Page 1 of 8

Processing UK NEQAS Differential and Reticulocyte Specimens on Sysmex

Analysers

Please follow the instructions from NEQAS regarding specimen handling very carefully for
each survey. Only process the survey through the mode requested by UK NEQAS.
Full Blood Count surveys should be processed for CBC or CBC/DIFF only profiles. Do not
perform any additional profiles as this may cause different parameters to be reported. Do
not perform FBC survey through QC Mode.
In order to obtain the correct results, the UK NEQAS Automated Differential Leucocyte Count
(ADLC) and sometimes Reticulocyte Count surveys have to be processed using the QC mode
analysis profile on Sysmex haematology analysers.
Only UK NEQAS ADLC samples with the correct matrix letter of J are for Sysmex analysers.
Please see instructions below on how to process the UK NEQAS samples.
XN Series
1. Select the QC icon from the main menu of the XN IPU.

2. Select an empty control file.

Document Ref: ECD 132 Version: 1 Date: 07 Jul. 17 Classification

Page 2 of 8

3. Select the ‘REGIST’ option from the toolbar at the top.

4. At the ‘Input Lot Information’ screen, select the material as Control Level 1, 2 or 3 but
NOT Other.

Document Ref: ECD 132 Version: 1 Date: 07 Jul. 17 Classification

Page 3 of 8

5. Type an eight digit identifier for Lot Number. For example NEQASAD1. If you wish to use
the same file over and over again, enter expiry date well into the future. Then press OK to
confirm.

6. The above process can be repeated again if you wish to have a separate file for the other
samples.
7. On the XN analyser, ensure the system is at Ready. Press the change mode on the
analyser so that it is in manual mode.
8. From the XN IPU screen, select the analyser menu for the relevant analyser (if more than
one) and select QC Analysis.

9. From the list that appears, select the file created for running this UK NEQAS sample.

Document Ref: ECD 132 Version: 1 Date: 07 Jul. 17 Classification

Page 4 of 8

10. Once selected, after mixing the sample, place in tube holder and press the blue process
button on the XN.
11. Accept the results, then print out result from QC file or Explorer screen if necessary.

XE & XT Series
This method assumes that you are not using Level 1 on the QC program. If you are using Level
1, then substitute for a file that you are not using. If all three levels are in use, please call Sysmex
UK for further instruction on 0870 902 9216.
1. Select the QC icon from the main menu of the system IPU.

2. Go to the Control tab.

Document Ref: ECD 132 Version: 1 Date: 07 Jul. 17 Classification

Page 5 of 8

3. Ensure correct analyser is showing in the field Instrument ID.

4. Select Level 1 for Level.
5. Select New for Lot.
6. Select Manual for Mode. If processing through closed mode then select Closed.
7. Press the button Lot No.

8. Type an eight digit identifier for Lot Number. For example NEQASAD1. If you wish to use
the same file over and over again, enter expiry date well into the future. Then press OK to
confirm

Document Ref: ECD 132 Version: 1 Date: 07 Jul. 17 Classification

Page 6 of 8

Processing on XE Series
On the XE main unit, ensure the system is at Ready.
From the main menu screen select QC.
Select Exec. QC.
Select the file that has been set up for this NEQAS sample.
Process the sample through manual mode.
For closed mode analysis, use Manual Closed Mode.
Accept the results and print out from Explorer screen if necessary.

Processing on XT Series
On the XT main unit, ensure the system is at Ready.
From the IPU main menu, select QC Analysis.
Select the file that has been set up for this NEQAS sample.
Process the sample through the manual mode.
For closed mode analysis, process through Manual Closed Mode.
Accept the results and print out from Explorer screen if necessary.

Document Ref: ECD 132 Version: 1 Date: 07 Jul. 17 Classification

Page 7 of 8

XS Series
1. From the XS IPU main menu, select the QC files icon.
2. Select an empty file and click on Input.

3. Select Control Level 1, 2 or 3, but NOT Other from the drop down list.

Document Ref: ECD 132 Version: 1 Date: 07 Jul. 17 Classification

Page 8 of 8

4. Type an eight digit identifier for Lot Number. For example NEQASAD1. If you wish to use
the same file over and over again, enter expiry date well into the future. Then press OK to
confirm
5. Ensure the system is a ready.
6. From the main menu screen, select Manual and click on QC button that appears on the
Manual ID entry screen.
7. Select the file that has been set up for this NEQAS sample.

8. Once selected, after mixing the sample, place in tube holder and press the process button
on the XS.
9. Accept the results and print out from Explorer screen if necessary.

Document Ref: ECD 132 Version: 1 Date: 07 Jul. 17 Classification