The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) choose the CYCLERtest MTAS Validation System from Anachem for their Thermal Cycler & Light Cycler Validation

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) understand how vital it is ensure their thermal cyclers are performing accurately. Robert Howieson, SNBTS Engineering Contracts Manager, along with a team of scientists decided in June 2008 to standardise their thermal cycler and light cycler validation using the MTAS system available from Anachem.

Robert explains the rational behind their decision “Initially the advantage of using MTAS Validation was to establish if Light Cyclers used in the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) were performing satisfactorily, since no means to do this was available at that time. Additionally it became apparent that that the validation system could be used in conjunction with any make and type of thermal cycler, and therefore it became a practical proposition to standardise on one test procedure nationally, since within SNBTS there are several makes.

Another attraction was the fact that the test was conducted dynamically and so the characteristic of each thermal cycler could be determined. Not only could the accuracy of all test parameters be determined but so could temperature spread and undershoot/overshoot.

All the test information contributes to the overall assessment of thermal cycler performance and is used in determining if the equipment continues to operate to manufacturers’ specification.

A standardised approach has now been possible within the SNBTS because this test procedure can be applied to all makes and types of thermal cycler. All test information is recorded and presented in a comprehensive and detailed report to a standard format.”

Anachem offers the most sophisticated and accurate temperature validation service for your thermal cycler with UKAS accreditation. CYCLERtest MTAS provides assurance, with detailed information on how your PCR machine is performing throughout a reaction. Reporting on the real time performance of PCR machines helps users better understand their results, adapt protocols for more efficient use of valuable reagents and conform to regulatory requirements. For forensic and diagnostic applications complete confidence in the procedure and data obtained is essential and can only be guaranteed with regular checking of the instrument used. UKAS accreditation of this system ensures you are complying to the most stringent laboratory practices of ISO:17025, whether you work to these guidelines or not.

The use of biological positive, negative and threshold controls is insufficient to guarantee reliable PCR results but the unique method of CYCLERtest MTAS performs both static and dynamic testing on virtually every commercially available thermal cycler. CYCLERtest uses the MTAS^® (Mobile Temperature Acquisition System) that has been calibrated against the NIST standard. Test results are analysed and reported through an automated process, prohibiting any alterations of the acquired sample data. The Data and layouts are encrypted and cannot be modified. A “Certificate of Thermal Validation” accompanies every test report. This certificate represents the results of the measured and calculated main parameters of the tested instrument.

Anachem’s technicians will carry out all validations in your laboratory for maximum efficiency and convenience. Having the validation carried out in your laboratory ensures the performance of your cycler is measured as you use the cycler everyday.

To find out how CYCLERtest can help your laboratory we are offering you a limited time special offer of 30% off your first validation booked before 31st October 2008. Contact us now.