The SA National Blood Service Proficiency Testing Programmes (PTP) are accredited to ISO/IEC 17043 – PTS-accreditation certificate number PTS0006, being recognised as a centre of excellence in the provision of laboratory and blood banking proficiency testing samples for transfusion medicine. The programme spans the African continent and beyond with more than 15 countries registered on the programme. The programmes are coordinated and administered within the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), focusing on efficiency, quality, affordability and service delivery to our customers.
The Proficiency System can be accessed on the website:
www.sanbs-proficiency.org.za

Cross-match proficiency test programme

The cross-match programme comprises blood grouping (ABO and anti-D), direct antiglobulin test (DAT), antibody screen, antibody identification and compatibility testing.
The cross-match proficiency programme includes samples for both manual and automated testing platforms.

Sample specifications:
There are 10 surveys per year consisting of patient red cell and serum samples and four donor samples.

Virology (TTI) proficiency test programme

This module is designed for laboratories and areas that routinely perform HIV, HBsAg, HCV and TPHA testing, including rapid HIV screening

Sample specifications:
There are four surveys per year consisting of six serum samples.

Antibody identification and titration proficiency test programme

This module is designed for laboratories that routinely perform RBC antibody identifications and titration tests for manual as well as automated testing methods.

Sample specifications:
There are 10 surveys per year consisting of a patient serum sample.

Direct Antiglobulin Testing (DAT) Proficiency Testing (PT) Program

This module is designed for laboratories that routinely perform DAT test.
The DAT PT program includes manual and automated testing

Sample specifications:
There are four surveys per year consisting of 4 red cell samples.

Flow cytometry testing

Flow cytometry is used to determine the  number and % viability  of  CD34 and CD45 cells in peripherals stem cell samples.