Metric SPC Tutorial

Overview

Module 1. Introduction

This tutorial will explain basic concepts of Metric SPC and help you understand how to assess Metric’s SPC Report and related statistics. While Calibration enables accurate IHC test results across different labs, SPC enables accurate IHC test results within a lab over time. SPC is the application of statistical methods to monitor the quality of...

Module 2. What are IHControls®?

IHControls consist of the same formalin-fixed microbeads used in IHCalibrators and are delivered in a small vial. BCS IHControls make Statistical Process Control (SPC) possible for IHC Same formalin-fixed microbeads but this time as a suspension. Same measurement traceability to a NIST reference standard. Use a pipette or microapplicator to apply 1 microliter of the...

Module 3. Metric SPC Workflow Steps

BCS’ SPC Workflow fits seamlessly into your lab’s existing IHC Workflow. Figure 3. below shows the five steps of the Calibration Workflow: Spot, Stain, Scan, Analyze, and Assess. Each step is described below. SPC Workflow Step 1: Spot Select the correct lHControl for your SPC workflow. Apply one spot of the control to each tissue...

Module 4. Understanding the Metric SPC Report

Metric produces an SPC Report, which includes a daily Levey-Jennings graph and related statistics. An example of a Metric SPC Report, with annotations in blue, is shown below in Figure 4. Each report shows the stain intensity for the IHControl stain intensity for the day of the report as well as for previous days. The...

Module 5. Interpreting the Metric Levey-Jennings Graph

A Levey-Jennings Graph tracks quality control results over time against your expected mean and ranges for QC data acceptability. If your control results fall outside these pre-defined ranges, it typically requires a prompt evaluation to determine whether the IHC assay was valid. Key Clinical & Regulatory Considerations: Direction of Errors: Most out-of-range events in IHC...

Module 6. Summary: Understanding Metric SPC

SPC enables accurate IHC test results within a lab over time. The Metric SPC Workflow steps include: Spot, Stain, Scan, Analyze, and Assess. The Metric SPC Report includes a daily Levey-Jennings graph and related statistics. The Metric daily Levey-Jennings graph tracks QC results over time against an expected mean and acceptable error limits. A control...