Interference Control Panel for Evaluation of Analytical Assays For Samples Derived from Blood

Abstract

The invention relates to quality control of analytical assays, particularly NAT assays of blood samples containing nucleic acids. A control panel containing quantified amounts of substances known to interfere with an analytical assay is used and compared with a reference sample in the analytical assay. A comparison of the assay results interference panel validates the assay and can serve as a periodic quality control check for the analytical assay as well as related methods and protocols. The use of the control panel of the invention can also determine whether interfering substances are present and establish under what conditions the analytical assay reliable.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method for evaluating the performance of an analytical assay comprising:
 adding a known quantity of an analyte to members of an interference panel, wherein the members of the interference panel contain a known amount of a substance that may interfere with the analytical assay,   performing the analytical assay on the members of the interference panel to obtain a measurement of the analyte in the members of the panel, and   comparing the measurement of the analyte in the members of the panel to assess inhibition of the assay by the members of the interference panel.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the comparison identifies substances in the members of interference. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the analytical assay amplifies nucleic acids. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the analytical assay is PCR 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the analyte is a nucleic acid. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the analyte is an antibody. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the analyte is an antigen. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the analyte is extracted from whole blood. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the analyte is extracted from serum. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the analyte is extracted from plasma. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a member of the inhibition panel is comprised of haemolyzed blood having one or more discrete concentrations. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein one of the members of the inhibition panel is comprised of heparinized plasma. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein one of the members of the inhibition panel is comprised of lipemic plasma. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein one of the members of the inhibition panel is comprised of EDTA plasma. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein one of the members of the inhibition panel is comprised of icteric plasma. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein one of the members of the inhibition panel is a plurality of discrete concentrations of haemolyzed blood. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the level of interference is quantified by comparison of a measurement of a reference plasma sample with the measurement of members of the inhibition panel. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the assay measures a parameter. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a measurement of inhibition by one or more of the panel members is quantified. 
     
     
         20 .- 39 . (canceled)