HAEMOSTASIS AND THROMBOSIS


interferences. In contrast, Stago’s viscosity- based (mechanical) detection system (VBDS) harnesses electromagnetic fields to measure increases in the sample viscosity. The VBDS is insensitive to coloured plasma and the most robust detection system available for clotting assays. This method also ensures optimum sensitivity for weak clot detection. The VBDS lies at the heart of all Stago analysers, with more than 450 million tests worldwide now benefiting from its use. While some laboratories might still want the reassurance of an additional checking system, Gateshead quickly found that it was not necessary.


“Overall, the technology has proved a time-saving feature, with no hassle, no additional checks required, nor any extra hardware or calibration,” explained Mrs Keepin. “As VBDS is already built into all Stago systems, we don’t need to train people to use it or allocate resources to check its UKAS accreditation competency.” Two separate studies have confirmed that Stago systems with VBDS technology, running the company’s routine reagents, show no clinically relevant bias with coloured or turbid plasma from haemolysis, lipaemia and icterus. Alongside Stago’s own validation studies into the accuracy of results in the presence of pre-analytical interferences, a further external evaluation1


assessed the results


of three routine Stago coagulation assays for potential HIL interferences. Using PT, APTT and fibrinogen, this study assessed possible HIL interferences from two perspectives: i) in vitro haemolysis judged to have occurred during sample collection, transport or processing; and ii) spurious haemolysis.


Pre-calibrated routine assays To ensure the network can deliver core and specialist services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Gateshead installed six STA R Max systems across the three hospitals, operating ‘twin’ systems at each site. Compact, ergonomic and scalable, the STA R Max haemostasis analysers were specifically designed for this type of hub-and-spoke laboratory network.


Table 1. Performance details of the ExpertCor kits. Ref


Item Samples


1306 ExpertCor Routine 30 – – 5


1307 ExportCor DDI 20


1308 ExpertCor LMWH 10 1309 ExpertCor UFH


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ExpertCor is just one example of Stago’s comprehensive tools that not only improve workflow but aid compliance


Each high-capacity, multiple loading system includes 1000 cuvettes, so replenishing is only needed every third day. By operating a twin-system format, each site has a combined load capacity of 430 samples (215 for each instrument). Gateshead relies on its reagent


capacity, making it possible to handle a full day’s workload without staff needing to routinely intervene. Each instrument has 70 reagent load positions and can load multiple vials of the same liquid- ready reagent. Further, Stago reagents are standardised across the system range.


This high ‘walkaway’ capacity is


reinforced by a unique Stago feature – offering pre-calibrated routine assays (PT, APTT, fibrinogen and D-dimer). Other coagulation manufacturers simply do not offer this. As Mr Sudlow added: “This makes a significant difference to workflow efficiency across all three sites, but especially at our acute hospital centres at Sunderland and South Tyneside. Increased efficiency gives us added confidence when managing QC and other compliance requirements.” Stago’s instruments are recognised for their high degree of reliability and low maintenance requirements. Crucially, they require no start-up time, with staff able to load samples and then move to other value-added tasks.


Amount of clotting


Stago’s VBDS harnesses electromagnetic fields to measure increases in sample viscosity.


Confidence in cyber security In the long-term, Gateshead and Stago see a trend towards fast-track troubleshooting by means of secure, information sharing connectivity. But the need to share, analyse and compare


WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM AUGUST 2021


Application PT


APTT


Fibrinogen INR


D-dimer assay


LMWH (APTT-based) UFH (APTT-based)


Range


10–>100 sec 25–200 sec


60–>700 mg/dL 1–>5


0.27–20 µg/mL 0.1–2.0 IU/mL 0.1–1.1 IU/mL


data across networks can only be achieved with maximum confidence in the security of the system providing the service.


Stago has been winning the


confidence of customers like the South of Tyne network through its high levels of cyber security, and the protection it offers to laboratory and patient information. In a recent survey of Stago customers, what stood out was customer confidence in the effectiveness and security of the company’s data analysis and information management systems.


For Stago, the objective is to aim to


offer a 100% secure environment for the transfer and reporting of patient data from its instruments. While CERT-UK, the UK’s national Computer Emergency Response Team, manages and prepares for national cyber security incidents, each NHS pathology network has to implement its own CERT policy. To support that, Stago has established an overall CERT- Stago incidence policy and procedures for information emanating from its own systems. “We have to constantly monitor and modify – and be ready to offer customers the confidence in our solution,” Ms Eyre added. “It is not enough to deliver a new generation in network security designs and policies, we have to understand our customers’ specific risk management approach and vulnerabilities – and adapt accordingly.”


Reference 1 Wooley A, Goldard JL, Kitchen S. Effects


of haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia on coagulation tests as performed on Stago STA Compact-Max analyser. Int J Lab Hematol 2016; 38 (4): 37–88. doi: 10.1111/ijlh.12498.


Further information is available from: Diagnostica Stago UK Theale Lakes Business Park 12 Moulden Way, Sulhamstead Reading RG7 4GB Tel: +44 (0)845 054 0614 Web: www.stago-uk.com


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PPi


Amplitude


PATHOLOGY IN PRACTICE


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