Organization of distribution, use and preparation of reagents for RIA/IRMA of thyroid related hormones in Pakistan

Radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric assay reagents for thyroid related hormones were supplied by the IAEA to Pakistan for their redistribution and use at a national level. The reagents were redistributed into suitable volumes according to the requirements of the user laboratories. The vials were labelled, the contents were freeze dried and distributed. Feedback from user laboratories was collected in a common format. Before the supply of the reagents to the user laboratories scientists and technical staff from each user laboratory were given national and regional training courses which covered procedures for further aliquoting, storage, use of reagents and immunoassay data reduction analysis and quality control. Yearly co-ordination meetings were organized for all the participating laboratories within the country at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Lahore (INMOL). Laboratories output their experience in the use of reagents. Internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment scheme (EQAS) results were discussed in the meetings. Simultaneously to the redistribution and use of bulk supplied reagents, a unit was established at INMOL for the production of in-house immunoassay reagents. Facilities were developed at this unit for radioiodination of antigens, antibodies, preparation of standards in human and horse serum, preparation of thyroxine/triiodothyronine (T4/T3) hormone free serum, cellulose coupling of antibody and IQC/EQAS pools preparation. The major result of this activity is that the total dependency on imported kits has been reduced and improved services to patients have become available with cost reduced at least tenfold. Significant results and achievements of the scheme are described in the paper. (author). 6 refs, 6 figs, 5 tabs