QHFSS DNA laboratory - ISO/IEC 17025 conformance and accreditation

This paper reviews evidence placed before a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established by the State of Queensland, Australia, to consider the quality and reliability of DNA evidence. It also assesses whether the criticism levied in that report, of ISO/IEC 17025 being insufficient to assure the quality and reliability of DNA evidence, is warranted. The main conclusion drawn is that properly applied and embraced as a means of continuous improvement, conformance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 alone is sufficient to assure the quality and reliability of the scientific outputs from a forensic science laboratory. Furthermore, it is clear from the observations and findings of the CoI and those recorded in this paper that the forensic science laboratory in question did not conform to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Had it done so then the risk of the quality failures that led to the CoI would at least have been reduced and perhaps even avoided.

Cross-validation of standardisation techniques at ANSTO using cobalt-60 and learnings from the presence and identification of non-gamma-ray emitting impurities

To fulfil the technical requirements for accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, the end-to-end validation of all processes associated with standardising 60Co, including gravimetric source dispensing, primary standardisation by the 4π(LS)β-γ coincidence and live-timed anti-coincidence extrapolation techniques, and impurity determination were performed and documented. Pure-beta-emitting impurities in a 60Co stock solution were identified. The impact of such impurities on measurement by liquid scintillation counting and comparison in the ESIR are discussed. A fresh 60Co source was produced, standardised, and compared using the SIR.

Technical and health governance aspects of the External Quality Assessment Scheme for the SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests: institutional experience performed in all clinical laboratories of a Regional Health Service

OBJECTIVES

Since December 2019, the worldwide public health has been threatened by a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by Coronavirus-2. From the beginning, a turning point has been the identification of new cases of infection, in order to minimize the virus spreading among the population. For this reason, it was necessary introducing a panel of tests able to identify positive cases, which became crucial for all countries.

METHODS

As a Regional Reference Centre, the CRQ Laboratory (Regional Laboratory for the Quality Control) developed and conducted an External Quality Assessment (EQA) panel of assay, so as to evaluate the quality of real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which were used by 62 Sicilian laboratories, previously authorized to issue certificates for the COVID-19 diagnosis, on behalf of the Public Health Service.

RESULTS

The qualitative performance test was based on pooled samples with different viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 or human Coronavirus OC43. 75% of the participating laboratories tested all core samples correctly, while the remaining 25% interpreted incorrectly the EQA exercise samples matching negatively the standards required.

CONCLUSIONS

Subsequent inspection visits confirmed the issue of incorrect positive and negative certifications for COVID-19 by private and public laboratories, despite the possession of the authorization requirements currently provided for by current regulations, with a significant impact on the SSR.

Optimizing the quality of research in Veterinary Parasitology

Countless research is carried out until new discoveries are transformed into products or services available to the population. This trajectory can be slower and more costly or even impossible when irreproducible data are obtained in the most diverse fields of science. Thus, quality management appears as an essential tool to guarantee the reliability of academic research results. In this work, we demonstrate the applied strategy to implement a Quality Management System (QMS) in a research laboratory in Veterinary Parasitology and we highlight the adaptable quality requirements in this scientific research environment. For this, the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) quality tool was used, and two internal audits were performed, one before and one after implementation. The audits reached 67 (41.36%) and 157 (96.91%) points before and after implementation, respectively, with a significant difference between the moments studied. Thus, we demonstrate that the adoption of QMS principles in research is feasible. The methodology applied in this work can be adopted by managers from other laboratories interested in the implementation of quality standards as a support in the reproducibility of research.

An evaluation of inkjet printed amino acid fingerprint test targets for ninhydrin process monitoring - and some observations

Ninhydrin was implemented as the primary police method of developing latent fingermarks on paper, cardboard and some other porous surfaces from the late 1960s. Some researchers have used individual amino acids, or mixtures of amino acids, as a method of testing the effectiveness of reagent formulations. It was not however known whether simple mixtures of amino acids could effectively emulate latent fingermarks in reactions with reagents such as ninhydrin. The first part of this study compared the effects of ninhydrin fingermark treatments used internationally in various police laboratories on test targets created by inkjet printing graduated concentrations of a representative mixture of amino acids in a series of blocks on paper. Variations in intensity of development were observed between laboratories which used various formulations and heat and humidity post treatment protocols. In a further trial in 2015 several participants in the International Fingerprint Research Group (IFRG) meeting processed test targets in their own laboratories and submitted them for measurement. Again, variation in developed intensity was observed. The depletion of the activity of ninhydrin solutions during use was also investigated in early evaluations of the test targets. An established fingerprint laboratory then processed a number of samples from a batch of targets to examine batch consistency. This was followed by designing a new test target which enabled comparisons between the developed intensity of printed test target blocks alongside depletion series of split, natural donor fingermarks. A panel of 20 donors provided depletion fingermarks and four ninhydrin formulations and treatment protocols were used. The developed test target blocks were scanned, intensity of development measured, and the results compared with the fingermark development which was evaluated by three assessors using two types of scale. Good correlation between the intensity of the developed test targets and latent fingermark quality and intensity scores was observed with the four ninhydrin treatment protocols, including some which used deliberately downgraded ninhydrin concentrations. This type of evaluation was carried out a second time to investigate modified heat and humidity protocols. The use of such test targets for routine reagent quality control and process verification would appear to be far more accurate and reliable than the use of small numbers of donor fingermarks. It is not clear why the different ninhydrin formulations investigated in the latter part of the work have very different optimum post treatment heating regimes.

Improving Exposure Assessment Using Non-Targeted and Suspect Screening: The ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 Quality Standard as a Guideline

The recent advances of novel methodologies such as non-targeted and suspect screening based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have paved the way to a new paradigm for exposure assessment. These methodologies allow to profile simultaneously thousands of small unknown molecules present in environmental and biological samples, and therefore hold great promises in order to identify more efficiently hazardous contaminants potentially associated with increased risks of developing adverse health outcomes. In order to further explore the potential of these methodologies and push the transition from research applications towards regulatory purposes, robust harmonized quality standards have to be implemented. Here, we discuss the feasibility of using ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 as a guideline to implement non-targeted and suspect screening methodologies in laboratories, whether it is for accreditation purposes or not. More specifically, we identified and then discussed how specificities of non-targeted HRMS methodology can be accounted for in order to comply with the specific items of ISO/IEC 17025: 2017. We also discussed other specificities of HRMS methodologies (e.g., need for digital storage capacity) that are so far not included in the ISO/IEC 17025 requirements but should be considered. This works aims to fuel and expand the discussion in order to subsidize new opportunities of harmonization for non-targeted and suspect screening.

Validation of a Novel Commercial ELISA Test for the Detection of Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative pathogen with a complex life cycle and a high impact on public and animal health all over the world. The symptoms are indistinguishable from those belonging to other diseases, and the disease could be symptomless. For these reasons, reliable laboratory tests are essential for an accurate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to validate a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, named the Chorus Q Fever Phase II IgG and IgM Kit (DIESSE, Diagnostica Senese S.p.A), which is performed by an instrument named Chorus, a new device in medical diagnostics. This diagnostic test is employed for the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii Phase II antigens in acute disease. Our validation protocol was performed according to the Italian Accreditation Body (ACCREDIA) (Regulation UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 and 17043:2010), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health), and Statement for Reporting Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD). Operator performance was evaluated along with the analytical specificity and sensitivity (ASp and ASe) and diagnostic accuracy of the kit, with parameters such as diagnostic specificity and sensitivity (DSp and DSe) and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), in addition to the repeatability. According to the evaluated parameters, the diagnostic ELISA test was shown to be suitable for validation and commercialization as a screening method in human sera and a valid support for clinical diagnostics.

A validated method to identify Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato at species level

The zoonotic tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) represents a species complex encompassing multiple causative agents of cystic echinococcosis, a neglected tropical disease affecting more than one million people in the world. At least eight genotypes, grouped in five species, are currently recognized within this species complex, and they differ in terms of relative public health impact. Here we present a molecular method that first identifies the common E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) (genotypes G1 and G3) based on a PCR-RFLP assay, and can further identify the remaining species based on a multiplex PCR assay. We demonstrate the applicability of the method to DNA extracted from parasitic cyst material of human and animal origin, preserved in ethanol or frozen. The method has been developed and validated at the European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites (EURLP), according to the ISO/IE 17025.

Digital transformation risk management in forensic science laboratories

Technological advances are changing how forensic laboratories operate in all forensic disciplines, not only digital. Computers support workflow management, enable evidence analysis (physical and digital), and new technology enables previously unavailable forensic capabilities. Used properly, the integration of digital systems supports greater efficiency and reproducibility, and drives digital transformation of forensic laboratories. However, without the necessary preparations, these digital transformations can undermine the core principles and processes of forensic laboratories. Pertinent examples of problems involving technology that have occurred in laboratories are provided, along with opportunities and risk mitigation strategies, based on the authors' experiences. Forensic preparedness concentrating on digital data reduces the cost and operational disruption of responding to various kinds of problems, including misplaced exhibits, allegations of employee misconduct, disclosure requirements, and information security breaches. This work presents recommendations to help forensic laboratories prepare for and manage these risks, to use technology effectively, and ultimately strengthen forensic science. The importance of involving digital forensic expertise in risk management of digital transformations in laboratories is emphasized. Forensic laboratories that do not adopt forensic digital preparedness will produce results based on digital data and processes that cannot be verified independently, leaving them vulnerable to challenge. The recommendations in this work could enhance international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 used to assess and accredit laboratories.

Obtaining laboratory accreditation - required activities

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to describe the activities needed to meet specified requirements to assist laboratory staff running tests and calibrations and to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

The relevant literature that contributes to establishing activities that help laboratory staff to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation was studied. Laboratory researchers specializing in electro-medical equipment quality control were questioned about the criteria to be observed when selecting, developing and validating analytical steps.

FINDINGS

Results revealed the analytical method criteria to be observed, which demonstrated their essentially quantitative nature.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

This study presents a model that improves selecting, developing and validating analytical steps and contributes to producing reliable test and calibration results. These improvements can help laboratory testing and calibration to meet clients' needs, satisfy specified requirements and provide reliable results.