Life Technologies, a global biotechnology company, has launched EZQC Online, a web-based tool for quality control management in molecular diagnostic labs. EZQC Online contains three modules: a guidance tool for initial validation and verification of molecular tests, a tool to help labs meet CLIA standards for calibration verifications and a tool for ongoing quality control monitoring that provides an opportunity for peer-to-peer comparisons.

EZQC Online streamlines validation of molecular assays and can collapse time of validation to two days. The validations/verifications module includes a comprehensive database of guidelines and templates that can be utilized to quickly design validation protocols and analytical reports.

"Labs can sometimes spend up to two months researching guidelines and designing protocols before implementing a validation study for a new assay," said Linh Hoang, M.D., Ph.D., general manager of AcroMetrix quality control products at Life Technologies. "EZQCTM Online gathers extensive research into a searchable package that can accelerate this process, saving labs time and effort."

The tool's QC monitoring module allows laboratories to monitor test performance on an ongoing basis, alerting personnel to data drift and to potential failures before they occur. In addition to tracking internal lab testing quality, the tool offers a feature through which labs can gauge the performance of their assays against other laboratories. The data are anonymized and levels of data sharing are set by each user to ensure confidentially of results.

"The networking feature provides a forum for labs to collaborate, sharing guidelines, experiences and any information they choose, which allows an opportunity for laboratory directors and technicians to learn from their peers and raise the overall standard of molecular testing," said Hoang.

The online tool is an extension of the company's EZValidation Online Tool, which assists laboratories in verification and validation of molecular tests. EZValidation was selected by The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and made available to its member labs. APHL's members include state, territorial and local public health laboratories; state environmental testing laboratories; state agricultural and food safety laboratories; and individual scientists, public health officials and academicians.