each buccal reference sample contains two swabs from the same donor. Each unknown may be either neat or a mixture. Case Scenario proficiencies are designed to test PCR DNA marker typing per Cofiler®, ProfilerPlus®, or Identifiler®. Each analyst only needs to report those markers appropriate to his or her requirements.

At the analyst's option, the three unknown stains may also be used for body fluid identification screening.

-Sexual Assault (OTS-SA)
-Blood Case (OTS-BC)

DNA DATABASE PROFICIENCIES (DB)

These are non-case scenario proficiencies employing either buccal swabs or blood on FTA cards. Both types consists of three unrelated neat unknowns. Swab unknowns contain two buccal swabs from the same source. FTA unknowns contain a single 50 ul blood stain.

The Lineage proficiency (OTS LIN) includes YSTR, Mito, and STR. SERI uses Yfiler® for YSTR reporting.

Cofiler®, ProfilerPlus®, or Identifiler® can be used to report STR results for any of the three database products. Additionally, PowerPlex 16® may be used to report STR results for the buccal swab and Lineage proficiencies.

- Buccal Swabs: STR (OTS-SWB)
- Blood FTA Micro Cards: STR (OTS-FTA)
- Lineage Buccal Swabs: YSTR/Mito/STR (OTS-LIN)

BODY FLUID IDENTIFICATION (BF)

These proficiencies are designed to test stain identification and interpretation only and do not include genetic marker typing or a case scenario. Each set contains five stains of common forensic interest such as blood, saliva, and semen. Individual stains may be from a single source or a mixture.

Body Fluid Identification tests are available Off-The-Shelf and by Annual Proficiency Test subscription.

- Body Fluid Identification: Off-The-Shelf (OTS-BF)
- Body Fluid Identification: June (APT-BF-A)
- Body Fluid Identification: December (APT-BF-B)
- Body Fluid Identification: June and December (APT-BF-AB)

CONVENTIONAL SEROLOGY (SER)

These are non-case scenario proficiencies consisting of dried human blood on cotton cloth. Each test kit contains three neat unknowns; PGM, PGM Subtype, and/or ABO may be reported. Additional markers may be forwarded to ASCLD/LAB® as reported by the client.

-Conventional Serology: March (APT-SER)

CUSTOM MADE

SERI is approved by ASCLD/LAB® to prepare custom made proficiencies to your specifications. Typical variations include: - Sample substrates such as DNA collectors, non FTA paper, etc. - Sample quantities - Types of stains - Number of samples

Please call for a quote.

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PROTOCOL

OTS kits are shipped on the date specified by the client. APT kits are shipped per the published schedule. Eight weeks are allowed for completing the analysis. Participants return their results electronically using a unique Excel spreadsheet provided with each kit. The results may be printed out and reviewed prior to submission.

The spreadsheet also includes a form to indicate whether or not each analyst's results are to be released to ASCLD/LAB®.

OTS clients receive a Summary Report within a few days of submitting their results showing expected target values, Internal Lab and External Lab pretest results, the clients reported results, and how the samples were manufactured. Those reports for which SERI has received a signed release form are submitted to ASCLD/LAB® shortly thereafter.

APT participants receive an Individual Report within a few days of the scheduled due date showing expected target values, the clients reported results, and how the samples were manufactured. Several days are allowed for the analyst to review the information recorded for them and to request corrections if necessary. After this review period, a Summary Report is sent to each lab, anonymously tabulating the results of all participants. This allows analysts to compare their results to the other participants. Released results are submitted to ASCLD/LAB® within 90 days of the due date.

SERI retains the OTS Summary reports and the APT Individual reports for at least one year. After that time, it is the responsibility of each individual analyst / lab to maintain their proficiency records.

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