|
Method 1622/1623 Quality Control Materials
The inaccuracy and imprecision of standard dilution methods for preparing low level parasite stock suspensions are well known. Since 1997, the WSLH Flow cytometry laboratory has been preparing standards for testing and research laboratories whose work demands high quality and precisely-enumerated standards. The Laboratory's Cryptosporidium and Giardia standards have been used as control samples for EPA method 1622/1623 and for researchers developing and optimizing protozoon detection methods.
The WSLH is the sole source of live, flow cytometer-prepared standards approved for use with U.S. EPA method 1622/23 within the United States.
Cryptosporidium/Giardia Standards
Note: The table below lists the specifications for routinely prepared standards. See below for custom orders.
|
Isolates
|
Cryptosporidium parvum (IOWA), Giardia lamblia (CH3) others available upon request
|
|
Diluent
|
Reagent grade water (18 megaOhm) with 0.01% Tween 20
|
|
Volume
|
1 mL or 10 mL
|
|
Organism concentration
|
150 - 200
|
|
Relative SD of the mean
|
less than 2.5%
|
|
Expiry
|
6 weeks from preparation (Envirochek); 2 weeks from preparation (FiltaMax)
|
|
Storage
|
4º C
|
|
Price*
|
$255 (US) set of 10, $127.50 for each additional set at the same level
|
|
Shipping
|
$65
|
*Prices valid through 12/31/12
The lot specification sheet includes the mean and the relative standard deviation, isolate source and shed date, viability estimates based on propidium iodide exclusion, storage conditions, and expiration date.
Concentrated stock suspensions are assessed for general quality and intactness using DIC microscopy prior to use in standard preparations.
Initial and ongoing precision and accuracy measurements are used to verify the accuracy of the dose. The relative standard deviation of these measurements is less than 2.5%.
The Laboratory has an extensive QAQC program. Contact us at (608)224-6260 for more information.
Custom orders may include variations of those listed in the table above -- typically at little or no additional cost. Variations may include:
- organism concentration (1 organism - 107 /tube)
- tube type (low volume PCR - 250 mL conical tubes)
- diluent composition
- final diluent volume
Please contact us at 608-224-6260 for more information.
Analyst Verification Slides
Analyst verification slides are a useful tool for evaluating the microscopy skills of a single or multiple microscopist(s) and satisfying the analyst performance requirements outlined in method 1622/1623. The WSLH routinely prepares flow cytometer-enumerated, microscopist-verified analyst verification slides containing 40 - 200 fluorescently labeled Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Contact us at 608-224-6260 for more information.
Mock Proficiency Testing (PT) Samples
Mock PT samples are available for purchase for those laboratories that wish to evaluate their performance more than twice annually or want to obtain materials for training or retraining laboratory personnel. Contact us at 608-224-6260 for more information.
IMS Control Samples
IMS control samples are available for purchase for laboratories that wish to experiment with IMS procedures or to troubleshoot problems with portions of method 1622/1623.
On Site Audit Package
This package consists of 2- 50 mL blind samples, 2 vials of artificial matrix, 2 IMS control samples, and 2 analyst verification slides. Auditors will require 1 slide per analyst and a back up slide. Additional slides may be added for a fee.
Return to Flow Cytometry Main Page
|
