Standard operating procedures_for_laboratory_services

COAST PROVINCIAL GENERAL HOSPITAL
ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY (ART) PROGRAMME

Standard Operating Procedures
for Laboratory Services
March 1, 2005

In collaboration with
Laboratory Department
Coast Provincial General Hospital
Ministry of Health, Kenya

Prepared with assistance from

Rational Pharmaceutical Management Plus Program
Center for Pharmaceutical Management
Management Sciences for Health
4301 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22203-1627 USA
Phone: 703-524-6575
Fax: 703-524-7898
E-mail: rpmplus@msh.org

CPGH ART Programme Standard Operating Procedures for Laboratory Services

This document was made possible through support provided by the U.S. Agency for
International Development, under the terms of Cooperative Agreement Number HRN-A-0000-00016-00. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

About RPM Plus
The Rational Pharmaceutical Management Plus (RPM Plus) Program, funded by the U.S.
Agency for International Development, works in more than 20 developing countries to
provide technical assistance to strengthen drug and health commodity management systems.
The program offers technical guidance and assists in strategy development and program
implementation in improving the availability of health commodities—pharmaceuticals,
vaccines, supplies, and basic medical equipment—of assured quality for maternal and child
health, HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, and family planning, as well as in promoting the
appropriate use of health commodities in the public and private sectors.

Recommended Citation
Rational Pharmaceutical Management Plus Program, in collaboration with the Laboratory
Department, Coast Provincial General Hospital, and Ministry of Health, Kenya. 2004.
Standard Operating Procedures for Laboratory Services. Prepared for Antiretroviral Therapy
(ART) Programme, Coast Provincial General Hospital. Submitted to the U.S. Agency for
International Development. Arlington, VA, USA: Management Sciences for Health.

Center for Pharmaceutical Management
4301 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22203-1627 USA
Phone: 703-524-6575
Fax: 703-524-7898
E-mail: rpmplus@msh.org
Web: www.msh.org/rpmplus

ii

CONTENTS
Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................v
Acronyms.................................................................................................................................vii
General Standard Operating Procedures....................................................................................1
Processing Haematology and Clinical Chemistry Specimens ...............................................3
Criteria for Rejecting Laboratory Specimens ........................................................................7
Correcting Erroneous Reports..............................................................................................11
Laboratory Critical/Panic Values.........................................................................................13
Sample Collection, Labelling, Handling and Shipment.......................................................17
Blood Collection by Venipuncture in Adults and Children.................................................19
Postexposure Prophylaxis ....................................................................................................27
Thermometer Quality Control..............................................................................................31
Refrigerator/Freezer Maintenance .......................................................................................33
Handling and Disposal of Biohazard Waste ........................................................................35
Clinical Chemistry Standard Operating Procedures ................................................................41
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer
Mannheim)...................................................................................................................43
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer
Mannheim)...................................................................................................................47
γ-Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT) Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim) ...51
Alkaline Phosphatase Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)...................55
Amylase Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim).......................................59
Total Bilirubin Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim) .............................63
Direct Bilirubin Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)............................67
Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim) ...71
Total Protein Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim) ................................75
Triglycerides Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)................................79
Total Cholesterol Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim) .........................83
HDL Cholesterol Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim) ........................87
LDL Cholesterol Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)..........................91
Blood Urea Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)...................................95
Creatinine Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim) ....................................99
Chiron Diagnostic 644 Na+/K+/CL– Analyser ...................................................................103
Chemistry Quality Control.................................................................................................109
Haematology Standard Operating Procedures .......................................................................115
Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC) by Coulter Analyser..................................................117
Manual White Cell Differential Count and Platelet Estimate............................................123
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) by Westergren Method .......................................129
Handling Specimen for CD4+ T Cell Enumeration...........................................................131
CD4+/CD8+ T-Lymphocyte Cell Determination by Cytoflow.........................................135
Cell Separation: PBMC......................................................................................................141
Preparation and staining of Blood Films ...........................................................................145

iii

CPGH ART Programme Standard Operating Procedures: Laboratory Department

Molecular Methods Standard Operating Procedures ............................................................149
Specimen Collection, Storage, and Delivery for Viral Load Testing ................................151
Sample Preparation for Storage for Viral Load Analysis by Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor ...155
Quantitative RNA PCR in Plasma Using Roche Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Version 1.5..159

iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The dedication and hard work of the following people made the preparation of these Standard
Operating Procedures possible:
•

Dr Kishor Mandaliyia, Pathologist, CPGH

•

Mr Douglas Denje, Laboratory Supervisor, CPGH

•

Dr Ephantus Njagi, RPM Plus Consultant

•

Javan Musera, Laboratory Technologist

•

Douglas Kalu, Laboratory Technologist

•

Arnold Jana, Laboratory Technologist

•

Margastone Kitunga, Laboratory Technologist

•

Pantaleo Mwamburi, Laboratory Technologist

•

Sandra Fernandes, Laboratory Technologist

•

Esther Mpenzwe, Laboratory Technician

•

Edward Bejah, Laboratory Technician

•

Dickson Kenga, Laboratory Technician

v


vi

ACRONYMS
ACD
AIDS
ALT/SGPT
AML/CML
ART
AST/SGOT
BUN
CNP
CNPG3
CPGH
CV
DMSO
EDTA
FCS
GT
HbsAG
HBV
HCT
HCV
HDL
HGB
HIV
IP
ISE
KBS
LDH
LDL
MCHC
MCV
MDH
MSH
MSO
MWP
NASBA
NHP
NRBC
OD
OP
OPD

acid citrate dextrose (anticoagulant)
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
alanine aminotransferase
acute myeloid leukaemia/chronic myeloid leukaemia
antiretroviral therapy
aspartate aminotransferase
blood urea nitrogen
2-chloro-4-nitrophenol
2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-maltotrioside
coefficient of variation
dimethyl sulfoxide
ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid
forward scattered [light]
glutamyl transferase
hepatitis B surface antigen
hepatitis B virus
hematocrit
hepatitis C virus
high density lipoprotein
hemoglobin test
human immunodeficiency virus
inpatient
ion-selective electrode
Kenya Bureau of Standards
lactate dehydrogenase
low density lipoprotein
mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
mean corpuscular volume
malate dehydrogenase
methyl sulfoxide
micro well plate
nucleic acid sequence–based amplification
negative human plasma
nucleated red blood cell
optical density
outpatient
outpatient department

vii


PBMC
PCR
PEP
PPE
QC
QS
RBC
RPM Plus
RT
SD
SOP
SSC
U/L
VLDL
WBC

viii

peripheral blood mononuclear cell
polymerase chain reaction
postexposure prophylaxis
personal protective equipment
quality control
quantitation standard
red blood cell
room temperature
standard deviation
Standard Operating Procedure
side scattered [light]
units per litre
very low density lipoprotein
white blood cell

Antiretroviral Programme

General


2

Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures
Processing Haematology and Clinical Chemistry Specimens
Lab SOP No.: 101
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

PRINCIPLE
This SOP defines the handling of a specimen from the time it is received until the
time a report is released from both the Haematology and Chemistry Sections. The
specimen may be tracked for efficiency in reporting results in a timely fashion, as
well as for identifying those individuals responsible for processing the specimen and
issuing a final report.

II.

SPECIMEN
The specimen received must correspond to the test requested. If it does not, take
appropriate action. (See SOP 102: Criteria for Rejecting Laboratory Specimens.)

III.

QUALITY CONTROL
Depending upon the assay, quality control (QC) is performed either daily or with each
test/batch of an assay requested. Determine which QC is to be performed with the
requested assay.

IV.

PROCEDURE
A. Ensure the laboratory request form accompanying any sample received in the
laboratory has been properly “clocked in.”
B. Ensure all laboratory requests contain the following minimum information:
patient’s name, age, and gender; attending physician; ward or clinic; tests
requested; date and time specimen was collected; and pertinent clinical
information.
C. Determine if the specimen should be rejected. See SOP 102: Criteria for Rejecting
Laboratory Specimens.
D. Enter the sample(s) on the register, indicating patient’s name, IP/OP number, sex,
clinic, diagnosis, and all tests requested for that sample.
E. Note the specimen condition on the requisition slip according to the following:
1. Haemolysed—Red-tinged
2. Lipemic—Lactescent or “milky”

3


3. Icteric—Yellow-green or “jaundiced”
4. Clotted samples
F. Perform analysis of assays on the appropriate analyser. Run QC accordingly.
G. All reports generated will be reviewed and initialled by the technologist
performing the analysis. Date stamp when report is completed prior to release of
results.
H. Repeat or dilute any assay deemed necessary according to the review guidelines of
the procedure. Always repeat or dilute a specimen from the original tube (not the
sample cup) if quantity is sufficient.
I. Ensure all repeats are included with laboratory report.
J. Notify the medical officer in-charge of CCC of any result that is a panic value. On
the report indicate the name of the individual accepting the results, time, and
initials of the technician who made the notification.
K. All final reports are reviewed at the end of each day by the section supervisor for
clerical errors, assays requested vs. assays performed, and reliability of reported
results.
V.

PROCEDURAL NOTES
A. In order to avoid technical and clerical errors, the same technician should run the
specimen and enter the patient identification numbers into the analyser. The report
should include the condition of the sample and any other pertinent information
found on the original request form.
B. Reference values will be indicated on all reports released.
C. When reviewing laboratory results, look for:
1. Acceptable quality control
2. Panic values
3. Results that are inconsistent with other chemistries or haematology requested

4


VI.

APPROVAL

The signature below constitutes the approval of this SOP for use in the laboratory.
Laboratory Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

5


6

Lab SOP No.: 102
Date prepared:
I.

Criteria for Rejecting Laboratory Specimens
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

PRINCIPLE
The guidelines established in this SOP ensure the integrity of the specimen and the
reliability of the results generated for the physician.

II.

PROCEDURE
A. Specimens may be rejected in the following situations:
1. Mismatched specimens and/or lab forms from clinics, wards, and lab
processing: Processing personnel should contact appropriate location and give
them an opportunity to correct the problem within 2 hours for specimen to be
processed. A note indicating that correction has been done for processing of
the specimen has to be made in case of any discrepancy. If the processor is
unable to contact the submitter, the forms and/or specimens can be sent back
with a specimen rejection form stating the problem. Ultimately, repeat
offenders must be monitored closely with copies of the mismatched forms or
specimens provided to the pathologist for follow-up.
2. Unlabelled specimens: The ward/clinic will be notified and requested to
identify the sample or to submit another specimen. Otherwise, if no
confirmation is forthcoming, the unlabelled specimen(s) will be discarded.
3. Incomplete label: All specimens must have the patient’s full details. Contact
the collector to correct any problems.
4. Requests accompanied by lipemic, icteric, or haemolysed specimens will have
the condition noted on the lab result. In addition, when the results are reported
by telephone, the condition of the submitted specimen (i.e., lipemic or
haemolysed) will be conveyed to the individual receiving the results.
TELEPHONE REPORTING WILL FOLLOW A SPECIFIED PROTOCOL AS
SET OUT BY THE LABORATORY AND CCC.
5. Contaminated specimen or request form: The ward or clinic will be called and
provided with the opportunity to submit a new specimen/form.
6. Improper specimen container for requested assay: Technicians will not
perform a test if the specimen is not in the acceptable container. See individual
SOPs for proper specimen containers.

7


a. Samples for urea and electrolyte assays that are NOT collected in serum
tubes (red tops) or lithium heparin.
b. Samples for complete blood count that are NOT collected on heparincontaining purple tops.
c. Samples for CD4 T-cell counts that are NOT collected on K3 EDTAcontaining purple tops.
d. Samples for liver function tests that are NOT collected on red tops.
e. Samples for viral loads by RT-PCR that are NOT collected on
ACD/EDTA-containing purple tops.
f. Samples for PBMC that are NOT collected on yellow tops.
7. Insufficient quantity of specimen submitted for the testing requested. Contact
the physician, ward, or clinic and have the patient’s blood redrawn or have the
physician prioritize tests requested for analysis; however, this should be highly
discouraged.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

2 ml for complete blood count
3 ml for CD4 cell count
5 ml for liver function tests
4 ml for urea and electrolytes
4 ml for viral load
30 ml for PBMCs separation

B. In the above situation, notify the ward or clinic of the problem, exhibiting a
professional, courteous attitude. Whenever possible, cooperate with the physician
to determine alternate testing in the case of “hard to draw” patients, especially
infants and burn patients.
III.

PROCEDURAL NOTES
The following is a summary of corrective actions for improperly collected or handled
specimens.
A. Take appropriate action to correct the problem. If necessary, have the specimen
re-collected as soon as possible.
B. Document all actions on the request forms or specimen rejection form, indicating
the reason for rejection. Include name of the person contacted, date and time of
notification, action taken, and initials of person making the notification.
C. Notify the physician if a delay in performing the analysis will occur; this allows
him or her to make appropriate decisions.
D. The supervisor will review all rejected request forms/specimen for each day.

8


IV.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

9


10

Lab SOP No.: 103
Date prepared:
I.

Correcting Erroneous Reports
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

PRINCIPLE
It is essential that false information or misinformation presented to a physician is
corrected in a manner that does not compromise patient care. Clerical discrepancies,
tests reported vs. tests requested, and reporting erroneous test results are areas that
necessitate a corrected report.

II.

SCOPE
Immediately following the discovery of an erroneous assay result, notify the physician
of the error. If unable to contact the physician, inform the lab supervisor/pathologist
and the head of ward or head nurse.

III.

PROCEDURE
A. Upon discovering an error, make a new request form with the correct results and
annotate “Corrected Report” on the request. Initial the report and indicate the date
and time.
B. For reports, indicate in the comment section: “Corrected Report for Spec # X,
drawn at date and time.”
C. If the physician was contacted, annotate on the report whom you spoke with,
along with the date and time.
D. Send the corrected report to the ward or clinic.
E. Cross out the error from the initial report by drawing a single line indicating error.
Attach the laboratory copy of the corrected report to the initial laboratory slip.
F. DO NOT DESTROY THE INITIAL LABORATORY SLIP THAT CONTAINS
THE ERROR. IT IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT.

11


IV.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

12

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 104
Date prepared:
I.

Laboratory Critical/Panic Values
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this SOP is to identify clinical laboratory quantitative values above or
below an established reference range, to which a clinician would respond by taking
some further action to assess the patient’s condition.

II.

PRINCIPLE
Quantitative clinical laboratory values provided by the laboratories.

III.

PROCEDURE
A. Verify the result to ensure it is a true panic value.
NOTE: All values falling within the critical range must be repeated. Whenever
possible, critical values should be reviewed by a supervisor before notifying the
physician.
B. Immediately notify the requesting ward, clinic, or physician of the critical value.
If unable to make contact, you may need to send a runner. Document each call or
course of action.
1. If there is no requester annotated on the lab slip, contact the casualty unit to
determine if the patient is an inpatient and on which ward he/she is located.
2. If necessary, send slip to the ward by runner and enter the information into the
log (if applicable). Retain verification on file copy slip.
C. If the requester cannot be identified or there is no answer on the ward, notify the
pathologist, lab head, or supervisor of your section.
NOTE: Legibly annotate on the lab slip all steps taken; include date and time.

13


IV.

PANIC/CRITICAL VALUES:
Less Than:

Greater Than:

SGPT
Amylase

(25% difference of prior value)

SGOT


Chloride

85 mmol/L

115 mmol/L

CK


1,000 U/L

Creatinine

26 µmol/L

663 µmol/L

Glucose (adult, fasting)

2 mmol/L

2 mmol/L

Potassium

2.5 mmol/L

6.0 mmol/L

Sodium

120 mmol/L

160 mmol/L

Total Bilirubin (adult)


Total Protein

40.0 g/L

90.0 g/L

Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

V.


1.0 mmol/L

54 mmol/L

REFERENCE RANGES—ROUTINE CHEMISTRIES:
Normal Range Units
Glucose: fasting
Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

2.9–8.2 mmol/L

Creatinine

53–106 mmol/L

SGPT

7.0–56 U/L

Amylase

30–110 U/L

SGOT

5.0–35 U/L

Chloride

98–107 mmol/L

CK

30–170 U/L

Conjugated Bilirubin (direct)

0.0– < 5 µmol/L

Potassium

3.6–5.0 mmoL/L

Sodium

137–145 mmoL/L

Total Bilirubin

2–21 µmol/L

Total Protein

63–82 g/L

Unconjugated Bilirubin (indirect)

14

3–6 mmol/L

0.0–14 µmol/L

150 U/L


VI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

15


16

Sample Collection, Labelling, Handling and Shipment
Lab SOP No.: 105
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
This standard operating procedure defines the specimens to be collected, labelling to
be done, and handling and transporting of specimens.

II.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
A. 2 ml of venous blood will be collected for complete blood count using heparincontaining purple tops, per predetermined patient schedule. Blood will be well
mixed and placed on a roller to prevent clotting and will be processed within 24
hours. Where necessary, differential count will be done using the same sample.
B. 3 ml of venous blood will be collected for CD4 T cell enumeration using K3
EDTA-containing purple tops. All specimens will be gently mixed to prevent clot
formation and placed on a roller before processing. Blood samples should not be
obtained from patients with acute infections such as tuberculosis, herpes virus
infections, bacterial sepsis, and respiratory infections because these may affect the
level of the CD4 cell count. Such patients will be allowed to recover from such
conditions before CD4 cell enumeration.
C. 5 ml of venous blood will be collected for liver function tests using red tops. All
necessary clinical chemistry parameters will be performed using this sample.
D. 4 ml of venous blood will be collected for urea and electrolyte tests using red tops.
All necessary renal function parameters will be performed using this sample.
E. 4 ml of venous blood will be collected from predetermined patients for viral load.
This specimen will be centrifuged to separate plasma. Four aliquots of plasma will
be stored at –80°C and transported to a predetermined laboratory at an appropriate
time to maintain the agreed cold chain for viral load determination. Such samples
will not be obtained from those patients who have just been immunized with
influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, or hepatitis B vaccine or who are
suffering from tuberculosis, herpes virus infection, or other infections. Such
patients will be given 2–4 weeks before viral load samples are obtained from
them.
F. 30 ml of venous blood will be collected from some predetermined patients for
viral resistance studies using green tops. PBMCs will be collected from such
samples and stored at –80°C for future use. PBMCs separation will be done
according to protocol.
G. Other samples will be collected as indicated by the protocol.

17


III.

SPECIMEN LABELLING
A. Each container should be labelled with name, type of specimen, and date of
collection. Included should be a brief description of the illness; place, date, and
time of collection; requesting clinician; and clinic or ward. Samples for viral load
and resistance analysis should be kept as cold as possible, preferably frozen.
B. Routine laboratory request forms should accompany each sample. Data on
laboratory request forms should include number of days since onset of symptoms
and the reason that samples were obtained as well as name, age, and sex of
patient, and date and time of specimen removal.

IV.

SPECIMEN HANDLING AND SHIPMENT
A. All specimens should be submitted through the main reception area for
processing. Samples must be in a clearly marked CCC container.
B. It is the responsibility of the lab coordinator in concert with the CCC physician to
ensure that specimens are submitted correctly and expeditiously to an appropriate
diagnostic laboratory.

V.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

18

Date:

Blood Collection by Venipuncture in Adults and Children
Lab SOP No.: 106
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

PURPOSE
To obtain peripheral blood samples from adults and children needed for laboratory
testing, with proper specimen identification and handling, while ensuring patient and
staff safety.

II.

BACKGROUND
A. Laboratory investigations are a critical part of patient management . Strict
adherence to SOP requirements ensures quality laboratory results. Obtaining
sufficient volume of blood in the proper collection tubes is the responsibility of
the phlebotomist.
B. It is also the duty of the phlebotomist to insure that the specimens collected are
identified properly and labelled in a legible manner for the laboratory. Mislabelled
specimens can jeopardize the outcome of the laboratory results, causing incorrect
patient management or the discarding and thus loss of specimens with
ambiguities that cannot be resolved.
C. It is the duty of the laboratory receiving the specimens to notify the study staff if
inadequate specimens are received, so that corrective action may be taken if
possible. Such specimens include those in poorly labelled tubes; of insufficient
specimen volume; or inadequate specimens due to clotting, spilling, and the like.

III.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.

10% household bleach (Jik) or 4% chlorhexidine solution
Disposable latex gloves
Alcohol swabs, isopropyl alcohol
Tourniquet (latex rubber)
Vacutainer holders
Appropriate size sterile disposable needles or butterfly needle set
Vacutainer specimen tubes
Cotton balls
Sharps disposal container

19


IV.

PROCEDURES
A. Adult Phlebotomy
1. All required materials for blood drawing should be assembled before the
procedure.
2. Sterile, single-use needles (or butterflies) and Vacutainer tubes are to be used
for each blood draw, and after completion needles are to be properly disposed
of in a puncture resistant container. They are never to be cleaned and reused
for any purpose.
3. Check the study specific Lab Requisition Form to confirm the quantity of
blood to be drawn and which kind of Vacutainer tubes to use. Make sure you
have selected the right additive if one is necessary.
4. Vacutainer tubes or other specimen containers should be labelled by patient
identification number.
5. Be sure to verify the identity of the client and clinic number before labelling
tubes.
6. Do not prepare tubes for more than one subject at a time.
7. The phlebotomist should wear latex gloves and use aseptic technique during
phlebotomy. Gloves should always be worn when handling or transporting
specimens if there is any possibility of direct contact with blood or other body
secretion.
8. Explain the blood drawing procedure to the client and reassure him/her.
9. Seat ambulatory patients in a comfortable chair with the extremity from which
blood will be drawn supported on a sturdy table or other support. The
preferred sites for phlebotomy are the median antecubital and basilic veins of
the upper extremity. Veins on the dorsum on the hand and other forearm veins
are possible alternative sites. A tourniquet may be used to transiently distend
veins prior to blood drawing. Do not leave the tourniquet on the arm for longer
than necessary as this is uncomfortable for the client and may alter the results
of certain laboratory tests, such as serum potassium measurements and some
enzyme measurements.
10. Using the tip of the index finger examine the phlebotomy site, feel the vein,
and decide exactly where to place the puncture.
11. Disinfect the phlebotomy site by swabbing the skin in small outward circles
with an alcohol swab or cotton wool soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Do not touch
the prepared puncture site with your fingers after disinfecting the skin.

20


12. Using aseptic technique, insert the needle (or butterfly) of the Vacutainer
device into the vein. It is often helpful to make counter-traction distally over
the vein to stabilize it for needle puncture. If possible, always allow the full
amount of blood to be drawn by each evacuated tube when using the
Vacutainer system and tubes. After drawing, mix the blood in tubes
containing additives by inverting the tubes several times.
13. After drawing the required blood samples, release the tourniquet (if used).
Remove the needle from the vein, cover the puncture site with a cotton swab,
and hold (or have the subject hold) pressure at the puncture site for 3 minutes
or until adequate haemostasis is visible.
14. Subjects occasionally feel dizzy or faint during phlebotomy. If the subject
complains of dizziness or feels faint, stop the phlebotomy procedure, secure
the vessel puncture site and help the subject lie down or sit with his/her head
between the knees. Do not allow subjects to stand until they have fully
recovered. Summon medical assistance from other clinic staff if necessary.
B. Paediatric Phlebotomy
1. Preparation
a. Drawing blood from infants and small children may be physically traumatic
for the infant and emotionally traumatic for the mothers. Therefore, it
should be done by persons experienced in paediatric blood drawing to
minimize the discomfort of both the mother and the child.
b. As obtaining blood from newborns and young infants is sometimes
difficult, if sufficient blood is not obtained on the first attempt, a second
attempt may be made. If the second attempt also fails and an additional
trained person is available, a second person may attempt to obtain the
specimen. No more than three attempts should be made for any child at a
time. If blood is not obtained after three attempts, the child may be
scheduled to return on a later date for additional attempts by the most
experienced staff member.
c. All supplies required for the blood draw should be assembled in advance so
that blood obtained can immediately be placed in the proper tubes. This
preparation is especially important for specimens that must be anticoagulated. Delay in filling the tubes containing the anticoagulant may
result in an inadequate clotted specimen, which would require an additional
blood draw.
d. Sterile, single use needles and tubes are to be used for each blood draw and
after completion should be properly disposed of in a puncture resistant
container. They are never to be cleaned and reused for any purpose.
e. Tubes should be either pre-labelled with the patient’s study identification
number or labelled immediately after the specimen is obtained. A preprinted label should be used so as to avoid transcription errors in specimen

21


identification. The number should be double-checked against the patient
file to be sure the specimen is labelled properly prior to the release of the
patient. Only one patient and the tubes for one patient should be present at
any time so as not to mix up patient specimens.
2. Procedures
a. The phlebotomist should wear latex gloves and use aseptic technique during
phlebotomy. Gloves should be worn when handling or transporting
specimens if there is any possibility of direct contact with blood or other
body secretion.
b. The key to successful blood drawing on children is in the positioning and
holding of the child. One should not attempt to draw blood alone, without
the aid of a second person to restrain the child. A trained staff member is
the ideal person to assist with the blood drawing. If no staff members are
available to assist in the holding, then the mother may be instructed in how
to hold the child in the manner that makes the drawing the easiest for the
blood drawer. If the mother does not want to be present for the blood
drawing, her wishes should be respected and the blood should be obtained
by two staff members.
c. Study blood should be obtained from peripheral veins such as antecubital
veins, veins on the dorsum of the hand, and veins on the dorsum of the foot.
Femoral, jugular, or arterial punctures can be used where necessary if
specimens are required for the health and medical care of the child. The
risks associated with these procedures do not justify their use for other
purposes.
d. A tourniquet may be used to transiently distend veins prior to blood
drawing. Do not leave the tourniquet on the child’s arm for longer than
necessary as this is uncomfortable for the infant and may alter the results of
certain laboratory tests, such as serum potassium measurements and some
enzyme measurements.
e. Using the tip of the index finger, examine the phlebotomy site, feel the
vein, and decide exactly where to place the puncture.
f. Disinfect the phlebotomy site by swabbing the skin in small outward circles
with an alcohol swab or cotton wool soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Do not
touch the prepared puncture site with your fingers after disinfecting the
skin.
g. Using aseptic technique, insert the needle (or butterfly) of the Vacutainer
device into the vein. It is often helpful to make counter-traction distally
over the vein to stabilize it for needle puncture.
h. If possible, always allow the full amount of blood to be drawn by each
evacuated tube when using the Vacutainer system and tubes. After drawing,

22


mix the blood in tubes containing additives by inverting the tubes several
times.
i. After drawing the required blood samples, release the tourniquet (if used).
Remove the needle from the vein, cover the puncture site with a cotton
swab, and hold (or have the mother hold) pressure at the puncture site for 3
minutes or until adequate haemostasis is visible.
j. As obtaining blood from newborns and young infants is sometimes
difficult, using a butterfly needle combined with a syringe will sometimes
work better than Vacutainer tubes. A 23 or 25 gauge butterfly needle should
be used with 2 ml or 5 ml syringe.
k. As soon as sufficient blood is obtained, or it is determined that the blood is
no longer flowing, the tourniquet should be released, the needle should be
removed, and the blood in the syringe placed immediately in tubes,
followed by repeated tube inversion to prevent clotting (if necessary).
Cover the puncture site with a cotton swab, and hold (or have the mother
hold) pressure at the puncture site for 3 minutes or until adequate
haemostasis is visible.
C. Finger Prick and Heel Stick
In cases when only a small quantity of blood is necessary or when venous access
is limited, such as in newborns and infants, the most efficient way to obtain a
blood specimen is to collect capillary blood from a finger prick or heel stick.
Depending on which analysis one wishes to perform, blood can be collected in
Microtainer tubes, in capillary tubes, or on filter-paper. For collection and
handling of the different kinds of specimens refer to the appropriate SOPs.
1. Required Materials and Equipment
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Vinyl gloves
Sharps disposal containers
Alcohol swabs (70%)
Sterile blood lancets
Cotton wool
10% household bleach (Jik) or 4% chlorhexidine solution

For sample collection:
a. Capillary tubes or disposable Pasteur pipettes
b. Specimen collection filter papers or Microtainer tubes
c. Funnels
2. Finger Prick Procedure
a. The technician should wear vinyl gloves and use aseptic technique. (If latex
gloves are used, they should be washed before wearing because powder
coating on them can cause interference with some assays.)

23


b. Establish a rapport with the client, for example by explaining carefully
what you will be doing, if it’s going to hurt, etc.
c. Position the client: For this procedure, the client should sit in a chair and
hyper-extend his/her arm.
d. The best locations for a finger prick are the third and fourth fingers of the
hand not used by the client for writing. Do not use the tip or the centre of
the finger. Avoid the side of the finger where there is less soft tissue, where
nerves are located, and where the bone is closer to the surface.
e. Avoid puncturing a finger that is cold or blue, swollen, scarred, or covered
with a rash.
f. Warming the finger by wrapping a warm cloth around it will provide an
optimal blood flow and more accurate samples.
g. Clean the finger prick site with an alcohol swab. Allow the alcohol to airdry completely before making the prick.
h. Use a sterile lancet. Full skin penetration by the tip of the lancet should be
accomplished in order to obtain adequate blood flow for collection.
Shallow, inadequate penetration will require an additional puncture. If
blood does not flow adequately from the initial puncture, a second puncture
in a cross (X) pattern can increase blood flow significantly.
i. Make the skin puncture just off the centre of the finger pad.
j. With dry and clean cotton wool, wipe off the first drop of blood as this
tends to contain excess tissue fluid.
k. Gently massage the finger to allow a drop of blood to form at the punctured
site. Collect sufficient quantities of blood for the technique in question,
using the recommended equipment.
l. Have the patient hold a small ball of dry cotton wool over the puncture site
for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.
3. Heel Stick Procedure
Heel stick is the preferred method for obtaining capillary blood in an infant.
a. Establish a rapport with the newborn/infant’s mother (or any other person
holding the newborn/ infant), for example by explaining carefully what you
will be doing, if it’s going to hurt, etc.
b. Hold the newborn/infant in the mother’s lap with the foot lowered relative
to the rest of the body. DO NOT perform skin punctures on the fingers of
newborns or infants.

24


c. Collect blood from the newborn/infant’s heel, using the lateral or medial
side of the foot as illustrated in the figure below. DO NOT perform skin
punctures for obtaining blood specimen on the heel pad of a newborn’s or
infant’s foot as this may result in injury to the nerves, tendons, and
cartilage.

Figure 1: Heel stick site
The shaded regions in the figure indicate the recommended heel stick
puncture site.
d. Pre-warming the skin-puncture site provides optimal blood flow and more
accurate samples. A warm, moist towel at a temperature of no more than
42°C may be used to cover the site.
e. Clean the skin with an alcohol swab.
f. Puncture the infant’s heel with a sterile lancet. Full skin penetration by the
tip of the lancet should be accomplished in order to obtain adequate blood
flow for collection. Shallow, inadequate penetration will require the
additional trauma of a repeated puncture. If blood does not flow adequately
from the initial puncture, a second puncture in a cross (X) pattern can
increase blood flow significantly.
g. Hold the infant’s heel loosely so as not to impede the flow of blood. If
bleeding does not immediately occur, massage the lower portion of the leg
in a downward direction. DO NOT squeeze the extremity as this may result
in haemolysed blood and thereby jeopardize the result of the analysis.
h. Using dry and clean cotton wool wipe off the first drop of blood, as this
tends to contain excess tissue fluid.
i. From the punctured site collect sufficient quantities of blood for the
technique in question using the recommended equipment.
j. Hold a small ball of dry cotton wool over the puncture site for a few
minutes to stop the bleeding.

25


V.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A. Always put on laboratory protective clothing and gloves and keep to the
laboratory safety practices to avoid viral and other infectious disease
transmissions.
B. Needles should not be recapped, but should be placed in a proper needle
disposal container immediately. Any blood-soiled materials should be placed in
an infectious waste container for proper disposal.
C. Discarded swabs, cotton, and other biohazard but non-sharp objects should be
placed in a covered trash container lined with an autoclavable biohazard bag.
D. Visibly soiled or splashed tourniquets and Vacutainer holders should be
discarded in proper containers and new equipment used.
E. Any blood spills or splashes should be immediately cleaned up with absorbent
material using an approved disinfectant such as dilute 10% bleach or
chlorhexidine solution. Counter surfaces in the phlebotomy work area should be
disinfected at least 3 times a day or whenever visibly soiled.
F. No food or drink is permitted in the phlebotomy work area.

VI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

26

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 107

Postexposure Prophylaxis
Version No.: 1.0

Date prepared:

I.

Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
This standard operating procedure defines the procedures to be followed in the
laboratory if an exposure to a potentially infectious material occurs.

II.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
A. At all times, guidelines for good laboratory practices must be followed to ensure
safety and to keep laboratory accidents to a minimum.
B. White coats and gloves should be worn at all times to prevent bodily and personal
clothing contamination.
C. After any procedure, gloves should be removed and hands washed immediately at
the designated sites.
D. Testing of serum or plasma specimens should be performed in such a manner as to
minimize any occupational risk.
E. Contact of skin or mucous membranes with HIV-infected products should be
avoided.
F. Surfaces contaminated with HIV-infected products should be immediately
disinfected.
G. All contaminated waste should be safely disposed of.

III.

PROCEDURE
A. After exposure to a potentially infectious material, follow these procedures
immediately:
1. Wash the areas exposed to potentially infectious material with soap and water.
2. Flush exposed mucous membranes with water. If saline solution is available,
use it to flush eyes.
3. Do not apply caustic agents, including antiseptics or disinfectants, to the
exposed areas.

27


B. Immediately inform the laboratory supervisor of the exposure and insist on
completing the Occupational Exposure Incident Report in the applicable register.
The following information should be provided:
1. Date and time of exposure
2. Exposure site(s)
3. Where and how the exposure occurred
4. If a sharp object was involved, type and brand of device
5. Type and amount of fluid exposed to
6. Severity of exposure (e.g., depth of sharp puncture, intact skin, eyes)
7. Exposure source
8. Body fluids (e.g., blood products)
9. Patient: If HIV patient, check for HIV status and document whether negative
or positive, stage of disease, viral load, history of ART, etc.
C. The laboratory supervisor will refer the exposed personnel to the medical officer
in charge of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in CPGH. The medical officer will
evaluate the laboratory health worker for potential exposure of HIV based on:
1. Type and amount of body fluid/tissue
2. Type of exposure
a.
b.
c.
d.

Percutaneous injury
Mucous membrane exposure
Nonintact skin exposure
Bites resulting in blood exposure

4. Infectious status of source
a. Presence of HIV antibody
b. Presence of HbsAG
c. Presence of HCV antibody
5. Status of the source of infectious material
a. Presence of HIV antibody
b. Presence of HbsAG
c. Presence of HCV antibody
6. Susceptibility of exposed person
a. Hepatitis B vaccine and response status
b. HIV, HBV, and HCV immune status

28


D. The exposed health care worker will be offered pre-HIV test counselling based on
informed consent, as well as ongoing counselling as desired. The confidentiality
of the exposed health care worker will be maintained at all times.
1. If the HIV status of the source person is not known, the source person will be
informed of the incident and consent obtained to perform HIV testing as soon
as possible, maintaining confidentiality of the source person at all times.
2. If the source person is negative for HIV, baseline testing or further follow-up
of the exposed health care worker is not necessary.
3. If the source person refuses to be tested for HIV, the attending medical officer
will contact the senior administrator for authorization to perform HIV testing
according to the Kenyan guidelines. The authorization of the senior
administrator will also be sought when the source person is confused or in a
coma, or in the case of a minor if a parent or guardian is not available.
4. If the source person is not known, the exposure will be evaluated on the
likelihood of high risk for infection: where and under what circumstances the
exposure occurred.
E. If the risk of exposure is determined to be there, PEP against HIV should be
started immediately, within 1–2 hours of exposure if possible; however, if a delay
occurs, initiate PEP regardless of the interval. PEP should be continued for 28
days, and HIV testing should be repeated after 2 weeks, then thereafter at 6 weeks,
3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
F. Risk definition
1. Low risk
a. Exposure to a small volume of blood or fluid contaminated with blood
from asymptomatic HIV-positive patients with low viral load
b. Percutaneous exposure with a solid needle
c. Any superficial injury or mucocutaneous exposure
2. High risk
a. Exposure to a large volume of blood or potentially infectious fluids
b. Exposure to blood or blood contaminated fluids from an HIV-infected
patient with a high viral load
c. Injury with a hollow needle
d. Deep and extensive injuries
e. Confirmed ARV drug resistance in the source patient

29


G. Regimen for Risk Category
Risk
ARV Prophylaxis
Category
Low Retrovir (AZT) 300 mg twice a day X 28 days
Epivir (3TC) 150 mg twice a day X 28 days
(NOTE: Regimen may be dispensed as Combivir 1 tab twice a day.)
High Retrovir (AZT) 300 mg twice a day X 28 days
Epivir (3TC) 150 mg twice a day X 28 days
Indinavir 800 mg three times a day X 28 days
(NOTE: Combivir 1 tab twice a day may replace retrovir + epivir)
1. Toxicity of ARVs: Adverse symptoms with ARVs, such as headache, nausea,
and diarrhoea, are common. Management without changing the PEP regimen
is recommended (e.g., prescribing analgesic, antimotility, or anti-emetic
agents). Please refer to the SOPs on Reporting ADRs.

IV.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

30

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 108
Date prepared:
I.

Thermometer Quality Control
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

PRINCIPLE
Refrigeration of reagents is essential in ensuring shelf life and stability. Room
temperature monitoring is also important for the proper functioning of equipment.
Thermometers vary widely in their calibration accuracy. Therefore, it is essential that
all thermometers are calibrated against a Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS)
thermometer for proper temperature control of freezers, refrigerators, incubators, and
room temperature.

II.

SCOPE
A. Thermometers will be calibrated when they are brought into service.
B. Existing thermometers will be calibrated yearly to assess accuracy. All
thermometers can be calibrated during a single month or calibration can be
staggered.

III.

IDENTIFICATION
All thermometers will be uniquely identified. The identifier will be recorded in a
logbook located in the laboratory, along with the initial and all future calibrations.

IV.

PROCEDURE
A. Visually inspect thermometer for any cracks in the capillary or bulb. Check the
mercury or alcohol column for separations that may have occurred. If no defects
are found, continue with this procedure.
B. Immerse the KBS thermometer into the same glycerol/water bath as the
thermometer that is being calibrated.
NOTE: Allow the system to equilibrate for one hour.
C. Read and record the temperature on both thermometers.

V.

RESULTS
Temperature readings must be within ± 1 degree of each other.

31


VI.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Discard any thermometer that is broken, does not read within ± 1 degree of the KBS
thermometer, or contains bubbles. Notify section supervisor so that a new
thermometer may be ordered.

VII.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

32

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 109
Date prepared:
I.

Refrigerator/Freezer Maintenance
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

PRINCIPLE
A. Refrigerator. The general purpose laboratory refrigerator is normally an
explosion-proof, insulated cabinet capable of reducing and holding temperatures
to levels above the freezing point of water. There is usually an adjustable control
for varying the internal temperature. This unit is used to store reagents,
microbiological material, and blood products.
B. Freezer. May or may not be attached to a refrigerator unit. Laboratory freezers
have refrigeration units capable of reducing and holding temperatures below 0°C.
They are used to store the same types of material stored in laboratory refrigerators.

II.

FUNCTION VERIFICATION
A. The internal temperature should be read and recorded daily. A thermometer
should be installed in both units. The refrigerator thermometer should be mounted
in a jar containing a solution of 50% glycerine and water. The freezer solution
should be an antifreeze such as 50% glycerine/water. The acceptable range for
refrigerators is 2–8°C and 0– −250C or 0– −80°C for freezers.
B. If the unit is equipped with a blower fan, check daily to see that it is operating.
C. Check door gasket and seals every 6 months.
D. Check unit every 6 months for level installation and to ensure door closes and
seals properly.

III.

INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE
A. Defrost unit and clean interior at least every 6 months. Wash interior with a
solution of warm water and baking soda; rinse with clean water. Dry the interior.
If the unit is self-defrosting, ensure drain tubes remain open.
B. Clean the exterior with mild soap in water, rinse, and dry every 6 months.
C. Clean and vacuum condenser and power units with a whisk broom every
6 months.
D. If the gasket accumulates a black mould or fungus, apply a 50% solution of bleach
with a small brush; rinse, and dry thoroughly.

33


E. Check for level installation, ensuring the door closes properly and seals. Check
levelling wheels or screws every 6 months.
F. Check power cord monthly to ensure there is no fraying of wire covering.
IV.

PRECAUTIONS
A. Ensure the unit is properly grounded.
B. Do not store explosive chemicals inside the unit if it is not explosion proof.
C. Keep contents properly wrapped, covered, or stoppered to prevent frost build-up.
Do not store food and drinks in a refrigerator that is used to hold reagents and
chemicals.

V.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
A. Use wheels or screws to level the unit.
B. If the temperature range is unacceptable, adjust and record.
C. When adjustments fail to correct problem or gaskets and/or seals are faulty, notify
supervisor and medical maintenance staff.
D. Record all corrective action on maintenance chart.

VI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

34

Date:

Handling and Disposal of Biohazard Waste
Lab SOP No.: 110

Version No.: 1.0

Date prepared:

Date adopted:

I.

PURPOSE
The principal purpose of disposing biohazard wastes e.g. sharps, laboratory wastes,
and microbiological specimens is to avoid contamination with infectious waste agents
known to be infectious to humans.

II.

BACKGROUND
Biomedical laboratories are special and unique work environments that may pose
identifiable infectious disease risks to persons in or near them. Correct Biohazard
Waste handling is therefore necessary to reduce or eliminate exposure to laboratory
staff, other persons and the outside environment to potentially hazardous materials:
such as blood or other body fluids, lab wastes and microbiology specimens which
might be contaminated with agents known to be infectious to humans.

III.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS REQUIRED
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

IV.

Incinerator
Autoclave
Waste bins
Pipette baskets
Bin liners for biohazard waste
Unmarked waste bags
Disposable sharps containers
10 % household bleach (JIK)
Latex gloves
Autoclavable tape

KINDS OF BIOHAZARD WASTE
Infectious wastes include the following categories:
A.

Laboratory waste
1. Laboratory equipment used to collect or test specimens, cultures or other
material which may contain infectious pathogens.
2. Disposable plastics such as pipettes, pipette tips, culture plates, micro plates,
test tubes etc which has been used to test sample material
3. Reusable glassware such as cylinders, flasks and beekers

35


B.

Sharps
All implements used in the laboratory and which can break the skin are referred
to as sharps:
1. Hypodermic needles
2. Syringes (with or without the attached needle)
3. Pasteur pipettes
4. Scalpel blades
5. Blood collection tubes
6. Needles with attached tubing
7. Glass culture dishes (regardless of presence of infectious agents)
8. Broken or unbroken glassware that were in contact with infectious agents,
such as used slides and cover slips.

C.

Residual sample material
Specimens (samples) from the human body that the laboratory no longer needs
for analysis or storage are referred to as residual body fluids. These include
whole blood, plasma, serum, urine, stools, sputum, aspirates, breast milk, etc.

D.

Chemical Wastes
Chemical wastes that are subject to the requirements of biohazard waste
regulations include wastes from the following categories:
1. Laboratory reagents contaminated with infectious body fluids
2. Other chemicals that may be contaminated by infectious agents.

V.

BIOHAZARD WASTE TREATMENT
There are three ways of treating biohazard wastes to render them harmless and
biologically inert. These are:
A.
B.

Steam sterilization for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to destroy
infectious agents in waste (autoclaving)

C.

36

Incineration in an approved incinerator

Chemical disinfection in which contact time, concentration, and quantity of the
chemical disinfectant are sufficient to destroy infectious agents in the waste


VI.

DISPOSAL OF BIOHAZARD WASTE
A.

General rules
1. Prior to any treatment, all biohazard wastes, including those to be incinerated,
should be enclosed in a puncture-resistant, biohazard bag that is color-coded
or labelled with the biological hazard symbol.
2. Untreated biohazard waste is not to be disposed of in the municipal waste
(system) stream. All biohazard waste must be treated by chemical disinfection
or autoclaving before in any way being disposed of in the municipal waste
stream.
3. After disinfection, but before disposal in the municipal waste stream, all
treated biohazard wastes (apart from liquids) should be enclosed in an
unmarked outer bag that is not red or labelled with the biohazard symbol. Any
biohazard waste that has been treated as described below and packaged such
that it is clearly evident that the waste has been effectively treated, is not
subject to be treated as biohazard waste and may be collected, transported for
incineration or disposed of as municipal waste.
4. The person handling the emptying of waste bins, waste bottles or sharps
containers must be careful not to touch anything without protective clothing
and must use gloves to avoid contracting infections from the waste.
5. The waste bins, sharps containers, etc., must be clearly indicated/marked:
Biohazard wastes.

B. Laboratory waste
1. Discarded swabs, cotton, sample containers and other biohazard but non-sharp
objects used for sample collection should be placed in a covered trash
container lined with an autoclavable biohazard bag. Visibly soiled or splashed
tourniquets and Vacutainer holders should be discarded and new equipment
used.
2. Disposable plastics such as tips, culture plates, micro plates, petri dishes, test
tubes, etc., used for testing of samples should be disposed of in a covered
waste bin lined with an autoclavable biohazard bag, autoclaved and
transported for incineration.
3. Pipettes should be soaked in special pipette baskets in 10 % household bleach
overnight, before being thrown in a waste bin lined with an autoclavable
biohazard bag, autoclaved and incinerated.
4. Reusable glassware such as cylinders, flasks and beakers should be disinfected
with 10 % household bleach over night before washed and autoclaved.

37


C.

Sharps
1. All sharp implements used in the laboratory need to be handled carefully.
They can easily break the skin and increase the risk of infection with
infectious agents.
2. Broken glassware must also be handled as sharps. The laboratory should
have a special box for broken glassware
3. If needles are used, they should never be recapped before disposal.
Recapping needles may lead to somebody accidentally pricking him or
herself.
4. Dispose of all sharps directly into a sharps disposal container with a secure
perforated lid. The lid only allows the implements into the container but not
out. The sharps container should be puncture-resistant, leak proof on the
sides and bottom, and color-coded or labeled with a biohazard symbol.
Note: When selecting sharps containers, look for special safety features such as
lids that lock tight for safe disposal and a container that can be sterilized by steam,
gas, or chemicals. If sharps containers are not specifically constructed to be
autoclaved, the resulting mass of melted plastic is extremely hazardous due to the
needles that often protrude.
5. When full, seal top, autoclave, then arrange for incineration.
6. Decontamination is achieved by autoclaving the sharp implements.
Incineration destroys the sharps completely hence eradicating the chances
of accidental injury to people in the community.

D.

Residual body fluids
1. Ensure that all tubes/containers containing residual body fluids are properly
sealed to avoid spillage. These are then stored temporarily in waste bins
lined with disposal bags.
2. Transfer the disposal bags, together with contents, into autoclaving bags
stick a piece of autoclavable tape on the bag and then autoclave as required
3. After the autoclaving cycle is completed, transport and incinerate the whole
package to completely destroy the tubes.

E.

Chemical wastes
The following procedure is adopted for most chemicals used in low
concentrations.
1. Collect all liquid chemical waste in properly labeled bottles with a little
concentrated disinfectant (i.e., JIK).

38


2. Keep monitoring the rising level of waste in the trap bottles. Never fill the
trap bottles to the very top to avoid spillage.
3. Empty the contents of the trap bottle down the drain, preferably a special
sink in the laboratory, and wash down with more disinfectant, liquid soap
and a large volume of water.
4. Minimum disinfection time of any liquid Biohazard Waste is 30 minutes.
Note:Some disinfectants react with organic compounds, acids, or bases. Consider this
when selecting your disinfectant before commencing your work.
VII.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A.
Anybody handling Biohazard Wastes should always put on laboratory
protective clothing and gloves and keep to the laboratory safety practices to
avoid viral and other infectious disease transmissions.
B.

VIII.

Any spills or splashes of infectious material should be immediately cleaned up
with absorbent material using an approved disinfectant such as dilute 10%
bleach or chlorhexidine solution.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

39


40


Clinical Chemistry

41


42

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) Analysis by Photometer 5010
(Boehringer Mannheim)
Lab SOP No.: 201
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) is an enzyme found mainly in the
liver. Elevated levels are seen in patients with hepatitis and mononucleosis.
B. The Photometer 5010 is a wet clinical chemical analyser in which the solution is
measured either in disposable cuvettes (placing one after the other) or a flowthrough cuvette that works in a built-in peristaltic pump.

II.

PRINCIPLE
A sample of 100 µl is mixed together with 1,000µl aspartate reagent solution in a test
tube. The amino group of L-alanine is transferred to α-oxoglutarate in the presence of
GPT to produce glutamate and pyruvate. The pyruvate formed in the deamination of
L-alanine is converted by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the presence of NADH,
which is oxidated to NAD+. The rate of oxidation of NADH is monitored by
reflectance spectrophotometry of 340 nm at 37°C. The rate of change in reflection
density measured in a linear region is then converted to enzyme activity in
international units per litre (U/L).

III.

SPECIMEN
A. Recommended specimen: 100 µl of serum or heparinised plasma or EDTA
plasma. Collect specimens by standard venipuncture technique. Heparin may be
used as an anticoagulant for plasma specimens. Handle specimens in stoppered
containers to avoid contamination and evaporation. Follow universal precautions
when performing phlebotomy or handling patient specimens, calibrators, or other
serum-based products. Discard contaminated materials with infectious waste.
B. Remove serum promptly from the clot. Haemolysed specimens should not be used
because ALT contamination from red cells will occur. DO NOT freeze the
sample; this will cause a loss of ALT activity.
C. If concentration is greater than the analyser range, dilute with an equal volume of
isotonic saline and reanalyse. Multiply the result by 2 to obtain the original ALT
activity.

43


IV.

REAGENTS AND MATERIALS
A. Photometer 5010 Analyser—see Operator’s Manual for additional information.
B. Reagents:
1. Buffer enzyme reagent: TRIS buffer pH 7.5, L-alanine 75 mmol/L, LDH ≤ 1.2
kU/L
2. Substrate: 2-oxaloglutarate 90 mmol/L, NADH 0.9 mmol/L
Store reagents at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C.

V.

CALIBRATION
A. Empty and wash flow-through cuvette by pressing [WASH] on the LCD display.
An automatic return to the select menu will occur.
B. Push sip by pressing lever [P] to drain the tube system. Do not sip any solution.
C. Measure exactly 1,000 µl of distilled water into a sample cup and sip distilled
water by pushing sip (press lever “P”). The sipping volume of 1,000 µl is
automatically measured in the flow-through cuvette.
D. The length of transportation of the air and water will be displayed on the screen.
E. Press [↵] to finish calibration. The program will return to method select menu.

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL
A. Run quality control materials in normal and abnormal ranges (low and high
controls) at the beginning of each day. Always run a set of controls after
calibrating the analyser. If the controls are out of range, do not report patient
results until the problem is resolved and the patient samples are repeated with
quality control samples within acceptable range.
B. Variability is expressed as standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation
CV) and plotted on a Levy-Jennings graph.
C. See SOP 217: Chemistry Quality Control for control procedures.

VII.

PROCEDURE
A. Pipette 2 ml of substrate with 40 ml of the buffer and mix thoroughly. This
working reagent is stable for 4 weeks at 2–8°C.
B. Label 2 tubes, tube 1 being the control and tube 2 being the sample test tube.

44


C. In tube 1, pipette 1,000 µl of the reagent and 100 µl of control sera. In tube 2,
pipette 1,000 µl of the reagent and 100 µl of sample.
D. Press ZERO and then push sip by pressing lever [P] to sip water and drain the
system.
E. When the screen displays MEASURE BLANK, place cuvette with the control sera
into cuvette holder and aspirate the solution by pushing lever [P].
F. When the screen displays MEASURE SAMPLE, place cuvette with the sample
solution into cuvette holder and aspirate the sample by pushing lever [P].
G. Press [RESULT] and await possible delay while measuring the sample. The result
will be displayed on top line.
H. Print or write out the results. Press [WASH] to sip rinse solution or press
[MEASURE] to measure the next sample by pushing sip lever [P].
VIII.

CALCULATIONS
The results are reported in U/L. No further calculation is necessary unless the
specimen has been diluted.

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: 0–38 U/L
B. Panic values: 40% difference from prior value
C. Each laboratory should confirm these values

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. High total protein samples that are predominantly gamma globulins can increase
ALT results. The sample should be diluted with an equal volume of isotonic saline
and then reanalysed.
B. In sera with very high activities, the initial absorbance may be very low because
most of the NADH may have been consumed before the first readings. In this
case, return the sample after dilution as described above.

45


XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

46

Date:

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) Analysis by
Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Lab SOP No.: 202
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) is an enzyme found mainly in the
heart but also in other organs. Elevated levels may be associated with myocardial
infarctions, various liver diseases, pulmonary emboli, and gangrene.
measured either in disposable cuvettes (placing one after the other) or a flowthrough cuvette that works in a built-in peristaltic pump. Determination of
aspartate aminotransferase activity in 100 µl of serum or plasma is based on an
enzyme-coupled oxidation of NADH to NAD+.

II.

PRINCIPLE
A. The 100 µl of patient sample is put in a test tube containing test reagent to rapidly
activate the apoenzyme so that AST is fully active at the end of the lag phase
without the need for a long preincubation.
B. In the assay for AST, the amino group of L-aspartate is transferred to αoxoglutarate in the presence of GOT to produce glutamate and oxaloacetate. The
oxaloacetate formed in the deamination of the L-aspartate is converted to malate
by malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in the presence of NADH, which is oxidized to
NAD+. The rate of oxidation of NADH is monitored by reflectance
spectrophotometry at 37°C. The rate of change in reflection density measured in a
linear region is then converted to enzyme activity in international units per litre
(U/L).

III.

SPECIMEN
A. Recommended specimen: 100 µl of serum or heparinised plasma or EDTA
plasma. Collect specimens by standard venipuncture technique. Heparin may be
used as an anticoagulant for plasma specimens. Handle specimens in stoppered
B. Remove serum promptly from the clot. Haemolysed specimens should not be used
because AST contamination from red blood cells will occur. Refrigerate
specimens if analysis is not performed immediately. Freeze specimens if analysis
is not performed within 48 hours.

47


C. If concentration is greater than the analyser range, dilute with an equal volume of
isotonic saline and reanalyse. Multiply the result by 2 to obtain the original AST
activity.
IV.

B. Buffer/enzyme reagent: TRIS buffer 100 mmol/L; pH 7.8,
L-aspartate 290 mmol/L, MDH ≥ 0.6 kU/L, LDH ≥ 0.6 kU/L
C. Substrate: NADH 0.001 mmol/L, 2-oxaloglutarate 65 mmol/L

V.

CALIBRATION
water by pushing sip-press lever [P]. The sipping volume of 1,000 µl is

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL
controls) at the beginning of each shift. Always run a set of controls after
(CV) and plotted on a Levy-Jennings graph.

VII.

PROCEDURE

48


B. Label 2 tubes, tube 1 being the control and tube 2 being the sample test tube. In
tube 1, pipette 1,000 µl of the reagent and 100 µl of control sera. In tube 2, pipette
1,000 µl of the reagent and 100 µl of sample.
C. Press ZERO and then push sip by pressing lever [P] to sip water and drain the
system.
D. When the screen displays MEASURE BLANK, place cuvette with the control sera
E. When the screen displays MEASURE SAMPLE, place cuvette with the sample
F. Press [RESULT] and await possible delay while measuring the sample. The result
will be displayed on the top line.
G. Print or write out the results. Press [WASH] to sip rinse solution or press
VIII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS
C. Each laboratory should confirm these values.

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. High total protein samples that are predominantly gamma globulins can increase
AST results. The sample should be diluted with an equal volume of isotonic saline
and reanalysed. Highly active sera can have a very low initial absorbance because
much of the NADH is already consumed prior to measurement. In such cases,
dilute sample as specified.
B. Analyser range: ≤ 150 U/L

49


XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

50

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 203
Date prepared:
I.

γ-Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT) Analysis
by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
A. γ-Glutamyl transferase (GT) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver but also in
other organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, and prostate. Elevated levels may be
associated with alcoholic hepatitis or gross alcohol abuse or may be a result of
drug induction or cholestatic liver damage diseases.
measured either in disposable cuvettes (placing one after the other) or a flowthrough cuvette that works in a built-in peristaltic pump. Determination of
glutamyl transferase activity in 100 µl of serum or plasma is based on kinetic
colorimetric method in an enzyme-coupled reaction.

II.

PRINCIPLE
A. The 100 µl of patient sample is put in a test tube containing test reagent containing
glutamyl in the presence of GT, which transfers the glycylglycine to the glutamyl.
B. In the assay for glutamyl transferase, the glycylglycine is transferred to glutamyl
in the presence of gamma GT and 4-nitroanilide to produce glutamylglycylglycine and 5-amino-2-nitro-benzoate. The rate of the reaction is monitored
by reflectance spectrophotometry at 37°C. The rate of change in reflection density
measured in a linear region is then converted to enzyme activity in international
units per litre (U/L).

III.

SPECIMEN
A. Recommended specimen: 100 µl of serum or EDTA plasma. Collect specimens by
standard venipuncture technique. Handle specimens in stoppered containers to
avoid contamination and evaporation. Follow universal precautions when
performing phlebotomy or handling patient specimens, calibrators, or other
B. Haemolysed specimens should not be used because glutamyl transferase
contamination from red blood cells will occur. There is no loss of enzyme activity
within 7 days up to 25°C.
C. If the absorbance per minute exceeds 0.200, dilute 0.1 ml of the sample with 0.5
ml of normal saline and repeat the assay using this dilution. Multiply the result by
6 to obtain the original glutamyl transferase activity.

51


IV.

B. Buffer:

TRIS buffer (pH 8.25)

100 mmol/L

Glycylglycine

150 mmol/L

C. Substrate: L-γ-glutamyl-3 carboxy-4-nitroanilide
V.

20 mmol/L

CALIBRATION
water by pushing sip, press lever [P]. The sipping volume of 1,000 µl is

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

VII.

PROCEDURE
tube 1, pipette 1,000 µl of the reagent and 100 µl of control sera. In tube 2, pipette
1,000 µl of the reagent and 100 µl of sample.

52


system.
VIII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS

X.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

53


54

Alkaline Phosphatase Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Lab SOP No.: 204
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found mainly in the liver as well as in other
organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, and prostate. Elevated levels may be
associated with alcoholic hepatitis or gross alcohol abuse or may be a result of
drug induction or cholestatic liver damage diseases.
measured either in disposable cuvettes (placing one after the other) or a flowthrough cuvette that works in a built-in peristaltic pump. Determination of alkaline
phosphatase is based on measurement of increased absorbance against air.

II.

PRINCIPLE
A. The 20 µl of patient sample is put in a test tube containing test reagent containing
the substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate, which is hydrolysed in presence of alkaline
phosphatase to phosphate and p-nitrophenol.
B.

III.

In the assay for alkaline phosphatase, the p-nitrophenylphosphate is hydrolysed
in presence of the enzymes to phosphate and p-nitrophenol. The hydrolysis is
monitored by reflectance spectrophotometry at 37°C. The rate of change in
reflection density measured in a linear region is then converted to enzyme
activity in international units per litre (U/L).

SPECIMEN
A. Recommended specimen: 20 µl of serum or heparinised plasma. Collect
specimens by standard venipuncture technique. Handle specimens in stoppered
B. Haemolysed specimens should not be used and samples more than 7 days old
should not be used due to loss of the enzyme activity in 7 days.
C. If absorbance change per minute exceeds 0.250, dilute 0.1 ml of the sample with
0.5 ml of normal saline and repeat the assay using this dilution. Multiply the
results by 6 to obtain the alkaline phosphatase activity.

55


IV.

B. Buffer: Diethanolamine buffer (Ph 9.8)...............................1.0 mmol/L
Magnesium chloride................................................0.5 mmol/L
C. Substrate: p-Nitrophenyl phosphat ......................................55 mmol/L

V.

CALIBRATION

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

VII.

PROCEDURE
tube 1,oipette 1,000 µl of the reagent and 20 µl of control sera. In tube 2, pipette
1,000 µl of the reagent and 20 µl of sample. Mix well and read absorbance.

56


system.
VIII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS

X.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

57


58

Lab SOP No.: 205
Date prepared:
I.

Amylase Analysis by Photometer 5010
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
A. High levels of amylase aid in the diagnosis of diseases of the pancreas. Analysis
of amylase may be used to differentiate inflammation and haemorrhage of the
pancreas and other disorders of the digestive system.
measured either in disposable cuvettes (placing one after the other) or a flowthrough cuvette that works in a built-in peristaltic pump. Necessary reagents are
added in 10 µl of serum or plasma to determine amylase levels. The analysis is
based on the reaction of the substrate 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-maltotrioside
(CNPG3) and α-amylase to release 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol (CNP), which is a
coloured dye. The intensity of the colour is proportional to the amount of αamylase activity in the sample.

II.

PRINCIPLE
This is a colorimetric method in which the substrate 2-chloro-4-nitrophenylmaltotrioside (CNPG3) reacts directly with α-amylase to release 2-chloro-4nitrophenol (CNP) from the substrate; the resulting absorbance increase per minute is
directly related to the α-amylase activity in the sample.

III.

SPECIMEN
A. Recommended specimen: 10 µl of serum, heparinised plasma, or urine. Collect
specimens by standard venipuncture technique. Heparin may be used as an
anticoagulant for plasma specimens. Handle specimens in stoppered containers to
B. Refrigerate specimen at 4°C if analysis cannot be performed immediately. Allow
specimen to reach room temperature prior to analysis.
C. If concentration is greater than the analyser range, dilute with isotonic saline and
reanalyse. Dilute 0.1 ml of the sample with 1.0 of 0.9% NaCl, repeat the assay,
and multiply the results by 11.

59


IV.

B. Reagent: MES buffer (pH 6.0) 36 mmol/L, CNPG3 1.6 mmol/L,
calcium acetate 3.6 mmol/L, sodium chloride 37 mmol/L,
potassium thyiocyanate 253 mmol/L, and sodium azide 0.095 mmol/L

V.

CALIBRATION
water by pushing sip press lever [P]. The sipping volume of 1,000 µl is

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

VII.

PROCEDURE
A. The reagent is ready for use from manufacturer and is stable for 12 weeks at 2–
8°C after opening.
tube 1,oipette 1,000 µl of the reagent and 10 µl of control sera. In tube 2, pipette
1,000 µl of the reagent and 10 µl of sample. Mix well and incubate for 1 minute
before reading absorbance.

60


system.
D. When the screen displays MEASURE CONTROL, place cuvette with the control
sera into cuvette holder and aspirate by pushing lever [P].
VIII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: up to 200 U/L

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. Thoroughly rinse the adapter with distilled water after use. Do not pipette by
mouth and avoid all contact with the reagent.
B. Analyser range: ≤ 5,778 U/L

61


XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

62

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 206
Date prepared:
I.

Total Bilirubin Analysis by Photometer 5010
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
A. Causes for an increase in total bilirubin may be divided into 3 categories:
prehepatic—resulting from various haemolytic states; hepatic—resulting from
hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other causes of hepatic necrosis; and posthepatic—
resulting from an obstruction of the common bile or hepatic duct.
B. The analysis is based on a reaction of bilirubin with a diazonium salt to produce a
highly coloured dye. The intensity of the colour is proportional to the amount of
total bilirubin in the sample.

II.

PRINCIPLE
A. 100 µl of patient sample is mixed with test reagent containing diazonium salt. The
indirect bilirubin is liberated by the detergent. The total bilirubin is coupled with
a diazonium compound to give the corresponding azobilirubin, which is a red azo
dye. Water-soluble bilirubin glucuronides react directly with diazonium salt,
whereas the albumin conjugated indirect bilirubin reacts only to diazonium salt in
the presence of an accelerator.
B. By measuring the amount of light reflected from the colour layer, the analyser
can calculate the amount of total bilirubin present in the sample.

III.

SPECIMEN
A. Recommended specimen is 100 µl of serum or heparinised plasma. Collect
B. Protect specimens from light and analyse as soon as possible after collection.
Direct exposure to sunlight is reported to cause as much as 50% loss of bilirubin
in one hour, especially when the specimen is kept in a capillary tube. Exposure to
normal room light can result in a significant loss of serum bilirubin after 2 to 3
hours.
C. If analysis is not performed immediately, samples can be refrigerated for up to 24
hours at 2–5°C.

63


D. Samples that come in contact with alcohol from sterile wipes may become
haemolysed, which will increase the value of bilirubin.
E. If concentration is greater than the analyser range, dilute with 5 volumes of
normal saline and reanalyse. Multiply the result by 6 to obtain the original total
bilirubin concentration. The results may show a positive bias of up to 30%.
IV.

B. Total bilirubin reagent: sulphanilic acid 14 mmol/L, hydrochloric acid 300
mmol/L, caffeine (accelerator) 200 mmol/L, sodium benzoate 420 mmol/L
C. T-nitrite reagent for determination of total bilirubin 390 mmol/L

V.

CALIBRATION

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

64


VII.

PROCEDURE
A. Mix reagents according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
B. Label2 tubes: In tube 1, or the sample blank pipette 1,000 µl of total bilirubin
reagent and 100 µl of distilled; in tube 2 pipette 1,000 µl reagent solution, 100 µl
of sample, and 1 drop of T-nitrite reagent. Mix well and incubate for at least 10
minutes at 20–25°C or for 5 minutes at 37°C and measure absorbance.
C. When the screen displays MEASURE BLANK, press ZERO and then push sip by
pressing lever [P] to sip water and drain the system.
D. When the screen displays MEASURE RBB, place cuvette with the reagent blank
solution into cuvette holder and aspirate the reagent blank solution by pushing
lever [P].
E. Press [WASH] to sip distilled water.
F. When the screen displays MEASURE SB, place cuvette with the sample blank
solution into cuvette holder and aspirate sample blank solution by pushing lever
[P].
G. When the screen displays MEASURE SAMPLE, place cuvette with the sample
solution into cuvette holder and aspirate sample solution by pushing lever [P].
H. Press [WASH] to sip distilled water and measure the next sample.
I. Print or write out the results. Press [WASH] to sip rinse solution or press

VIII.

CALCULATIONS
The results are reported in µmol/L. No further calculation is necessary unless the

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: 2–21 µmol/L

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. Specimens from haemodialysis patients should not be analysed for total bilirubin.
B. Haemoglobin affects bilirubin results.

65


C. Compounds that discolour serum, such as 4-aminosalicylic acid and
phenazopyridine, may falsely increase bilirubin results.
D. Results for predominantly unconjugated bilirubin (e.g., for neonates) may be up to
10% higher than the reference method.
XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

66

Date:

Direct Bilirubin Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Lab SOP No.: 207
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Causes for an increase in total bilirubin may be divided into 3 categories:
prehepatic—resulting from various haemolytic states; hepatic—resulting from
hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other causes of hepatic necrosis; and posthepatic—
resulting from an obstruction of the common bile or hepatic duct.
B. The analysis is based on a reaction of bilirubin with a diazonium salt to produce a
highly coloured dye. The intensity of the colour is proportional to the amount of
total bilirubin in the sample.

II.

PRINCIPLE
A. 100 µl of patient sample is mixed with test reagent containing diazonium salt. The
indirect bilirubin is liberated by the detergent. The total bilirubin is coupled with a
diazonium compound to give the corresponding azobilirubin, which is a red azo
dye. Water-soluble bilirubin glucuronides react directly with diazonium salt,
whereas the albumin conjugated indirect bilirubin react only to diazonium salt in
the presence of an accelerator.
B. By measuring the amount of light reflected from the colour layer, the analyser can
calculate the amount of total bilirubin present in the sample.

III.

SPECIMEN
B. Protect specimens from light and analyse as soon as possible after collection.
Direct exposure to sunlight is reported to cause as much as 50% loss of bilirubin
in one hour, especially when the specimen is kept in a capillary tube. Exposure to
normal room light can result in a significant loss of serum bilirubin after 2 to 3
hours.
C. If analysis is not performed immediately, samples can be refrigerated for up to 24
hours at 2–5°C.

67


D. Samples that come in contact with alcohol from sterile wipes may become
haemolysed, which will increase the value of bilirubin.
E. If concentration is greater than the analyser range, dilute with 5 volumes of
normal saline and reanalyse. Multiply the result by 6 to obtain the original total
bilirubin concentration. The results may show a positive bias of up to 30%.
IV.

B. Direct bilirubin reagent: sulphanilic acid 14 mmol/L,
hydrochloric acid 300 mmol/L
C. T-Nitrite reagent for determination of direct bilirubin 25 mmol/L

V.

CALIBRATION

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

68


VII.

PROCEDURE
B. Label 2 tubes, in tube 1, or the sample blank, pipette 1,000 µl of total bilirubin
reagent and 100 µl of distilled water. In tube 2 or sample pipette 1,000 µl reagent
solution and 100 µl of sample, and 1 drop of T-nitrite reagent. Mix well and
incubate for at least 10 minutes at 20–25°C or 37°C for 5 minutes before reading
the absorbance
D. When the screen displays MEASURE RBB, place cuvette with the reagent blank
solution into cuvette holder and aspirate the reagent blank solution by pushing
lever [P].
E. Press [WASH] to sip distilled water.
F. When the screen displays MEASURE SB, place cuvette with the sample blank
solution into cuvette holder and aspirate sample blank solution by pushing lever
[P].
G. When the screen displays MEASURE SAMPLE, place cuvette with the sample
solution into cuvette holder and aspirate sample solution by pushing lever [P].
H. Press [WASH] to sip distilled water and measure the next sample.
I. Print or write out the results. Press [WASH] to sip rinse solution or press

VIII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: up to 4.3 µmol/L

69


X.

LIMITATIONS
A. Specimens from haemodialysis patients should not be analysed for direct
bilirubin.
B. Haemoglobin affects bilirubin results.
C. Compounds that discolour serum, such as 4-aminosalicylic acid and
phenazopyridine, may falsely increase bilirubin results.
D. Results for predominantly unconjugated bilirubin (e.g., for neonates) may be up to
10% higher than the reference method.
E. Exposure of samples to light may lower bilirubin levels.

XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

70

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 208
Date prepared:
I.

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Analysis
by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
A. Creatine kinase or creatine phosphokinase is an enzyme found mainly in skeletal
and heart muscle, as well as in the brain. Measurements of total creatine kinase are
used in investigating skeletal muscle disease and in diagnosing myocardial
infarction and cerebrovascular accidents.
B. The Photometer 5010 is a wet clinical chemical analyser where the solution is
measured either in disposable cuvettes (placing one after the other) or a flowthrough cuvette that works in a built-in peristaltic pump. Analysis of creatine
phosphokinase activity in 25 µl of serum or plasma is based on an enzymatic
method that produces a coloured product.

II.

PRINCIPLE
The 25 µl of patient sample (serum or plasma) is incubated with reagent containing
the enzyme solution, followed by addition of the substrate. Creatine kinase converts
creatine phosphate to creatine and ATP, which initiates a chain of reactions.
Adenylate kinase, an enzyme present in red blood cells, is prevented from interfering
by an inhibitor, diadenosine pentaphosphate. The change in reflection density is
monitored at 37oC, and the rate of change is then used to measure enzyme activity in
International Units per Litre (U/L).

III.

SPECIMEN
serum-based products. Discard contaminated infectious waste.
B. Refrigerate specimens at 4oC for up to 24 hours if analysis is not done
immediately.

71


IV.

A. Photometer 5010 Analyser—See Operator’s Manual for additional information.
B. Enzyme:
Imidazole buffer (pH 6.5)
Glucose
Magnesium acetate
EDTA
AMP
N-acetylcysteine
Diadenosine pentaphosphate
NADP
HK
SH-stabiliser
Sodium azide

0.1 mmol/L
20 mmol/L
10 mmol/L
2 mmol/L
5 mmol/L
0.2 mmol/L
10 µmol/L
2 mmol/L
>4 U/ml
25 mmol/L
0.095%

C. Substrate:
ADP
G6P-DH
Creatine phosphate
Sodium azide
V.

2 mmol/L
>2.8 U/ml
30 mol/L
0.095%

CALIBRATION
automatically measured in the flow through cuvette.

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

72


VII.

PROCEDURE
A. Mix 1,000 µl of reagent solution and 25 µl of sample and incubate for 3 minutes at
37oC. After 3 minutes of incubation, add 250 µl of the substrate solution and read
the absorbance after 3 minutes.
B. Press ZERO and then push sip by pressing lever [P] to sip water and drain the
system.
C. When the screen displays MEASURE SAMPLE, place cuvette with the sample
solution into cuvette holder and aspirate the sample solution by pushing lever [P].
D. Press [RESULT] and await possible delay while measuring the sample solution.
The result will be displayed on top line.
E. Print or write out the results. Press [WASH] to sip rinse solution or press
[measure] to measure the next sample by pushing sip lever [P].

VII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values:
Males: 24–190 U/L
Females: 24–170 U/L
B. Each laboratory should confirm these values.

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. Grossly haemolysed specimens should not be used. The effect of trace haemolysis
is minimized by AK inhibitors.
B. There is 2.5% loss of activity of the enzyme within 7 days at 4oC or within
24 hours at 25oC.

73


XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

74

Date:

Total Protein Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Lab SOP No.: 209
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Total protein is essential for growth, the production of new tissue, and the repair
of injured tissue. An increase in total protein levels may be the result of bone
disease or severe dehydration. A decrease is seen with kidney damage, salt
retention, and severe burn cases.
B. The analysis is based on the biuret reaction, in which protein is treated with a
cupric ion (Cu2+) to produce a violet-coloured complex. The intensity of the
colour is proportional to the amount of total protein in the sample.

II.

PRINCIPLE
20 µl of patient sample is mixed with 1,000 µl of solution containing cupric ions in
alkaline medium. After incubation for 30 minutes, a reaction between protein and
cupric tartrate takes place, forming a coloured complex. The amount of coloured
compound formed is proportional to the amount of total protein in the specimen.

III.

SPECIMEN
A. Recommended specimen 20 µl of serum, heparinised or EDTA plasma. Collect
B. Avoid haemolysed specimens. Refrigerate specimens for up to 6 days at
4–8°C if analysis is not performed immediately.
C. Results from analysing plasma will be higher than serum because of fibrinogen
remaining in the plasma.
D. If concentration is greater than the analyser range, dilute with an equal volume of
isotonic saline or distilled water and reanalyse. Multiply the result by 2 to obtain
the original total protein concentration.

75


IV.

B. Sodium hydroxide 0.1 mol/L, potassium sodium tartarate 16 mmol/L, potassium
iodide 15 mmol/L, cupric sulphate 6 mmol/L
C. Sodium hydroxide 0.1mol/L, potassium sodium tartarate 16 mmol/L
D. Protein 6 g/dL

V.

CALIBRATION

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL
controls) at the beginning of each day. Always run a set of controls after

VII.

PROCEDURE
A. Mix reagents according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Mix 2 tubes: one
blank with 1,000 µl of reagent solution 1; and tube 2 with 20 µl of serum or
plasma and 1,000 µl of solution 1.
B. Mix them well and incubate for 30 minutes at 20–25°C, then measure them
immediately as indicated.

76


system.
D. When the screen displays MEASURE RB, place cuvette with the blank solution
into cuvette holder and aspirate the blank solution by pushing lever [P].
F. Press [RESULT] and await possible delay while measuring the sample solution.
VIII.

CALCULATIONS
The results are reported in g/dL. No further calculation is necessary unless the

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: 6.3–8.2 g/dL (63–82 g/L)
B. Panic values: <4 g/dL and >9 g/dL

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. Haemolysis causes an increase in measured values.
B. Dextran causes an increase in measured values.
C. For icteric, haemolytic, or lipemic sera, use assay with sample blank.

77


XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

78

Date:

Triglycerides Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Lab SOP No.: 210
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Triglycerides protein is essential for growth, the production of new tissue, and the
repair of injured tissue. An increase in triglycerides levels may be the result of
nephrosis, cholestasis, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and hepatitis. A
decrease is seen with malnutrition.
B. The analysis is based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of triglycerides with lipases in a
quinoneimine formed from hydrogen peroxide used as a coloured indicator. The
intensity of the colour is proportional to the amount of triglycerides in the sample.

II.

PRINCIPLE
10 µl of patient sample is mixed and incubated with 1,000 µl of solution containing 4aminoantipyrine and 4-chlorophenol in presence of hydrogen peroxide. After
incubation for 10 minutes, a reaction between 4-aminoantipyrine and 4-chlorophenol
and hydrogen peroxide takes place, forming quinoneimine, which is a coloured
product. The amount of coloured compound formed is proportional to the amount of
triglycerides in the specimen.

III.

SPECIMEN
B. Avoid haemolysed specimens. If analysis is not performed immediately, freeze
specimens at −25oC for up to 4 months or refrigerate at 2–8oC for up to 3 days.
C. If concentration is greater than the analyser range, dilute 1 part of sample with 4
parts of isotonic saline or distilled water and reanalyse. Multiply the result by 5 to
obtain the original triglycerides concentration.

79


IV.

A.
B.

Reagent

PIPES buffer (pH 7.5)
4-chlorophenol
4-aminoantipyrine
Magnesium ion
ATP
Lipases
Peroxidase
Glycerol kinase
Glycerol-3-phpsphate oxidase

50 mmol/L
5 mmol/L
0.25 mmol/L
4.5 mmol/L
2 mmol/L
≥1.3 U/ml
≥0.5 U/ml
≥0.4 U/ml
≥1.5 U/ml

Standard
V.

Photometer 5010 Analyser—See Operator’s Manual for additional
information.

Triglyceride

2.28 mmol/L

CALIBRATION

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

80


VII.

PROCEDURE
A. Mix 2 tubes: one blank with 1,000 µl of standard reagent, and tube 2 with
10 µl of serum or plasma and 1,000 µl of reagent solution.
B. Mix each well and incubate for 5 minutes at 37oC, and measure the absorbance of
the standard reagent and sample immediately as indicated.
system.

VIII.

CALCULATIONS
The results are reported in mmol/L. No further calculation is necessary unless the

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: 0.11–2.15 mmol/L.

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. Lipemic specimen usually generates turbidity of the sample reagent mixture,
which leads to falsely elevated results.
B. Ascorbate gives falsely low values.

81


XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

82

Date:

Total Cholesterol Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Lab SOP No.: 211
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Cholesterol is a steroid from which other steroids are derived, and in plasma exists
esterified with fatty acids to form cholesterol esters. Total cholesterol may be
increased in conditions such as hypothyroidism, obstructive jaundice, nephrosis,
diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and pregnancy as well as by familial factors. It may
be decreased in conditions such as hyperthyroidism, infections, malnutrition heart
failure, malignancies, and during liver damage (e.g., caused by drugs, hepatitis,
etc.).
B. The analysis is based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cholesterol esters and
oxidation of resulting cholesterol to form cholestene-3-one and hydrogen
peroxide. The peroxidase in presence of 4-aminophenazone and phenol forms the
indicator whose absorbance is measured against blank reagent.

II.

PRINCIPLE
10 µl of patient sample is mixed and incubated with 1,000 µl of reagent solution at
37°C for 5 minutes. The cholesterol esters in the specimen are hydrolysed in presence
of cholesterol esterase to release cholesterol and fatty acids. The cholesterol released
is oxidized by cholesterol oxidase to release cholestene-3-one and hydrogen peroxide,
which in presence of 4-aminophenazone and phenol releases quinoneimine, which is a
coloured product.

III.

SPECIMEN
B. If the result is over 19.3 mmol/L, dilute the sample before precipitation 1:2 with
normal saline and multiply the results by 3 to obtain the original cholesterol
concentration.
C. Cholesterol remains stable in serum for 6 days at 4–25°C and up to 4 months
at –20°C.

83


D. Lipemic specimens generate turbidity of the sample/reagent mixture, which leads
to falsely elevated results.
IV.

B. Reagent (enzyme reagent)

Standard
V.

Phosphate buffer (pH 6.5)
4-aminophenazone
Phenol
Peroxidase
Cholesterolesterase
Cholesteroloxidase
Sodium azide

100 mmol/L
0.3 mmol/L
5 mmol/L
> 5 KU/L
> 150 U/L
> 100 U/L
0.05%

Cholesterol

5.17 mmol/L

CALIBRATION

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

84


VII.

PROCEDURE
A. Label 2 tubes: In tube 1 or reagent blank pipette 1,000 µl of reagents solution, and
10 µl of distilled water and in tube 2 or sample tube pipette 1000µl of reagent
solution and 10 µl of sample.
B. Mix each well and incubate for 10 minutes at 20–25°C or 5 minutes at 37°C and
measure their absorbance.

VIII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: 3.6–5.2 mmol/L.

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. Bilirubin concentrations above 4 mg/dl interferes with tests
B. If results are over 25.9mmol/l dilute the sample and repeat measument
C. High concentration of ascorbic acid (> 2.5 mg/dL) will give lower values.
D. Haemoglobin levels higher than 200 mg/dL do not interfere with the test.

85


XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

86

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 212
Date prepared:

HDL Cholesterol Analysis by
Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

I.

INTRODUCTION

A.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) is lipoprotein which is involved in the transport of
cholesterol from the cells to the liver. An increase in HDL levels may be the result of
nephrosis, cholestasis, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and hepatitis. A
decrease is seen with malnutrition.

B.

The analysis is based on the precipitation of chylomicrons, very low-density
lipoprotein (VLDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) upon addition of
phospshotungstic acid and magnesium chloride to the sample. The HDL is contained
in the supernatant, which can be enzymatically assayed after centrifugation of the
supernatant. The absorbance of the sample and the standard reagent is measured
against blank reagent.

II.

PRINCIPLE
When 200 µl of test sample is mixed with 500 µl of precipitant reagent containing
phosphotungstic acid and magnesium chloride at room temperature for 10 minutes
chylomicrons, VLDL, and LDL are precipitated . Centrifugation at 10,000 g for 2
minutes leaves only the HDL in the supernatant, where the concentration of HDL in
the sample is determined enzymatically.

III.

SPECIMEN
performing phlebotomy or handling patient specimens, calibrators, or other-based
products. Discard contaminated materials with infectious waste.
B. If the supernatant is not clear, dilute the sample before precipitation 1:1 with
normal saline and multiply the results by 2 to obtain the original HDL
concentration.
C. HDL cholesterol remains stable in serum for 6 days at 4–25°C and up to
4 months at –20°C.

C.

Serum must be separated from the blood clot as rapidly as possible.

87


IV.

B. Reagent (Precipitant)
Standard

V.

Phosphotungstic acid
Magnesium chloride

0.55 mmol/L
25 mmol/L

Cholesterol

1.29 mmol/L

CALIBRATION
water by pushing sip-press lever “P”. The sipping volume of 1,000 µl is

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

VII.

PROCEDURE
A. Into a glass centrifuge tube mix 200 µl of test sample (serum or plasma) 500 µl of
precipitant reagent. (Dilute precipitant reagent with distilled water 4 in 1.)
B. Mix them well and incubate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
C. Centrifuge at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes or 10,000 rpm for 2 minutes.

88


D. After centrifugation remove the clear supernatant and into tube 1 (sample) add
100 µl of supernatant and 1,000 µl of total cholesterol reagent. In tube 2 (reagent
blank) add 100 µl of distilled and 1,000 µl of cholesterol reagent.
E. Mix them well and incubate for 10 minutes at 20–25°C or 5 minutes at 37°C and
measure their absorbance.
F. When the screen displays MEASURE BLANK, press ZERO and then push sip by
G. When the screen displays MEASURE RB, place cuvette with the blank solution
H. When the screen displays MEASURE SAMPLE, place cuvette with the sample
I. Press [RESULT] and await possible delay while measuring the sample solution.
J. Print or write out the results. Press [WASH] to sip rinse solution or press
[measure] to measure the next sample by pushing sip lever [P].
VIII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: 0–0.9 mmol/L.

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. High triglyceride level interferes with HDL measure; dilute the sample before
precipitation 1:1 with 0.9% saline and multiply the results by 2.
B. High concentration of ascorbic acid (> 2.5 mg/dL) will give lower values.
C. Haemoglobin levels higher than 100 mg/dL and bilirubin levels higher than 10
mg/dL interfere with the test.

89


XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

90

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 213
Date prepared:
I.

LDL Cholesterol Analysis by Photometer 5010
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
A. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is lipoprotein which is involved in the transport of
cholesterol to the cells. An increase in LDL levels may be the result of altered diet
and vascular diseases. A decrease is seen in AIDS, haematological malignancies
such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML),
and disorders involving splenomegaly.
B. The analysis is based on direct homogenous enzymatic assay for quantitative
determination of LDL cholesterol combining two steps. The analysis involves
removal of chylomicrons, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high density
lipoprotein (HDL), followed by enzymatic determination of LDL in the sample.

II.

PRINCIPLE
10 µl of patient sample is mixed and incubated at 37oC for 5 minutes with 750 µl of
enzyme solution containing cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase, which allows
the removal of chylomicrons, VLDL, and HDL from the specimen by formation of
cholestenone and hydrogen peroxide. The LDL present in the sample is converted to
cholestenone and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of cholesterol esterase,
cholesterol oxidase, and specific surfactant. The chromogen in presence of hydrogen
peroxide peroxidase is converted to a coloured dye (quinine) whose concentration is
measured by colorimetric method.

III.

SPECIMEN
A. Recommended specimen 10 µl of serum or plasma. Collect specimens by standard
venipuncture technique. Heparin may be used as an anticoagulant for plasma
specimens. Handle specimens in stoppered containers to avoid contamination and
evaporation. Follow universal precautions when performing phlebotomy or
handling patient specimens, calibrators, or other serum-based products. Discard
contaminated materials with infectious waste.
B. If the serum concentration of LDL exceeds the measuring range, dilute the sample
before precipitation 1:1 with normal saline, repeat the test, and multiply the results
by 2 to obtain the original LDL concentration.
C. LDL cholesterol remains stable in serum for 6 days at 4–25°C and up to
4 months at –20°C.
D. Serum must be separated from the blood clot as rapidly as possible.

91


IV.

B. Reagent (enzymes)

50 mmol/L
600 U/L
500 U/L
600 kU/L
2.0 mmol/L
0.3% w/v
<0.1% w/v

Substrate

V.

Good’s buffer (pH 7.0)
Cholesterol esterase
Cholesterol esterase
Catalase
TOOS
Detergents
Preservatives
Peroxidase
4-Aminoantipyrin
Good’s buffer (pH 7.0)
Sodium azide
Detergents
Preservatives

4000 U/L
4 mmol/L
50 mmol/L
0.05%
1% w/v
<0.1% w/v

CALIBRATION
The length of transportation of the air and water will be displayed on the screen.
D. Press [↵] to finish calibration. The program will return to method select menu.

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

92


VII.

PROCEDURE
A. Label 2 tubes and pipette 10 µl water and 750 µl of enzyme solution into tube 1
(blank), and into tube 2 pipette 10 µl of test sample and 750 µl of enzyme
solution. Mix gently and incubate at 37oC for 5 minutes.
B. Into each tube add 250 µl of substrate solution and mix them well and incubate for
5 minutes at 37°C, then measure absorbance of sample against reagent blank.

VIII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: 0–0.9 mmol/L.
NOTE: Direct measurement of LDL is required instead of the Friedwald, or
“calculated”, method whenever triglyceride values exceed 400 mg/dL. The Friedwald
or “calculated” method of LDL determination is determined by subtracting HDL and
VLDL from the total cholesterol concentration. Total cholesterol = HDL + LDL +
VLDL. VLDL is generally estimated by the triglyceride concentration divided by 5,
but is inaccurate when triglyceride values exceed 400 mg/dL.

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. High triglyceride level interferes with LDL measure; dilute the sample before
precipitation 1:1 with 0.9% saline and multiply the results by 2.

93


B. High concentration of ascorbic acid (> 2.5 mg/dL) will give lower values.
C. Haemoglobin levels higher than 100 mg/dL and bilirubin levels higher than
10 mg/dL interfere with the test.
XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

94

Date:

Blood Urea Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Lab SOP No.: 214
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Elevated levels of blood urea are most commonly associated with renal disease,
but may also result from dehydration, a high-protein diet, excess destruction of
body proteins, and gastrointestinal diseases, especially with intestinal obstruction.
measured either in disposable cuvettes (placing one after the other) or a flowthrough cuvette that works in a built-in peristaltic pump. BUN/urea is determined
in 10 µl of serum or plasma.

II.

PRINCIPLE
A. The analysis is based on hydrolysis of urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide. The
ammonia reacts with an indicator to produce a highly coloured dye.
B. The 10 µl of patient sample is reacted with reagent solution where urea is
hydrolysed to ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonium ion produced reacts
with salicylate and hypochlorite to give a green dye. By measuring the amount of
UV light in a standard solution, the analyser can calculate the amount of urea
nitrogen present in the sample.

III.

SPECIMEN
A. Recommended specimen is 10 µl of serum or EDTA plasma. Collect specimens
by standard venipuncture technique. Heparin may be used as an anticoagulant for
plasma specimens. Handle specimens in stoppered containers to avoid
contamination and evaporation. Follow universal precautions when performing
phlebotomy or handling patient specimens, calibrators, or other serum-based
B. Refrigerate specimens up to 3 days at 4°C if analysis is not performed
immediately.
C. If concentration is greater than the analyser range, dilute with 9 volumes of
isotonic saline or distilled water and reanalyse. Multiply the result by 10 to obtain
the original urea nitrogen concentration.

95


IV.

B. Reagent 1:

Phosphate buffer (pH 7.0)
Sodium salicylate
Sodium nitroprusside
EDTA

120 mmol/L
60 mmol/L
5.00 mmol/L
1 mmol/L

Reagent 2:
Enzyme:

Urease >

500 kU/L

Standard:

V.

Phosphate buffer (pH < 13) 120 mmol/L
Hypochlorite
~0.6 g/L

Urea
Equivalent to BUN
Sodium azide

80 mg/dL or 13.3 mmol/L
37.28 mg/dL or 6.2 mmol/L
0.095%

CALIBRATION

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

96


VII.

PROCEDURE
B. Label 2 tubes: in tube 1, or reagent control tube pipette 1,000 µl of reagent
solution 1; and tube 2, or sample tube pipette 10 µl of sample and 1,000 µl of
reagent solution 1. Mix them well and incubate for 3 minutes at 37°C.
C. Add 1,000 µl of reagent solution 2 to each of the tubes. Mix well and incubate for
5 minutes at 37°C. Measure absorbance of sample against control within 60
minutes.
system.
E. When the screen displays MEASURE STANDARD, place cuvette with the
control solution into cuvette holder and aspirate the blank solution by pushing
lever [P].
G. Press [RESULT] and await possible delay while measuring the sample solution.

IX.

CALCULATIONS
Conversion
Urea = 2.14 × BUN
BUN = 0.466 × Urea

X.

RESULTS
A. Expected values: (urea) 1.7–8.3 mmol/L
B. Panic values: <1.07 mmol/L and >37.1 mmol/L

97


XI.

LIMITATIONS
A. Do not use plasma collected with sodium fluoride.
B. Specimens that contain haemoglobin increase urea nitrogen. Haemoglobin of 50
mg/dL (slightly haemolysed) increases BUN levels below 28 mg/dL by
1 mg/dL.
C. Ammonium ions have shown an increase in urea nitrogen equivalent to their
nitrogen content.

XII.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

98

Date:

Creatinine Analysis by Photometer 5010 (Boehringer Mannheim)
Lab SOP No.: 215
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Creatinine measurement is used in the diagnosis and treatment of renal diseases
and in monitoring patients on renal dialysis.
measured either in disposable cuvettes (placing one after the other) or a flowthrough cuvette that works in a built-in peristaltic pump. Analysis of creatinine
activity in 100 µl of serum or plasma is based on an enzymatic method that
produces a coloured product.

II.

PRINCIPLE
A. The 100 µl of patient sample mixed with picrate in alkaline medium produces a
coloured complex with creatinine. The rate of formation of the complex is then
measured.
B. The creatinine present in the sample reacts with the picrate at 37°C, and the rate of
complex formation is measured and is proportional to the creatinine concentration.

III.

SPECIMEN
serum-based products. Discard contaminated infectious waste.
B. Refrigerate specimens at 4°C for 24 hours if analysis is not done immediately.

IV.

B. Picric acid 26 mmol/L
C. NaOH 1.6 mmol/L
D. Creatinine 2 mg/dL or 176.8 µmol/L

99


V.

CALIBRATION

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL

VII.

PROCEDURE
B. Label 2 tubes: in tube or standard tube pipette 1,000 µl of reagents solution and
100 µl of creatinine standard reagent; and in tube 2 or sample tube pipette 1,000 µl
of reagents solution and 100 µl of sample.
C. Mix them well and measure them immediately as indicated.
system.
E. When the screen displays MEASURE STANDARD, place cuvette with the
standard solution into cuvette holder and aspirate the standard solution by pushing
lever [P].

100


G. Press [RESULT] and await possible delay while measuring the sample solution.
VIII.

CALCULATIONS

IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values:
Males:
Females:
B. Panic values:

53–97 µmol/L
44–80 µmol/L
< 27 µmol/L and > 663 µmol/L

X.

LIMITATIONS
A. EDTA and fluoride/oxalate anticoagulants will cause low creatinine results.
B. Lidocaine: Patients on long-term lidocaine therapy may show an increase of up to
1.0 mg/dL. Ninety percent of patients receiving intravenous lidocaine will show
less than a 0.3 mg/dL increase.
C. Proline: Patients receiving hyperalimentation fluid that contains proline may show
an increase of up to 2.0 mg/dL.
D. TRIS buffer (control fluid) causes an approximate 50% decrease in results.
E. Dipyrone (Metamizol) at 40 mg/dL shows a –0.6 mg/dL bias at a creatinine
concentration of 1.0 mg/dL.
F. N-acetylcysteine: Patients receiving N-acetylcysteine (Fluimucil, Mucomyst)
intravenously have been reported to show a large negative bias.

101


XI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

102

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 216
Date prepared:
I.

Chiron Diagnostic 644 Na+/K+/CL– Analyser
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
A. Sodium is the major cation of the extracellular fluids. The kidneys regulate the
sodium contents of the body. Low sodium levels may be caused by excessive
urine loss, diarrhoea, Addison's disease, or renal tubular disease. High sodium
levels may occur in severe dehydration, some types of brain injury, diabetic coma,
and excessive intake of salt.
B. Potassium is the major cation of intracellular fluids. Hypokalemia (low potassium
levels) may be caused by prolonged diarrhoea, starvation, stress states, some
kidney malfunctions, and malabsorption by the intestines. Hyperkalemia (high
potassium levels) may occur with severe cell damage, hypoventilation, and acute
kidney failure.
C. Chloride is the major extracellular anion and is significantly involved in
maintaining proper water distribution, osmotic pressure, and normal anion-cation
balance in the extracellular fluid compartment. Chloride measurements are used
primarily in the diagnosis of renal tubular disorders and metabolic acidosis.
Abnormally high levels may also be caused by dehydration and decreased renal
blood flow.

II.

PRINCIPLE
A. When an ion-selective membrane separates two solutions that differ in
concentration of the ion, an electrical potential is developed across the membrane;
the size of the potential is dependent upon differences in the ion concentration.
B. The sodium ion-selective electrode (ISE) consists of a glass capillary that is
selective to sodium ions. The sample passes through the capillary, with the outer
surface in contact with the electrode filling solution. Electrical connection is via
Ag/AgCl wire. The sodium potential from the sodium electrode is compared with
a reference electrode.
C. The potassium ISE consists of a valinomycin-based membrane. The valinomycin
is in contact with both the sample on one side and the electrode filling solution on
the other. The electrical connection is via Ag/AgCl wire.
D. The chloride ion-selective electrode consists of an ion exchange membrane
sensitive to Cl– ions, immobilised in PVC. Electrical connection is via Ag/AgCl
wire.

103


E. The reference electrode consists of a shell filled with saturated KCl, separated
from the sample by a cellulose membrane. The electrical connection is via
Ag/AgCl wire coated with Nafion, an ion-permeable polymer.
F. The Chiron Diagnostic 644 is a direct potentiometric ISE analyser used for in
vitro quantitative measurements of sodium, potassium, and chloride, based on
measuring the potential developed by the ISE with respect to the reference
electrode. The sodium, potassium, and chloride electrodes are incorporated in a
microprocessor-controlled sample fluid handling system. In an electrolyte
solution, most simple salts dissociate their ions. An electrical exchange reaction
occurs between the relevant electrode and the ions, producing a potential between
the ISE and reference electrode.
III.

SPECIMEN
A. Serum, plasma, whole blood, or urine can be assayed.
1. Whole blood sample must not be over one hour old and therefore should be
sent to the laboratory immediately after being drawn.
2. Plasma (anticoagulant of choice is lithium heparin) should be separated from
the red cells as soon as possible. Keep sample capped to prevent evaporation
until ready to assay.
3. Dilute urine: one part urine sample to 10 parts Chiron Diagnostic 644
Analyser urine diluent.
D. Minimum sample volume is 65 µl for blood, serum, plasma, and QC material, and
100 µl prediluted with Chiron Diagnostic 644 Analyser urine diluent for urine.

IV.

A. Chiron Diagnostic 644 Analyser.
B. Calibrating standard/flush solution used to calibrate the analyser and to rinse out
the sampling tract: sodium 140 mmol/L, potassium 4.00 mmol/L, and chloride 100
mmol/L.
C. Serum slope standard used to determine the sodium and potassium slope during
the two-point calibration cycle: NaCl 110 mmol/L, KCl 8.00 mmol/L.
D. Urine slope standard used to determine the slope and calibration for urine:
Na = 100, K = 120, and Cl = 220.
E. Chiron Diagnostic 644 Analyser urine diluent.
F. Deproteinizing and cleaning solution: 0.075 mol/L HCl, non-ionic detergent, and
pepsin.

104


G. Electrode Conditioning Solution: sensitized for ISE systems.
H. Na/K/Cl electrode-filling solution: sodium 140 mmol/L,
potassium 4.00 mmol/L, and chloride 100 mmol/L.
I. Reference filling solution: 4 mol/L KCl.
V.

CALIBRATION
A. Fully automated (can be manually controlled) to perform a one-point calibration
every 10 to 60 minutes and a two-point calibration every fourth calibration for the
monitoring of cal-drift.
1. To initiate this calibration manually, press NO to message ANALYSE
BLOOD and press YES for STANDARDIZATION to perform a one- or twopoint calibration.
2. The first step of the cycle is cleaning and calibrating the sample sensor, and
checking the voltage of the sample to see if it is within acceptable range. If
calibration is unsuccessful, out of range, unstable, or indicates a drift, the
analyser will automatically recalibrate up to three cycles. After a third
unsuccessful recalibration, the system will stop with the message: CAL
FAILED-REPEAT? Recommend conditioning of electrodes.
3. If the measuring concentration is within range, CALIBRATION OK will be
displayed on the analyser.
4. After a successful calibration, the slope will be checked (two-point
calibration), and if slope is within range, SLOPE OK will be displayed.
5. If calibration fails on any electrode, the proper error code message will be
generated and troubleshooting should begin. Refer to the Chiron Diagnostic
644 Analyser Operator’s Manual.

VI.

QUALITY CONTROL (CERTAIN ISE AQUEOUS CONTROLS)
A. The Chiron Diagnostic 644 assayed controls come in three levels—low, medium,
and high—and are used for the Na+/K+/Cl– assays performed to validate
quantification of patient samples when necessary. The controls are supplied readyto-use and require no reconstitution; treat them identically to patient samples. Date
and initial the control ampoules when initially opened. Certain ISE controls are
supplied at three levels to verify the instrument’s performance at several points in
the clinical range.
B. Assay controls daily (at least once every 8 hours, or as frequently as necessary) to
monitor the performance of the Chiron Diagnostic 644 Analyser.

105


C. Keep control limits within ±2 SD of established ranges, which are initially
provided by manufacturer’s assays. Slight adjustments of the assayed means may
be made on a monthly basis by the supervisor, according to the functioning of the
equipment, provided that these ranges do not exceed manufacturer’s assay limits.
Store controls at 4–25°C; avoid direct sunlight.
D. Control procedure:
1. Restore all the liquid to the bottom part of the ampoule.
2. Snap open ampoule; care should be taken to avoid injury.
3. Aspirate contents into analyser either in ANALYSE BLOOD mode or
QC NOW mode.
4. Operator can set QC prompts and limits (see Operator’s Manual for details).
VII.

PROCEDURE
A. To measure serum, plasma, and whole blood:
1. Press YES on the ANALYSE BLOOD display. Wait for the analyser to read
OPEN PROBE, then place sample in probe.
2. When analyser is ready, PROBE IN SAMPLE will appear on the display;
press YES. Ensure probe is immersed in the sample/control. Aspiration time is
approximately 10 seconds, with display of SAMPLING WAIT appearing. If
the sample sensor does not detect the sample/control within 15 seconds, a
SAMPLE FAULT message will be displayed.
3. After sampling, wipe probe with a lintless tissue.
4. The system will instruct you to retract the probe. Ten seconds after the
RETURN PROBE, a continuous beep will sound to remind you to return
probe.
5. Results will be displayed within 35 seconds. A copy of the results will also be
printed out.
6. To analyse urine, see Instruction Manual.

VIII.

CALCULATIONS
The results are recorded in mmol/L. No further calculation is necessary.

106


IX.

RESULTS
A. Expected values:
Sodium: 135–145 mmol/L
Potassium: 3.6–5.0 mmol/L
Chloride: 98–107 mmol/L
B. Panic values:
Sodium: <120 mmol/L and >160 mmol/L
Potassium: <2.5 mmol/L and >6.0 mmol/L
Chloride: <85 mmol/L and >115 mmol/L

X.

MAINTENANCE
A. Daily maintenance to be performed:
1. Check levels of cal-pak (change weekly).
2. Ensure probe is straight and centred over weir.
3. Clean weir cover.
4. Clean external surfaces, sampling area, and calibration compartment with
disinfectant.
5. Deproteinize and condition electrodes every 8 hours.
B. Quarterly maintenance to be performed:
1. Disinfect analyser.
2. Replace pump tube cassette; clean and lubricate roller assembly.
3. Replace weir cover if necessary.
4. Replace reference electrode cassette.
5. Refill Na+/K+/Cl– electrodes with fill solution as needed.
6. System check as required.

107


XI.

LIMITATIONS
A. Sample must be free of haemolysis.
B. Linear range: CV 1.5% or less.
Whole blood/serum/plasma:
Sodium:
Potassium:
Chloride:

80–200 mmol/L
0.50–9.99 mmol/L
50–200 mmol/L

Urine:
Sodium:
Potassium:
Chloride:

10–350 mmol/L
5–250 mmol/L
10–350 mmol/L

C. Always replace standard and slope solution with fresh cal-pak of reagent. Never
add fresh reagent to existing reagent in the old cal-pak.
D. Cleaning solution is irritating to the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract and is
poisonous. Avoid contact with eyes or skin. If contact occurs, flush with a copious
amount of water immediately.
E. System should always be run with front cover closed.
F. Water should never be used to clean or flush the sodium, potassium, or reference
electrode.
XII.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

108

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 217
Date prepared:
I.

Chemistry Quality Control
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
A. This SOP establishes the minimum guidelines to follow to ensure the quality and
reliability of laboratory results. The principle of quality control is to ensure that
the analytical values reported by the laboratory correspond to the clinically correct
values
B. The goal of the QC program is to assess the laboratory’s performance in relation
to theoretical results and results of other laboratories, to identify significant
problems as they arise, to implement and document results of corrective actions,
and to ensure problems are corrected in a routine and systematic manner.

II.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
A. Internal Quality Control (Intralaboratory Quality Control). An internal QC
program is the system where controls with determined values (assayed or
unassayed) are run, prior to patient samples, to determine whether the analytical
test system is producing analytically reliable results for that particular test
(analyte).
B. External Quality Control (Interlaboratory Comparison Programs). In an external
QC program, such as the United Kingdom National External Quality Assurances
System (UK, NEQAS), unknowns are sent to participating laboratories for
analysis. Survey results are compiled and reports are provided to the originating
laboratories. The reports compare a laboratory’s reported values with the mean
responses and standard deviations obtained by peer laboratories. The number of
peer laboratories and the standard deviation index (SDI) of all test systems are
also included.
C. Qualitative Control: controls which yield a positive or negative result based upon
an expression of judgment by the observer, e.g., pregnancy test controls.
D. Quantitative Control: controls which are numerical, chemical, or physical
determinations yielding a “numerical” result.
1. Assayed Control: commercial controls where the analytes have been assigned
a mean value. The standard deviation has been derived by the vendor.
2. Unassayed Control: commercial or prepared controls where the analytes are of
unknown value. Each analyte must be thoroughly tested and, based upon the
results, a mean and standard deviation may be derived.

109


E. Accuracy Control: controls utilized in determining whether or not a test system is
reporting accurate results as compared with the previously determined "known
values" of the tested analyte.
F. Precision Control: controls utilized throughout the operation of a test system to
verify the precision of the test system for a given analyte.
III.

CONTROLS

The following controls are performed on a routine basis. The list is not all encompassing.
Individual SOPS contain QC specifics that apply to each procedure.
A. PHOTOMETER 5010 (BOERINGER MANHEIM):
BUN γ-GT CK TP SGOT GLU TBIL AMYL CREAT SGPT
B. Diagnostic 644 assayed controls come in three levels:
Level I:
Low
Level 2:
Medium
Level 3:
High
IV.

CONTROL PROCEDURES
A. General QC guidelines: Total Quality Control must incorporate various aspects of
laboratory procedures such as:
1. Continuous training and education of laboratory personnel
2. Preventive maintenance procedures
3. Correct sample collection
4. Proper pre- and post-analytical processing of samples and results.
5. Proper identification of samples and results.
6. Confirm that instructions in reagent package inserts for specific tests are being
followed.
7. Use good quality distilled or deionized water and only reagents and
disposables provided or recommended for use by the manufacturer
B. Document the daily performance of quality control sera.
C. Running QC sera.
1. Controls are run in the same way as regular samples.
2. Two levels of Controls (high and low) should be run for each test each day the
test is run, and always before any results are being reported.

110


3. Controls should also be run whenever a new bottle of reagent is loaded or
recalibration of a test is performed.
4. Careful handling and preparation of the control sera is a must.
5. A report of the day’s QC sera should be reviewed before any results are given
out and entered in the register every day.
V.

COMMON CONTROL RULES
Clinical laboratories use a variety of control rules based upon specifics of each
individual system or analyte tested. See individual SOPs for control tolerance limits.

VI.

CONTROL EVALUATION AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
A. Qualitative Controls—are acceptable when they perform according to their
expected value, i.e., positive or negative.
B. Semi quantitative Controls—are acceptable when they fall within their established
control ranges. Results are usually reported as: a number in a range, positive or
negative, small, moderate, or large, etc.
C. Quantitative Controls—are acceptable when they meet the following guidelines:
1. Controls consisting of 2 and 3 levels—All levels of the control are within + 2
SD of the mean
Or
2. Controls consisting of 3 levels—Two levels of the control are within + 2 SD
of the mean and the other is within + 3 SD. When this situation occurs, review
the previous QC run and ensure the control which is out of the + 2 SD (but
within the + 3 SD) was not out of the + 2 SD previously.

VII.

CONTROL REJECTION CRITERIA
A. Qualitative Controls—are unacceptable if they do not perform according to the
expected value.
B. Semi quantitative Controls—are unacceptable if they do not fall within the
established control range.
C. Quantitative Controls—are unacceptable if:
1. Controls consisting of 2 levels—if one level of the control is + 2 SD and the
other level is >2 SD.

111


2. Controls consisting of 3 levels:
•
•

If two levels are + 2 SD and other level is >3 SD.

•

VIII.

If one level is + 2 SD and the other two levels are >3 SD.

If two levels are + 2 SD and the other level is between + 2 SD and + 3 SD
on two successive runs.

PROCEDURE TO TAKE WHEN CONTROLS ARE OUT
This is a generalized order that can be utilized to resolve control problems. Follow
these steps sequentially; if the problem is not alleviated, go to the next step. If values
are still out of control, inform your supervisor.
A. Step 1. Rerun controls. If when repeated the result fall within the range, the
patient results may be reported. If they are still out, go to Step 2.
B. Step 2.
1. Check operation of the machine, ensuring it is clean and that all required
supplies are present in sufficient quantities.
2. Check reagents for expiration dates and lot numbers. Ensure that all machine
lines are in appropriate receptacle where applicable. If this does not solve the
problem, go to Step 3.
C. Step 3. Prepare Fresh Control(s). If the repeated control(s) are still outside the
established range, prepare new control(s) and try again. If the controls are still out,
check the operator's manual. Go to Step 4.
D. Step 4. Recalibrate instrument. If controls are still out, inform your supervisor.
E. Step 5. Contact Medical Maintenance where applicable, or servicing engineer.
In cases where the QC value is falling outside the limit of the established range
(per the manufacturer), the following corrective actions should be taken:
1. Repeat Same Control(s). If when repeated the result fall within the range, the
patient results may be reported.
2. Prepare Fresh Control(s). If the repeated control(s) are still outside the
established range, prepare new control(s) and try again.
3. Re- Calibrate (where applicable). If the results of fresh control(s) are out of
range, re-calibrate the test(s) in question and try the control(s) again
4. Prepare Fresh Reagents. If the controls are still out of range, prepare new
reagents, re-calibrate and try the control(s) again. If the results are acceptable,
repeat the test with patient specimens.
Note: If none of the above works, call for Company Service.

112


IX.

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES
A. All technical SOPs will define the quality control material being utilized in
addition to what is determined to be acceptable performance.
B. This SOP establishes the minimum guidelines to follow. Specific guidelines are
addressed in the appropriate technical SOPs.
C. Factors to consider for out of control values: contaminated reagents, calibration,
and pipettes or technical technique.
D. Any deviation from these guidelines must be approved by the head of the
laboratory or his/her representative.

X.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

113


114


Haematology


116

Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC) by Coulter Analyser
Lab SOP No.: 301
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

PRINCIPLE
A. The Coulter is a quantitative, automated haematology analyser that calculates
WBC count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit,
platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin
concentration. This provides information concerning the oxygen-carrying
capability of haemoglobin, vascular integrity, and the presence of infection in the
body.
B. A suspension of blood cells is passed through a small aperture simultaneously
with an electric current. The individual blood cell passing through the aperture
introduces an impedance change in the aperture determined by the size of the cell.
The system counts the individual cells and provides the cell size distribution. The
lytic reagents rapidly and simultaneously destroy the erythrocytes and convert
haemoglobin to a stable cyanide-containing pigment whose absorbance is directly
proportional to the haemoglobin concentration of the sample.

II.

SPECIMEN
A salt (K2, K3, or Na2) EDTA anticoagulated blood sample not more than 24 hours old
and at least 2 ml.

III.

REAGENTS AND EQUIPMENT
A. Coulter AC•T Pack or Trainer, which contains:
•
•
•

Reagent 1 diluent
Reagent 2 lytic reagent
Reagent 3 shutdown diluent

B. Coulter computer software card
C. Printer
D. Coulter Analyser
1. Complete the preliminary procedures, reproducibility check, and carry-over to
ensure that the instrument measures blood parameters consistently.
a. Set analysing mode to whole blood.

117


b. Cycle one fresh, normal, properly mixed whole blood sample to prime the
instrument.
c. Analyse one fresh, normal, properly mixed whole blood specimen 10
times; record results for WBC, RBC, Hb, MCV, and platelets; and
calculate the mean, standard deviation, and CV% for the 10 cycles.
d. The CV% of WBC and RBC should be ≤ 3.0%, HB and MVC should be
≤ 2.0%, and Plt should be ≤ 7.0%.
CV% = (standard deviation ÷ mean) × 100
e. Perform the carry-over check by pressing the aspirate switch 3 times, and
record the results during each cycle and compute the carry-over as follows:
Carry-over =

first cycle – third cycle
× 100
Result # 10 reproducibility check

For WBC, RBC, Hb, and Plt, the carry-over percentage should be ≤ 2.0%.
2. Shut down the Coulter Analyser in a shutdown diluent. Perform startup.
IV.

QUALITY CONTROL
A. Use S-CAL calibration kit provided by Coulter. Perform calibration checks when
necessary or every 6 months. You will need the following:
1. S-CAL calibration sheet provided with correct assigned values for the
calibrator.
2. S-CAL calibration sample provided in a closed vial (Coulter 4C PLUS cell
control).
3. Check that you have enough supply of reagent to complete calibration.
B. Conduct the calibration check:
1. Prepare the S-CAL calibrator according to the instructions in the S-CAL
calibrator package insert.
2. Mix the Coulter 4C cell control vial gently and thoroughly before opening the
vial.
3. Hold the tube to the probe and allow the probe to aspirate the sample and to
move up into the instrument. Remove the tube when you hear the audible
alarm.
4. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and universal precautions is
required when handling biological specimens.

118


5. Complete the reproducibility check and carry-over check before calibration.
6. Allow the Coulter to analyse and give the results on the screen.
7. Record results for WBC, RBC, Hb, MCV, and Plt on the S-CAL calibration
worksheet.
8. Calculate the mean for each parameter using the current and previous Coulter
4C cell control sample results.
9. Copy the S-CAL calibration assigned value from the package insert on the
worksheet.
10. Calculate the absolute difference between the assigned value and the mean
value calculated above and write this number in the provided row (row C) of
the calibration worksheet.
11. Determine the calibration status for each parameter and compare the absolute
difference to the Coulter series calibration criteria table in the S-CAL
calibrator kit.
12. If the absolute difference is less than the value in column 1, no calibration is
required and the calibration for that parameter has therefore been verified.
13. If the absolute difference is between the values found in column 1 and column
2, calibration is then required and new calibration factors need to be calculated
as follows:
a. Obtain the current calibration factors that are in memory in the instrument
for the parameter that requires calibration.
b. Write these factors down on the S-CAL calibration worksheet under the
current calibration factor.
c. Calculate the new calibration factor by dividing the assigned value by the
mean value; then multiply this number by the current calibration factor.
New calibration factor = Assigned value × Current calibration factor
Mean value
Enter the new values on the calibration factors screen in the instrument.
d. Verify that the calibration is acceptable by analysing 4C PLUS cell control
or whole blood with known values or other quality control materials. The
control results should fall within the expected ranges. If the control results
are not within the expected range, run one more sample. If the second
sample results are not within the expected range, follow the procedure in
the control package insert and contact your Coulter representative.

119


V.

PROCEDURE
A. Sample preparation:
1. Switch on the Coulter Analyser. The switch is located on the right-hand side.
The instrument will aspirate the diluent twice and indicate blank values for
WBC, RBC, Hb, and Plt.
2. Enter the patient ID or sample ID and check its correctness on the touch screen
display.
3. Mix the sample gently but thoroughly before cycling it by inverting the sample
at least 8 times.
4. Hold the tube up to the probe with the probe well into the sample.
5. Allow the probe to aspirate the sample and to move up into the instrument.
6. Remove the tube when you hear the audible alarm.
B. Analysis:
1. Allow the Coulter to analyse and give the results on the screen of WBC, RBC,
Hb, and Plt.
2. Note the values indicated. Abnormal low values may indicate incomplete
aspiration. If this happens, cycle the sample again.
3. Ignore high and low flag is next to the 4C PLUS cell control results.
4. If any result is over the linearity range of + or over the operating range of
+++++, run a blank sample.
5. Wait for cycle to finish before running another sample.
6. Print out the results on the printer of the system.

VI.

RESULTS
A. Normal values:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

120

WBC:………..4.3–11 × 109/L
RBC:………...4.5–6.3 × 1012/L
HGB:………..12–18 g/dL
HCT:………...35.0–60.0
MCV:………..80.0–99.9 fl
MCHC:……...27.0–31.0%
Plt:…………..140–440 × 109/L


B. HCTs with values less than 30% should be rechecked by microhaematocrit
method.
C. A differential should be performed on WBC counts less than 3 × 109/L and greater
than 15 × 109/L.
D. Granulocytes with absolute count less than 4 × 109/L and greater than 10 × 109/L
should be confirmed by differential.
VII.

LIMITATIONS
A. Haematology parameters—readings are valid only within the following
parameters:
1. Haematocrit:
2. White cell count:
3. Platelet count:

25–55%
2.0–30.0 × 109/L
80–600 × 109/L

B. Venous sample—EDTA-anticoagulated blood not more than 4 hours old.
C. Specifications:
1. Operational temperature: 16–35°C
2. Relative humidity: 30–85% noncondensing
3. Power: 100–240 volts, 50/60 Hz, 6 amps
VIII.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

121


122

Manual White Cell Differential Count and Platelet Estimate
Lab SOP No.: 302
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

PRINCIPLE
The differential white cell count is performed to determine the relative number of
each type of white cell present in the blood. This provides valuable information
concerning infections and other disease processes. At the same time, a study of red
cell, white cell, and platelet morphology is performed. Performing the differential
smear after counting the cells allows the smear to be used as a double-check of the
white cell count and platelet count.

II.

SPECIMEN
Whole blood from a capillary puncture or EDTA tube at least 3/4 full.

III.

REAGENTS AND EQUIPMENT
A.
B.
C.
D.

IV.

Microscope
Immersion oil
Stain: Leishman or Giemsa stain
Differential cell counter

QUALITY CONTROL
A. Slide.
1. The RBCs should appear buff pink to orange.
2. WBCs should have a blue nucleus with a lighter-staining cytoplasm.
B. Technicians should be evaluated regularly on their ability to perform a
differential. Results and appropriate actions taken should be documented.

V.

PROCEDURE
A. Differential count:
1. Stain the slide with appropriate stain (See SOP 303: Preparation and Staining
of Blood Films) and place the slide on the microscope stage with the smear
side up and focus using the low power objective and low light.

123


2. Scan the blood smear, noting any unusual or irregular cells or rouleaux
formation.
3. Locate the portion of the smear where there is no overlapping of cells
(thin area).
4. Place a drop of immersion oil on the slide.
5. Carefully change to the oil immersion objective (100×), focus and increase
light intensity as needed.
6. Begin in the thin area of the smear.
7. Scan the slide in a figure “S”.
8. Counts:
a. White cell counts:
(1) For WBC counts less than 20 × 109 WBC/L, count and classify
100 cells.
(2) For WBC counts of 20 to 50 × 109 WBC/L, count and classify
300 cells.
(3) If there is an abnormal percentage of cells in the differential
count, classify 200 cells.
(a) More lymphocytes than neutrophils (except in children).
(b) Over 11% monocytes.
(c) Over 10% eosinophils.
(d) Over 2% basophils
b. Nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs):
(1) Count number of NRBCs per 100 WBCs on a separate counter;
report.
(2) Recalculate the WBC count if the NRBC count is greater than 5
NRBCs per 100 WBCs.
9. Report any abnormalities of white cells.
B. Platelet estimate:
1. Scan the thin area, using the oil immersion lens.
2. Observe 10 fields, counting the platelets in each field, observing granulation
and morphology.

124


3. Determine the average number of platelets observed per oil immersion field
(OIF).
4. Report the platelet estimate and any abnormal morphology.
C. WBC estimate:
1. Scan the thin area, using the 50x oil immersion lens.
2. Observe 10 fields, counting all WBCs in each field.
3. Average the number of WBCs seen per oil immersion field (OIF).
4. Document performance of WBC estimate. Report any discrepancies to
supervisor.
D. RBC morphology:
1. Scan the thin area, using the oil immersion lens.
2. Observe 10 fields.
3. Report RBC size and shape. Use the nucleus of a typical small lymphocyte as
a comparison for normal size
4. Report any alterations in colour, the amount of haemoglobin, or inclusions.
E. Save all differential slides for 7 days.
VI.

RESULTS
A. Leukocyte differential normal values:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Segmented neutrophils:
Lymphocytes:
Band neutrophils:
Monocytes:
Eosinophils:
Basophils:

54–62%
20–40%
1–10%
4–10%
1–3%
0–1%

B. NRBCs reported as number of NRBCs per 100 WBCs counted.
C. Platelets estimate:
1. Adequate/normal
2. Decreased
3. Increased
D. WBC estimate:

8–20 plt/OIF
< 8 plt/OIF
> 20 plt/OIF

+ 1.5 × 109 WBC/L of WBC count

125


E. RBC morphology:
1. Normal findings:
a. Normocytic: normal cell size and shape
b. Normochromic: normal hemoglobin content and colouration
2. Abnormal findings:
a. Use specific terms
b. Grade degree of abnormalities
(1) Slight: 1–5 cells/10 fields
(2) Moderate: 6–15 cells/10 fields
(3) Marked: > 15 cells/10 fields
VII.

PROCEDURAL NOTES
A.

RBC morphology
1. Anisocytosis: variation in size of the cells
a. Macrocyte: larger than normal
b. Microcyte: smaller than normal
2. Poikilocytosis: variation in shape of the cell
a. Drepanocyte (sickle-like cell)
b. Ovalocyte (elliptocyte)
c. Spherocyte
d. Dacrocyte (teardrop cell)
e. Echinocyte (burr cell)
f. Stomatocyte (cup cell)
g. Codocyte (target cell)
h. Schizocyte (red blood cell fragments)
i. Acanthocyte (irregularly spaced projections)
j. Crenated cells (mechanically produced, not reported)
3. Alteration in colour
a. Hypochromasia—increase central pallor
b. Polychromasia—diffuse basophilia
4. Inclusions
a. Basophilic stippling
b. Howell-Jolly bodies
c. Cabot’s rings
d. Malaria

126


VIII.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

127


128

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) by Westergren Method
Lab SOP No.: 303
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

PRINCIPLE
Anticoagulated whole blood placed in a tube will separate into an upper plasma layer
and a lower cell layer as a result of gravity. The ESR is the distance at which the cells
settle out in a given time period and is expressed in mm/hr.

II.

REAGENTS
A. Westergren tubes
B. Westergren vertical racks

III.

PROCEDURE (Westergren procedure)
A. Dilute blood collected in EDTA tubes with 3.8% sodium citrate in a dilution of
1:5.
B. Place Westergren tube in vertical Westergren rack.
C. At the end of 60 minutes, record the distance.

IV.

REFERENCE RANGES
A. Males:
B. Females:

V.

0 to 7 mm/hr
0 to 9 mm/hr

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
129


130

Handling Specimen for CD4+ T Cell Enumeration
Lab SOP No.: 304
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Obtaining accurate and reliable measures of CD4+ T lymphocytes (CD4+ T cells)
is essential for assessing the immune system and managing the health care of
persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
B. Absolute CD4+ T lymphocytes (CD4+ T cells) can be measured from whole blood
collected on K3EDTA anticoagulant.

II.

SPECIMEN
A. Collect blood specimens by venipuncture into evacuated tubes containing
K3EDTA anticoagulant, completely expending the vacuum in the tubes.
Use paediatric tubes to obtain specimens from children. Ensure that the tube is
full.
Mix the blood well with the anticoagulant to prevent clotting.
B. Label all specimens with the date, time of collection, and a CCC patient number.
Ensure that patient information and test results are kept confidential.
C. Place the samples on a gentle blood rocker to ensure that the samples are
uniformly distributed while awaiting transportation to the laboratory.

III.

SPECIMEN TRANSPORT
A. Maintain and transport specimens at room temperature (64–72°F [18–22°C]).
Specimens should not be exposed to extreme temperatures that could allow them
to freeze or become too hot. Temperatures >99°F (37°C) might cause cellular
destruction and affect flow cytometry measurements.
Transport specimens to the immunophenotyping laboratory as soon as possible.
B. In hot weather, pack the specimen in an insulated container. If necessary, place
this container inside another containing an ice pack and absorbent material. This
method helps retain the specimen at ambient temperature.
C. For transport to locations outside the hospital, pack the specimens in a tube
containing the leak proof container (e.g., a sealed plastic bag) and pack this
container inside a cardboard canister containing sufficient material to absorb all

131


the contents should the tube break or leak. Cap the canister tightly. Fasten the
request slip securely to the outside of this canister with a rubber band.
D. Arrange appropriate times of collection and transport from the hospital collecting
the specimen. This should be by 2:00 p.m.
IV.

SPECIMEN INTEGRITY
Before and on delivery of the specimen, inspect the tube and its contents to verify that
the specimen is suitable for CD4+ T cell determination.
A. Check the temperature of the specimen. If the specimen is not hot or cold to the
touch, and if it is not obviously haemolysed, or frozen, allow it to be processed;
however, the temperature condition should be noted on the worksheet and report
form.
B. The specimen should not be rapidly warmed or chilled to bring it to room
temperature because this may adversely affect the immunophenotyping results.
Abnormalities in light-scattering patterns may reveal a compromised specimen.
C. If blood is haemolysed or frozen, the specimen should NOT be transported to the
testing laboratory. Another specimen should be taken.
If the specimen has stayed for >72 hours after collection, it should NOT be
transported to the testing laboratory. Another specimen should be taken.
D. Tests should be performed within 48 hours (preferred), but no later than 72 hours
after drawing the blood specimen.
E. Samples should be placed on a gentle blood rocker for 5 minutes to ensure that the
samples are uniformly distributed before processing.

V.

Use universal precautions with all specimens. Adhere to the following safety
practices:
A. Wear laboratory coats and gloves when processing and analysing specimens.
B. Never pipette by mouth. Use safety-pipetting devices.
C. Never recap needles. Dispose of needles and syringes in puncture-proof containers
designed for this purpose.
D. After working with specimens, remove gloves and wash hands with soap and
water.

132


VI.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

133


134

CD4+/CD8+ T-Lymphocyte Cell Determination by Cytoflow
Lab SOP No.: 305
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. Obtaining accurate and reliable measures of CD4+ T lymphocytes (CD4+ T cells)
is essential for assessing the immune system and managing the health care of
persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
B. Absolute CD4+ T lymphocytes (CD4+ T cells) can be measured from whole blood
collected on K3EDTA anticoagulant.

II.

PRINCIPLE
CyFlow two-colour reagents use a time-saving No Lyse–No Wash method for direct
immunofluorescence staining of human peripheral blood specimens. When whole
blood specimen is added to test tubes (Partec) containing CyFlow reagents, the
fluorochrome-labelled antibodies bind specifically to antigens on the surface of
lymphocytes. The CyFlow cytometer detects forward scattered (FSC) and side
scattered (SSC) light from the cells to give the appropriate volumetric cell-counting
event. A sample passes the flow cuvette where the detection takes place. The upper
sensor electrode starts the counting process when the meniscus of the sample is
disconnected, whereas the lower sensor electrode stops the measurement in the same
way. The measuring volume of 200 µl is defined by the distance of the electrodes and
the inner diameter of the sample tube. The cell concentration is automatically
calculated by the FlowMax software as a function of counted events in 200 µl
volume.

III.

SPECIMEN
A. Collect blood specimens by venipuncture into vacutainer tubes containing
K3EDTA anticoagulant, completely expending the vacuum in the tubes. Label all
specimens with the date, time of collection, and a CCC patient number. Ensure
that patient information and test results are accorded confidentiality. Use
paediatric tubes to obtain specimens from children, and ensure that the tube is full.
Mix the blood well with the anticoagulant to prevent clotting.
B. Place the samples on a gentle blood rocker to ensure that the samples are
uniformly distributed when awaiting transportation to the laboratory.

135


IV.

A. Equipment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Flow cytometer: Partec CyFlow
Computer Monitor
Printer HP 5550
FlowMax software
Pipette calibrated to deliver 50 µl of sample and 10 µl of reagents.

B. Consumables
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
V.

Sheath fluid
Dilution buffer
CD4 monoclonal antibody: CD4 No Wash–No Lyse Kit
CD8 monoclonal antibody: CD8 No Wash–No Lyse Kit
Partec tubes
Distilled/deionised water
Test tube racks
Latex gloves
Pipette tips

CALIBRATION
A. Under setup, go to [Partec FloMax]. Click OK to initialize instrument. A new file
will open on the screen. From the file menu, close this file.
B. When the screen goes blank, go to file menu and open the window screen again.
C. Select FlowMax folder in the look-in window:

FLOMAX

▼

D. Select calibration template for beads.FCS and open file. The screen will open
with the previous calibration graphs.
E. Select instrument settings from the panel at the bottom of the screen. The graph
peaks will clear, and a window for settings will open; select LOAD from the left
bottom screen. The window will open with the FlowMax folder files.
F. Select 3µm beads calibration file and open the file. The screen will open,
indicating graphs for calibration, but without peaks.
G. Run detergent or cleaning solution (green) for some time and then run calibration
beads. Ensure proper mixing of beads before running.
H. Get the peaks in the RNI region identified in the graphs. If not, use the micrometer
screw to bring the peaks into the region. Do not make any other adjustment in the
gain levels.

136


Parameter

Log

Lower level

Upper level

SSC

180

Log 3

10

999.9

FLI

Speed
2.2

GAIN

310

Log 4

170

999.9

I. Both peaks should be at approximately 100 in the FLI graph and the SSC graph. If
peaks are not narrow, check for an air bubble in flow cell.
J. After running beads, run cleaning solution again to clear the beads.
K. Close the file from the File Menu. When the window for change appears, click
NO changes to be made.
L. Open blood template from file. The screen will open with the template graphs. Go
to instrument setting from panel below screen and go to LOAD → blood
analysis.ist file–m. Open from FlowMax folder. The equipment is ready to run
samples.
VI.

PROCEDURE
A. Sample preparation:
1. Label two Partec tubes for each specimen/test with the same ID number as the
sample tube. Then mark the two tubes A and B.
2. To tube A add 50 µl of whole blood and 10 µl CD4 PE reagent, using the
appropriate pipette. To B add 50 µl of whole blood and 10 µl CD8 PE reagent,
using the appropriate pipette.
3. Mix the two tubes gently and incubate them for 15 minutes in the dark.
4. Into each tube add 0.8 ml of dilution buffer and shake or vortex gently.
5. Carry out a count analysis on the CyFlow system.
NOTE: Samples can be stained 24 hours after blood collection and analysed
24 hours after staining with no loss in precision. Unstained samples must be kept at
room temperature.
B. Starting up CyFlow:
1. Fill sheath bottle with clean, filtered, and degassed sheath fluid and close it
lightly with the screw top. Empty the waste bottle.
2. Switch ON the CyFlow by switching on the power at the back.

137


3. Switch on the peripheral devices.
a. Switch on the HP printer.
b. Switch on computer by the computer power switch. After a short while the
computer display shows Windows® desktop.
4. After the system starts up, double click Partec FlowMax icon and click OK.
The system will initialise the FlowMax software.
5. Go to file and close the file again. Select and open the blood template FCS
file. Go to instrument settings and load Blood analysis.ist file.
6. After a few seconds, display shows FlowMax welcome window. Click OK to
display empty histogram. The equipment is ready to run samples from the
acquisition panel.
C. Running the samples:
Make sure that the flow cytometer is ready for analysis and operating software is
ready for the measurement.
1. From the acquisition panel, select run tube panel and open patient sample
folder.
2. Type patient name and click OK. When the tube panel screen opens, click
OK.
3. Run CD4 sample followed by CD8 sample.
4. Fill up the sample tube with 1–2 ml of the ready prepared sample suspension.
5. Insert sample tube onto the sample port until you hear a click. Wait for
measurement or acquisition to start. The FlowMax software will indicate pre
run, stabilise, run, and count status. Wait until cells are counted and
acquisition is finished.
a. In the prerun phase, cells are quickly transported to the position for
analysis, the flow cuvette.
b. During the stabilise phase, the system gives time for the flow to reach the
slow speed required for analysis.
c. In the run phase, the cells are analysed and classified into histogram on the
display in real time.
d. In the count phase, cells are counted for a given volume.
6. After the count phase, the acquisition finishes automatically. After acquisition
remove the sample tube from the sample port.

138


7. When the report generates, fill in patient details and go to file and save as
patient CD4–CD8 report. Type patient’s name in the file and save.
D. Printing Patient Reports:
1. From main screen go to START and select My Documents folder.
2. Double click to open the patient CD4–CD8 report folder.
3. Select patient file to be printed and double click the file to open. The patient
CD4–CD8 report will open.
4. Type patient’s name in the file and click save, and then click on printer icon to
print out the report. Print out the report and close the window by clicking X.
5. In the file menu select exit and click NO changes to be saved.
6. Exit the report file and go back to the acquisition menu to run the next patient
sample.
7. Wait for biosafety cycle to start to clean the instrument. Save results and put
on the next sample by inserting the sample tube onto the sample port.
VII. SHUTDOWN
Make sure data from the previous acquisition have been saved.
A. Fill a new sample tube with cleaning solution and insert tube onto the sample port
and wait until you hear a “click”. The flow cuvette will be floated by the tube
fluid.
B. Perform a biosafety clean by clicking the green icon or the CLEAN button. Repeat
“A” and “B” with distilled water.
C. Let the final sample tube half with some 1 ml clean distilled water connected to
the sample port to avoid drying and crystallising of any remaining materials.
D. Exit the program by clicking the close button X in the upper right corner of the
window or select FILE EXIT from the file menu.
E. Turn OFF the computer → turn OFF. The computer will shut down. Switch off
analyser, CPU, monitor, laser unit, and printer. Cover the equipment. Check waste
and sheath levels.

139


VIII.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:
Full name:
Designation:

140

Date:

Lab SOP No.: 306
Date prepared:
I.

Cell Separation: PBMC
Version No.: 1.0
Date adopted:

INTRODUCTION
This standard operating procedure defines the methodologies to be used to separate
plasma and PBMC for patients undergoing both viral load testing and resistance
testing.

II.

REAGENTS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
O.

III.

PREPARATION OF RPMI 1640 SOLUTION
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

IV.

Falcon tubes (15 and 50 ml)
RPMI 1640 with L-glutamine and HEPES (Gibco BRL)
Fetal calf serum, heat inactivated at 56°C for 30 minutes
Antibiotics/antifungals
Cell-culture grade dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) sigma
Histopaque
Cryovials (Nunc. 363401)
Cryopens
Trypan Blue
Centrifuge tubes
Counting chambers
Controlled rate freezer (cryosaver)
70% ethanol
1% Jik (hypochloride)
NaHCO3

Weigh 16.2 g of RPMI 1640 powder.
Weigh 2.0 g of NaHCO3 and dissolve in 950 ml of distilled water.
Adjust pH to be between 7.2 and 7.4, using 5 M of NaOH.
Top up to 1 L with distilled water.
Sterilise filter.
Always keep at 4°C when not in use.

PREPARATION OF RIO (10% FCS)
Add 100 ml of FCS to 900 ml of RPMI 1640 solution into a sterile bottle; mix well
and keep at 4°C.

141


V.

PREPARATON OF FREEZING MEDIUM:
Add the following in a sterile 50 ml falcon tube:
RPMI 1640 =

20 ml = 40%

FCS

=

25 ml = 50%

MSO

=

5 ml
50 ml

= 10%
= 100%

or
FCS

= 45 ml = 90%

DMSO

= 5 ml = 10%
50 ml = 100%

VI.

METHODS:
A. The hood should be cleaned with 70% alcohol and turned on 10 minutes before
starting.
B. Blood is taken from patients in vacutainer tubes with heparin (green top).
C. Add 10 ml of histopaque solution into a 50 ml labelled sterile tube.
D. Using a 10 ml pipette, overlay 25 ml of whole blood on the histopaque solution.
The over-layering can be done by holding the tube containing the histopaque
solution at an angle and gently running the blood down the side of the tube. As the
tube fills up, the tube is brought to the upright position.
E. Centrifuge the tube at 3,000 rpm for 20 minutes at room temperature with brakes
off, making sure the tubes are properly balanced.
F. Inspect the tube to make sure there is a distinct mononuclear fraction.
G. Gently pipette 1.5 ml of plasma into each of the 2 serum vials.
H. Store plasma samples at –70°C in the appropriate box and record the location in
the laboratory book.
I. With a sterile transfer pipette, gently reach the monolayer fraction and pipette the
entire “band” of lymphocytes into a 15 ml sterile tube.
J. Add 10 ml of R10 wash medium to the lymphocytes. Invert the tube several times
and centrifuge at 1,500 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature with brakes on.
Flick the cell pellet and resuspend in 10 ml of R10.

142


K. Spin at 1,500 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature. Decant the supernatant and
resuspend the pellet in 10 ml of R10.
L. Perform cell count using Trypan Blue method and prepare the rest of the cells for
freezing.
VII.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

143


144

Lab SOP No.: 307

Preparation and staining of Blood Films
Version No.: 1.0

Date prepared:

Date adopted:

I. INTRODUCTION
A. A thin blood film is a small drop of blood that is spread thinly on a glass slide so that
the red cells do not overlap. In this way, individual blood cells can be examined.
B. The differential white cell count is performed to determine the relative number of
each type of white cell present in the blood. This provides valuable information
concerning infections and other disease processes. At the same time, a study of red
cell, white cell and platelet morphology is performed. Performing the differential
smear after counting the cells allows the smear to be used as a double- check of the
white cell count and platelet.
II. SPECIMEN
Whole blood from a capillary puncture or EDTA tube at least 3/4 full. The capillary
venous blood or salt EDTA anticoagulated, blood should not be more than 4 hours old
III. MATERIALS
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.

Surgical gauze
Absolute ethanol
Anticoagulated blood
Pasteur pipette/ applicator sticks
Cover slide
Leishmans stain
Distilled water
Staining rack
Forceps

IV. PROCEDURES
A. Precautions and specifications
1.

Ensure that you wear a lab coat and gloves

2.

Ensure that other universal precautions are taken care of when handling
biological specimens.

145


3.

Ensure that the operational temperature is between 16 and 35°C and the relative
humidity is between 30 and 85% non-condensing

4.

Spillage of potentially infectious materials or positive control should be removed
immediately with absorbent tissue paper, and the contaminated area be swabbed
with appropriate strength disinfectant e.g. 1.0 % sodium hypochlorite. Sodium
hypochlorite should not be used to clean acid-containing spills unless the spill
area is first wiped dry. Materials used to clean spills, including gloves, should be
disposed of as potentially bio-hazardous waste.

B. Sample preparation
1.

Report on the Manual FBC worksheet the subject number of the samples to be
processed during this run.

2.

Clean a glass slide with gauze soaked in absolute ethanol. Allow the slide to dry.

3.

Mix the blood well.

4.

From anticoagulated venous blood using a clean Pasteur pipette with a rubber
teat suck and drop a small drop of blood on to the slide, about 1cm from one end,
Place the slide horizontally on a flat surface. If using a sample of capillary
venous blood, carefully touch the drop of blood on to the slide, about 1cm from
one end, making sure that the slide does not touch the patient’s skin.

5.

Hold a spreader (or cover slip) in the centre of the slide at an angle of 500C.

6.

Move the spreader back until it is in contact with the blood, and allow the blood
to spread along the base of the spreader.

7.

Now reduce the angle of the spreader to about 300C and move the spreader
steadily across the slide. A good thin film should end in a conical “tail“ and
should cover two-thirds of the slide.

8.

If the drop of blood is too large, transfer a small portion of blood by touching it
with the edge of the spreader and start the film in a fresh place ahead of the large
drop. If the blood is anaemic, hold the spreader at a greater angle and move it
faster. This makes a slightly thicker film.

9.

Dry the film quickly by waving it in the air. Slow drying results in shrinkage of
red cells. Do not dry the film by heating over a flame or placing on a hot object.

10. Label the slide with the patient’s study number by writing with lead pencil across
the thickest part of the film or on the frosted end of the slide.
C. Staining procedure
1. Fix the film by dipping for 2 seconds in absolute methanol. Allow drying.
2. Stain using leishmann stain by flooding the slide for 1 to 3 minutes.

146


3. Dilute the stained slide with buffer (ph 6.8) for 4 to 7 minutes.
4. Using a pair of forceps, hold one end of the slide and rinse with water to remove
excess stain.
5. Keep the slides on the rack in a standing position and allow drying for 5 minutes
before doing differential counting.
D. Analysis
1. Do the differential blood count(See SOP 302 Manual White Blood Cell
Differential Count And Plate Estimate)
2. Report the results on the Differential blood count and HCT worksheet
V.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

147


148


Molecular Methods


150

Specimen Collection, Storage, and Delivery for Viral Load Testing
Lab SOP No.: 401
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. This standard operating procedure defines the procedures to be followed when
taking, handling, and transporting specimens for viral load testing to a reference or
designated laboratory. The plasma viral load is the chief predictor of the risk of
heterosexual transmission of HIV-1 and for progression of HIV disease.
B. The plasma viral load can be measured by the RT-PCR method, bDNA method, or
NASBA method. All use different methods but give comparable results. The
AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR uses plasma specimens only.
C. Collect blood in sterile tubes using EDTA (lavender top) or ACD (yellow top) as
the anticoagulant. Do not collect specimens in heparin-containing containers (the
purple top). Handle all specimens as if they are capable of transmitting infectious
agents.

II.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
A. Use sterile technique; close all containers tightly.
B. Label all containers with patient’s name, hospital number, date and time of
collection, and physician’s name.
C. Specimens should be delivered to the receiving laboratory within 24 hours of
collection.
D. Always call the receiving laboratory to let them know that the specimen is
coming.

III.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
A. Prior to drawing the specimen, confirm that the information on the request form is
correct.
B. Properly identify the patient. If patient is an outpatient, ask him/her to state his/her
full name and date of birth. If patient is an infant or confused adult, ask the person
accompanying the patient for identification.
C. If there is a discrepancy or difference in any of the above information, DO NOT
PROCEED. Take the corrective action necessary to ensure that the patient name
and number on the request form are identical.

151


D. If there is no discrepancy or difference after the identification process is
completed, draw the specimen.
E. Determine appropriate tube type and correct blood volume for the test. This can
either be a lavender or yellow top tube: Use a lavender tube and draw 4 ml of
blood only for viral load testing.
F. After drawing blood but before leaving the patient, label the tube(s) with the
patient’s number, physician’s name, CCC number, patient’s diagnosis, test
needed, and the date and time the specimen was taken.
IV.

TUBES STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
A. Do not store whole blood for more than 6 hours after collection. Even in
temperatures between 2 and 25°C, whole blood should not be left for more than
6 hours.
B. Separate plasma from whole blood within 6 hours as follows:
1. Centrifuge whole blood at 800–1600 × g for 20 minutes at room temperature.
2. Aliquot 225–250 µl of plasma in a sterile 2 ml polypropylene screw-cap tube.
3. Transport plasma at room temperature within 24 hours. If this is not possible,
store at 2–8°C and transport within 5 days. If plasma has been frozen at
–80°C, make sure it is transported at the same temperature.
4. Store plasma frozen at –80°C until time for transport.

V.

DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
A. Package the specimen carefully to protect it from breakage and insulate it from
extreme temperature.
B. Label for “viral load.”
C. Samples should be transported to the receiving laboratory by courier.
1. Within the CPGH, send sample to the OPD Lab for courier pickup.
2. CPGH “courier of choice is ………..….” (telephone number).
3. During workdays (Mon.–Fri./8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), call the receiving KEMRI
lab at telephone number……..……. to dispatch courier.
4. No transport should be done during weekends and holidays unless prior
arrangement has been made with the receiving laboratory.

152


VI.

TRANSPORTATION
Maintain and transport specimens at appropriate temperatures (frozen). During
packaging, place the tube containing the specimen in a leak proof container (e.g., a
sealed plastic bag) and pack this container inside a cardboard canister containing
sufficient material to absorb all the contents should the tube break or leak. Cap the
canister tightly. Fasten the request slip securely to the outside of this canister with a
rubber band.

VII.

practices:
A. Wear laboratory coats and gloves when processing and analysing specimens.
D. Handle and manipulate specimens (e.g., aliquot, add reagents, vortex, and
aspirate) in a Class I or II biological safety cabinet. Centrifuge specimens in safety
carriers.
F. After working with specimens, remove gloves and wash hands with soap and
water.

VIII.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

153


154

Sample Preparation for Storage for Viral Load Analysis by Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor
Lab SOP No.: 402
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

INTRODUCTION
A. The plasma viral load is the chief predictor of the risk of heterosexual
transmission of HIV-1 and for progression of HIV disease.
B. The plasma viral load can be measured by RT-PCR method, bDNA method, or by
NASBA method. All use different methods but give comparable results.

II.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
A. Collect 10 ml of venous blood using an EDTA lavender vacutainer top or an ACD
yellow vacutainer top. Follow universal precautions when performing phlebotomy
or handling patient specimens, calibrators, or other serum-based
Please note:
1. AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monitor Test version 1.5 uses plasma samples, anticoagulated with either EDTA or ACD. Heparin is unsuitable!
2. The volume of blood indicated on the vacutainer tube should not be exceeded.
B. Gently invert twice each vacutainer tube after collection of blood to ensure mixing
of the anticoagulant with blood.
C. Blood samples can be kept at 20–24oC before processing for not more than
6 hours.

III.

SPECIMEN PROCESSING:
A. Wear dust free (powder less) gloves, and using sterile pipette tips transfer
10 ml of whole blood into 15 ml centrifuge tube.
B. Centrifuge whole blood at 800–1,600 × G for 20 minutes to separate plasma from
whole blood.
C. Using sterile pipette tips, transfer plasma (the upper layer) in aliquots of 225–250
µl into 1.8–2.0 ml sterile polypropylene screw-cap tubes. Make sure that, for each
sample, 4 vials of plasma are prepared.

155


D. Label the 1.8–2.0 ml sterile polypropylene screw-cap tubes with date, name of
site, patient identification number, and type of specimen (P for plasma).
E. Place the plasma aliquots of 225–250 µl into cryogenic storage boxes and store
them at –80°C.
IV.

SPECIMEN STORAGE
A. Aliquot 225–250 µl of plasma in a sterile 2 ml polyprolene tube screw-cap tubes.
B. Store the specimen at:
1. 2–8oC for up to 5 days or
2. Transport the specimen at 2–8oC to the viral load laboratory or
3. Freeze the specimen at –80oC until time for transportation. At –80oC the
specimens are better placed in cryogenic storage boxes.

V.

TRANSPORTATION
A. Maintain and transport specimens at appropriate temperatures (frozen).
B. Package the specimen for transport by placing the tube containing the specimen in
a leak proof container (e.g., a sealed plastic bag), and pack this container inside a
cardboard canister containing sufficient material to absorb all the contents should
the tube break or leak. Cap the canister tightly. Where liquid nitrogen exists, such
specimen should be transported using the liquid nitrogen tank or canister.
C. Fasten the request slip securely to the outside of this canister with a rubber band.

VI.

practices:
A. Wear laboratory coats and gloves when processing and analyzing specimens.
D. Handle and manipulate specimens (e.g., aliquot, add reagents, vortex, and
aspirate) in a class I or II biological safety cabinet. Centrifuge specimens in safety
carriers.
E. After working with specimens, remove gloves and wash hands with soap and
water.

156


VII.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

157


158

Quantitative RNA PCR in Plasma
Using Roche Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Version 1.5
Lab SOP No.: 403
Version No.: 1.0
Date prepared:
Date adopted:
I.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to define procedures to be used in
assessing patient prognosis by measuring the baseline HIV-1 RNA level or to monitor
the effects of antiretroviral treatment by measuring changes in plasma HIV-1 RNA
levels during the treatment.

II.

BACKGROUND
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the etiologic agent of acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Within 3 to 6 weeks after exposure to HIV,
infected individuals usually develop a brief show of symptoms and show high levels
of viremia in the peripheral blood. This is followed by an HIV-specific immune
response and a decline in plasma viremia, usually within 4 to 6 weeks of the onset of
symptoms. After sero-conversion, infected individuals enter a clinically stable,
asymptomatic phase with low levels of plasma viremia. Quantitative measurements of
HIV viremia in the peripheral blood have shown that higher virus levels may be
correlated with increased risk of clinical progression of HIV disease and that
reductions in plasma viremia may be associated with decreased risk of disease
progression. HIV RNA in plasma can be quantified by polymerase chain reaction
(PCR).

III.

PRINCIPLE OF THE AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR VERSION 1.5
A. The Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor version (vs.) 1.5 test kit is based on sample
preparation and reverse transcription of target RNA to generate complementary
DNA (cDNA); PCR amplification of target cDNA using HIV-1 specific
complementary primers, and hybridisation of the amplified DNA to oligonucleotide probes specific to the target(s); and detection of the probe-bound
amplified DNA by colorimetric determination.
B. The standard process involves direct isolation of HIV-1 RNA from plasma by
lysis of the viral particles, followed by precipitation of the RNA with alcohol.
C. A known number of quantified standard RNA molecules are introduced into each
specimen with the lysis reagent. The HIV-1 quantification standard (QS) is carried
throughout the procedure and is used for quantification of HIV-1 RNA in the
specimen.

159


D. The reverse transcription and PCR amplification reactions occur in the same
reaction mixture. This is followed by the chemical denaturation of the HIV-1
amplicon to form single-stranded DNA by the addition of the denaturation
solution.
E. Following the hybridisation reaction, detection is initiated by washing and
addition of Avidin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate that binds to the biotinlabelled amplicon. This is then washed to remove unbound conjugate, and a
substrate solution containing hydrogen peroxide is added. This produces colour
change; the reaction is stopped by the addition of a weak acid. The optical density
(OD) is measured at 450 nm single wavelength. The OD in each well is
proportional to the amount of HIV-1 amplicon in each well.
IV.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION, HANDLING, AND STORAGE
For sample collection refer to SOP 106: Blood Collection by Venipuncture in Adults
and Children.
NOTE:
A. The AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monitor test vs. 1.5 is for use with plasma samples, anticoagulated with either EDTA or ACD. Heparin is unsuitable!
B. Samples may be kept for a maximum of 4 hours at room temperature (20–24oC)
before plasma is separated from whole blood by centrifugation (800–1,600 × G
for 20 minutes).
C. Whole blood should be transported at 20–24oC. Plasma may be transported at
2–8oC or frozen.
D. Plasma specimens may be stored at 2–8oC up to 5 days or frozen at –70oC. Store
aliquots of 500–1,000 µl in sterile 1.8–2.0 ml polypropylene screw-cap tubes.
Plasma specimens may be frozen and thawed up to 3 times.

V.

PROCEDURE
A. Procedural precautions:
1. Good laboratory technique is essential to the proper performance of any test to
ensure accurate and reliable results.
2. The work-flow of the PCR procedure must begin in the Pre-Amplification area
and move to the Post-Amplification area.
3. Different work areas (i.e., hoods) should be dedicated to reagent preparation
and specimen preparation.

160


4. Supplies and equipment must be dedicated to each Pre-Amplification activity
and not used for other activities or moved from one area to another.
5. Gloves must be worn in each area and discarded when leaving that area.
6. Equipment and supplies used for reagent preparation must not be used for
specimen preparations or for pipetting or processing of amplified DNA.
7. Post-Amplification equipment must remain in the Post-Amplification area at
all times.
8. To avoid splashing and potential cross-contamination, always use screw-cap
tubes (not snap-tops) for specimen and control preparations.
NOTE: Handle all specimens as if they are capable of transmitting infectious
agents.
B. Preparations:
All plasma specimens and reagents must be at ambient temperature (20–24oC)
before use. Make sure you have sufficient quantities of reagents and specimen
before you start the procedure.
1. Extraction: Pre-Amplification Area (Hood in Clean Room)
a. Consumable reagents and supplies
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Roche Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor vs. 1.5 Kit
o Quantitation Standard (QS)
o Lysis Reagent
o Negative Human Plasma (NHP)
o HIV-1 Negative, Low Positive, and High Positive Controls
o Specimen diluent HIV-1 DIL
Clean lab coat
Powder-free gloves
Wipes
70% Ethanol in a spray bottle
10% Bleach in a spray bottle
70% Ethanol (11 ml 200 proof Ethanol + 4 ml DEPC water) sufficient
for 12 tests
50 ml sterile polypropylene tubes
Sterile individually wrapped serology pipettes (5 ml, 10 ml, 25 ml)
1.8–2.0 ml sterile screw-cap tubes
Tube racks
RNAse free sterile, aerosol filtered pipette tips for pipettes
100% isopropanol
Sterile fine-tip transfer pipettes
2 Beakers of 10% bleach in a 600 ml beaker (25 ml bleach + 225 ml
water)

161


•
•

Bench top autoclave bag holder
Bench top autoclave bags 8” × 12”

b. Equipment
•
•
•
•

Vortex
Water bath set at 37oC
Micro centrifuge
Pipettes (100 µl, 200 µl, 1,000 µl)

c. Procedure:
(1) Put on clean lab coat and gloves and wipe the hood out with 10%
bleach and then 70% ethanol.
(2) Confirm that reagents and plasma specimens have attained room
temperature (RT).
(3) Prepare sufficient quantity of 70% ethanol in 50 ml sterile
polypropylene tubes and vortex.
(4) Vortex lysis reagent and place in a 37oC water bath for approximately
30 minutes to dissolve all crystals.
(5) Label one 1.8–2.0 ml V-bottom screw-cap tube for each sample and
three additional tubes for HIV-1 Negative, High Positive, and Low
Positive controls.
(6) Prepare Standard Working Lysis Reagent. (This is enough for 12
specimens/controls.)
(a) Vortex Lysis Reagent and QS for 15 seconds.
(b) Add 100 µl of QS to one bottle of Lysis reagent using a pipette µl
100 and mix well.
NOTE: The Standard Working Lysis reagent is stable for 4 hours.
(7) Add 600 µl standard lysis reagent to each labelled tube using
1,000 µl pipette and cap the tubes.
(8) Prepare the controls:
(a) Vortex NHP + the negative, low, and high-positive controls for
5 seconds.
(b) Add 200 µl NHP in each of the three control tubes using a
200 µl pipette.

162


(c) Add 50 µl of the Negative, Low, and High Positive controls in
the tubes labelled accordingly using a 100 µl pipette. Do not
have more than one tube open at a time.
(9) Vortex for 5 seconds.
(a) Vortex plasma specimens for 5 seconds.
(b) Add 200 µl of each specimen to the appropriately labelled tube
using 200 µl pipette with sterile, filtered tips. Do not have more
than one tube open at a time.
(c) Cap the tubes and vortex for 5 seconds.
(10) Incubate the specimens and control tubes for 10 minutes at room
temperature. Add 800 µl isopropanol to each tube, re-cap, and vortex
for 5 seconds using a 1,000 µl pipette. Do not have more than one
tube open at a time.
(11) Put an orientation mark on each tube.
(12) Place the tubes in the micro centrifuge with the marked side of the
tube facing outward. This is the side of the tube where the pellet will
form.
(13) Centrifuge at 14,000 rpm for 15 minutes at RT.
(14) Take the tubes out of the centrifuge, carefully avoiding any mixing or
shaking. Place the tubes in a rack with the marked side of the tube
facing you.
(15) Using a new sterile fine-tip transfer pipette for each tube, go down the
side of the tube opposite the mark and take the liquid off. Place the
liquid in the beaker with 10% bleach solution and put the transfer
pipette in the small autoclave bag inside the hood to be disposed of
later.
(16) Add 1,000 µl of 70% ethanol (RT) to each tube using 1,000 µ pipette.
Do not open more than one tube at the time.
(17) Re-cap and vortex for 5 seconds.
(18) Place in the micro-centrifuge with the orientation mark facing
outward and spin for 5 minutes at 14,000 rpm.
(19) Aspirate as much of the ethanol as possible. Take each tube and tilt it
45 degrees away from the marked side. If there is any remaining
ethanol left in the tube, pipette it out with a transfer pipette.

163


(20) Using 1,000 µl pipette, add 400 µl of HIV-1 DIL specimen diluent to
each tube. Re-cap the tube.
(21) Vortex each tube for 10 seconds and then either place the samples in
freezer boxes and store at –70oC or proceed to the Amplification step
within 2 hours.
(22) Wipe out the hood with 10% bleach followed by 70% ethanol.
(23) Close the glass and turn the UV light on for approximately
15 minutes.
2. Amplification
a. Consumable reagents and supplies
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Roche Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor vs. 1.5 kit
2
o Magnesium (HIM-1 Mn +)
o Master Mix (HIM-1 MMX)
o Denaturation solution
Clean lab coat
Powder free gloves
Wipes
70% Ethanol in a spray bottle
10% Bleach in a spray bottle
Micro Amp tubes
Micro Amp caps (12 caps/strip)
Micro Amp base and tray retainer for Micro Amp tubes
Re-sealable plastic bags
RNAse free, aerosol filtered, sterile pipette tips
Reagent reservoirs (used for Denaturation Solution)
Bench top Autoclave bags 8” × 12”
Bench top Autoclave holder

b. Equipment
•
•
•
•
•
•

164

PCR enclosure (“Clean Spot”)
Vortex
Pipette 100 µl
Thermocycler
Multichannel Pipettor 200 µl
Strata linker-UV cross linker 230V


c. Procedure: Preparing the Master Mix
The Master Mix can be made before the Extraction Procedure, during the
15 minute isopropanol spin, or after the Extraction Procedure. If the
Master Mix is made at the beginning of the day, place the Micro Amp
tray in a re-sealable plastic bag and place in the refrigerator. The Master
Mix is stable for 4 hours at 2–8oC.
NOTE:
• The Master Mix must be made up according to the following
procedure in the Clean Room inside a PCR Enclosure “Clean
Spot” which is used for this purpose only.
• Remember to change lab coat and gloves before entering the Clean
Room.
(1) Using 10% bleach followed by 70% ethanol, wipe out the PCR
Enclosure.
(2) Using DNA/RNA decontamination solution (DNA away solution),
wipe out the pipettes and the Micro Amp tray.
(3) Place reaction tubes in the Micro Amp tray and lock tubes in place
with retainer. Arrange the tubes in rows of 12 tubes each. Close up
the bag of Micro Amp tubes and leave inside the PCR Enclosure.
(4) Decontaminate the tray and the pipettes in the UV-cross linker.
(5) Vortex the Master Mix and the manganese solution for
5 seconds.
(6) Add 100 µl of manganese solution to one vial of Master Mix using
100 µl pipette.
(7) Mix by inverting 10–15 times.
(8) Pipette 50 µl of Master Mix into each reaction tube using
100 µl pipette.
(9) Cap each tube.
(10) Take tray and tubes out of the PCR Enclosure and put in a resealable plastic bag.
(11) Wipe out the PCR Enclosure with 10% bleach followed by 70%
ethanol.
(12) Turn on the UV light for approximately 15 minutes.

165


(13) In a clean hood, open each sample tube separately and pipette
carefully 50 µl of each extracted sample into the appropriately
labelled Micro Amp tube containing 50 µl of Master Mix using 100
µl pipette with sterile, aerosol filtered tips. Mix up and down with
the pipette 3 or 4 times. Avoid disturbing the pellet while
pipetting!
NOTE:
• If processed specimens and controls have been stored frozen,
thaw at room temperature and vortex for 5 seconds prior to
use. Avoid pipetting pellet, which can inhibit the reaction.
• The remainder of the processed specimens may be frozen and
stored for up to one week
(14) Cap the tubes and place samples in the Thermocycler and run the
1.5 plus 25 cycles-program:
NOTE: The Thermocycler needs to be turned on a minimum of
30 minutes before use.
CYCLE PROGRAM
HOLD Program:

2 minutes at 50oC

HOLD Program:

30 minutes at 60oC

CYCLE Program (8 cycles): 10 sec at 95oC, 10 sec at 52oC,
and 10 sec at 72oC
CYCLE Program (25 cycles): 10 sec at 90oC, 10 sec at 55oC,
and 10 sec at 72oC
HOLD Program:

15 minutes at 72oC

(15) Do not forget to clean out the hood using 10% bleach followed by
70% ethanol and turn on the UV light for approximately
15 minutes.
(16) Take the samples out during the 15-minute HOLD cycle.
NOTE: Do not leave the samples past the 15 minutes.
(17) Bring the samples to the Post-Amplification Area and remove the
caps carefully to avoid aerosols of the amplified product.
(18) With a Multichannel Pipettor and sterile filtered RNAse free tips add
100 µl of Denaturation Solution to each tube. Mix up and down 8 to
10 times.

166


(19) Place in a refrigerator or continue to the Detection procedure.
Amplified specimens are stable when stored in the refrigerator for
up to 72 hours.
VI.

DETECTION
A. Consumable Reagents and Supplies
• Roche Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor vs. 1.5 kit

Wash Buffer Mix (100 ml of buffer to 900 ml of DI water)
HIV-1 Monitor Micro Well Plate (MWP)
Reagent 2 (Hybridization Buffer)
Reagent 3 (Conjugate)
Reagent 4A & 4B – Pipette 12 ml of 4A + 3 ml of 4B into a 15 ml
polypropylene tube.
o Reagent 5 (Stop Solution)
RNAse free, sterile, aerosol-filtered tips
Reagent Reservoirs for reagents 2, 3, 4, and 5
Sterile serology pipettes (5 ml, 10 ml, and 25 ml)
15 ml sterile polypropylene tubes
o
o
o
o
o

•
•
•
•

B. Equipment
•
•
•
•
•

Pipette 100 µl
Multichannel Pipettor and tips
Incubator
Plate washer
Plate reader

C. Procedure
1. Bring all reagents to room temperature.
2. Prepare working wash solution by adding 1 volume of 10X wash buffer to
9 volumes of DI water. Mix well. Stored at room temperature (RT), the wash
solution is stable for 2 weeks.
3. Remove the monitor MWP (Micro Well Plate) from the foil pouch and add
100 µl of hybridisation buffer to each well of the MWP to be tested using the
100 µl pipette.
4. Pick up 25 µl of denatured amplicon and add to the HIV-1 wells in row A.
5. Mix up and down 10 times with a multichannel pipettor with aerosol filtered
tips.
6. Pick up 25 µl and transfer to row B.

167


7. Mix 10 times; pick up 25 µl and transfer to row C.
8. Continue to make serial fivefold dilutions until row F.
9. Mix, remove 25 µl, and discard with pipette tips.
10. Pick up 25 µl of denatured amplicon and add to row G.
11. Mix 10 times; pick up 25 µl, and move to row H.
12. Mix, pick up 25 µl, and discard with pipette tips.
13. Cover the MWP with the MWP lid and incubate at 37oC for 1 hour.
14. Just before taking plate out of incubator, run an empty plate through the
washer for a few strips.
15. Take the MWP out of the incubator and wash 5 times using Plate Washer.
16. Blot the MWP by wrapping with a tissue and banging plate on table to get rid
of excess liquid.
17. Using a multichannel pipettor, add 100 µl of conjugate (Reagent 3) to each
well.
18. Cover with lid and incubate for 15 minutes at 37oC.
19. Wash and blot the MWP.
20. During the wash cycle, make up reagent 4 (substrate).
21. Using a Multichannel Pipettor, add 100 µl of substrate into each well.
22. Incubate at room temperature in the dark for 10 minutes.
23. Using the Multichannel Pipettor, add 100 µl of Stop Solution (Reagent 5) to
each well.
VII.

RESULTS
A. Read at 450 nm single wavelength on the Plate Reader within 10 minutes of
adding Stop Solution.
B. Calculate the results by using the Roche RNA PCR EXCEL Calculation Sheet.

VIII.

168

QUALITY CONTROL


A. Always include one each of the AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR Negative, High,
and Low Positive controls in each test run.
B. Negative Control should yield all HIV-1 O.D values < 0.2. If this is not the case,
the whole run is invalid.
C. The assigned range for the positive controls is specific for each lot of control and
based on the specimen preparation method. The range is provided on the data card
supplied with each kit, and both controls should fall inside the indicated range. If
this is not the case, the whole run is invalid.
D. If any of the controls are consistently out of range, contact the Roche
representative.
IX.

APPROVAL

Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:
Section Supervisor
Signed:

Date:

Full name:
Designation:

169


170

Standard operating procedures_for_laboratory_services

More Related Content

What's hot (20)

Similar to Standard operating procedures_for_laboratory_services (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

Standard operating procedures_for_laboratory_services