P034
Aim Standardization of test methods helps provide consistent results with assays that have tech to tech, day to day or other variables that may affect results. Our aim was to validate a plate washer for antibody testing to normalize the washing technique used in our laboratory to determine if day to day and tech to tech variability could be prevented. Method The Biotek ELx50 is an automated plate washer that has the ability to perform washing methods using vacuum filtration. An incubation/washing program was created to provide a routine consistent washing technique to use when performing antibody testing. Results An extensive analytical validation took place by testing samples ( n  = 20) that were previously tested by manual washing methods for phenotype beads, class I and class II single antigen beads (SAB) using a program created in the Biotek, Elx50. Using the mean florescence intensity (MFI) values we were able to determine specificity and sensitivity by comparing to the manual wash method by calculating the percent difference between the two methods and factoring in the average deviation of the negative control for both methods. The average specificity for phenotype beads, class I SAB and class II SAB was 99% or greater. The average sensitivity for the phenotype beads and class I SAB was 83% or better and class II SAB was 63%. We also looked at day to day variations and technologist to technologist variations. By comparing runs from two consecutive days of testing for the day to day testing variation, we were able to obtain 100% specificity for phenotype beads, class I SAB and class II SAB. The average sensitivity for the phenotype beads was 80%, class I SAB was 67% and class II SAB was 76%. As for technologist to technologist variation, the overall specificity for phenotype beads, class I SAB and class II SAB was 100%. The average sensitivity for phenotype beads, class I SAB class II SAB was 70% or better. Conclusion As seen by the results for both specificity and sensitivity, the Biotek ELx50 can be used to standardize solid phase assays by eliminating the variation seen with manual washing technique to provide a more consistent MFI value. The plate washer is also beneficial in decreasing hands-on time by 75%; therefore reducing turn-around time.