*PILOT SCHEME FOR 2025-2026*
Scheme Description
Human Neutrophil Antigens (HNA) are polymorphic glycoproteins found on the surface of neutrophils that can stimulate the production of HNA antibodies. HNA antibody detection/specification is important in several clinical situations, including: transfusion reactions such as febrile reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transplant rejection and neutropenia. HNA genotyping is used as an aid to investigate and diagnose these clinical conditions.
Purpose
To assess participants’ ability to correctly detect the presence of and determine the specificity of HNA antibodies.
Samples
A total of four serum/plasma samples will be sent each year as two distributions of two samples.
Reporting
Participants are required to report the presence or absence of HNA antibodies in each sample. Participants are also required to report the HNA antibody specificities in samples designated as ‘positive’.
HLA antibody presence/absence results may also be reported.
Participants must only use the reporting forms provided within the UK NEQAS for H&I Participant’s Portal and are required to return results within 4 weeks.
Participants can opt to register for assessment at any combination of HNA antibodies e.g. HNA-1,2,3,4 and/or 5, to align with their detection capabilities.
Assessment
As this is a pilot scheme participants will not be formally assessed but will receive a summary of the indicative pilot assessment.
Consensus presence of a specificity is determined by at least 75% of laboratories agreeing the presence of the specificity. Consensus absence of a specificity is determined by at least 95% of laboratories agreeing the absence of the specificity. Specificities failing to reach the consensus levels will not be assessed. The percent consensus for each specificity is calculated independently from other reported specificities.
Assessment Procedure
Assigning a consensus specificity – Acceptable
Missing a consensus specificity – Unacceptable
Assigning a specificity where the consensus is negative – Unacceptable
Each sample not reported – with valid reason – Not Assessed
Each sample not reported / late submission of results – Unacceptable
Satisfactory Performance
Satisfactory performance is not reported for pilot schemes.
Information/Analysis Provided to Participants
- Anonymised summary table of all participant results, comments and methodology. Including indicative sample assessment result (acceptable/unacceptable classification) for each participant.
