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ISBER 2012 Annual Meeting & Exhibits
Westin Bayshore Hotel
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
May 15-18, 2012
More Information
2011 Data on Participation and Results
Timeline
| Registration Open | September 2012 |
Registration Close |
October 2012 |
| Sample Shipment | November 2012 |
| Submission of Results | December 2012 |
| Reporting | February 2012 |
Note: Samples will be sent to all participants at the same time.
ISBER Proficiency Testing (PT) Program - FAQ
How do I register?
My Institution limits my ability to pay the registration fee online. How can I register?
What is the deadline for registration?
Is there a cancellation policy?
What is the cost of participation?
Do I need to pay for the shipment of samples?
When will my samples be shipped?
What do I do if my samples do not arrive?
Can I get replacement samples?
How do I test the samples and how do I dispose of them?
What types of testing methods can be reported?
How and when do I submit my results?
How and when will I receive my Proficiency Test Report?
What do I do if I misplace my Login ID and/or password details.
What is the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER)?
What is the American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP)?
How do I register?
Register online directly at the ISBER website at http://www.isber.org/proficiency_testing/. If you are an ISBER member or have previously attended an ISBER event, you will need your ISBER User ID and password to register online. The registration page also contains instructions for creating a new account if you do not have a User ID and password. Alternatively, you may download a PDF of the Proficiency Test (PT) Registration Form from the ISBER website at http://www.isber.org/proficiency_testing/. Potential Participants can complete this form to be emailed (as electronic scan), faxed, or mailed to ISBER to be able to register to the desired Scheme(s).
Once the registration period is complete you will receive a Participant Code, a Login ID and password to directly access the PT website. The PT website will be used to submit your proficiency testing results and to access your PT Report and evaluation of performance.
My Institution limits my ability to pay the registration fee online. How can I register?
Download a PDF of the PT Registration Form at http://www.isber.org/proficiency_testing/ and return the form to ISBER with your payment information by mail, email as an attached PDF to PTisber@asip.org, or fax (+1 301 634 7990) before the registration deadline.
What is the deadline for registration?
The deadline for registration to the 2012 Schemes has to be determined. Please note that your registration will not be complete until your payment has been received at ISBER.
Is there a cancellation policy?
No refunds are available after the registration deadline. Partial refunds are available for cancellation requests received in writing prior to the end of the registration period, after an administrative cancellation fee of $100 (USD) is applied.
What happens after I register?
After the registration period closes, you will receive your Participant Code, Login ID, and password. The Proficiency Testing Laboratory will prepare the samples (for the Schemes you have requested) for shipment.
What is the cost of participation?
The current fees for each Scheme are indicated below in USD, and are also indicated on the PT Registration Form and in the Participant’s Manual. You can participate in one or more proficiency testing Schemes. Depending on the required preparation of the samples to be shipped, Schemes are categorized under RT (Room Temperature) or DI (Dry Ice). The 2011 and 2012 Programs will include the following Schemes:
| SCHEMES | SHIPMENT TYPE | PRICE (USD) |
| DNA Quantification and Purity | RT | $500 |
| RNA Integrity | RT | $500 |
| Cell Viability | DI | $600 |
| Tissue Histology | RT | $500 |
Participants may register for more than one Scheme, and may use more than one method for some Schemes. For the DNA and RNA Schemes you may test up to 3 methods of your choice in the same run, while 2 methods are allowed for the Cell Viability and only one for the Tissue Histology. Each additional method cost $50 USD.
ISBER Members will receive a 20% discount on each Scheme. In order to receive the member discount, Organizational members will need to have their assigned delegate or alternate register. The number of Organizational member discounts will be limited to the total number of delegates and alternates held by the Organization.
Do I need to pay for the shipment of samples?
Shipment costs are included in the price for participation. ISBER will take care of all the necessary documentation for the shipment and customs.
When will my samples be shipped?
Once your registration is confirmed, your samples will be shipped to your location. You will be informed when the packages are shipped and an estimated date of delivery will be provided to you.
What do I do if my samples do not arrive?
If the shipment has not been received by the day after the estimated date of delivery, please contact ISBER at PTisber@asip.org or +1 301 634 7949 (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm EST) immediately.
Can I get replacement samples?
Replacement samples are available during the Proficiency Testing phase to replace samples received in an unsatisfactory condition (broken, leaking, received at incorrect temperature). In those exceptional conditions, a replacement may be considered upon request.
How do I test the samples and how do I dispose of them?
You should use your routine methods and apply your routine conditions to test the samples. ISBER will not provide direction as to the method or equipment to be used. Once tested, samples should be discarded by following the safety instructions enclosed in the shipment (provided in the Test Item Information Sheet, (TIIS)).
What types of testing methods can be reported?
For 2012, results can be submitted online using the following methods:
DNA Quantification and Purity
- Spectrophotometry (ng/µl and 260/280 ratio)
- Spectrofluorometry (ng/µl)
- Microfluids LabOnechip (ng/µl)
- Other (ng/µl)
Review the DNA Test Item Information Sheet
- Agilent Bioanalyzer (RIN)
- Biorad Experion (RIN)
- Screen Tape R6K (SDV)
- QIAxcel (28S:18S rRNA ratio)
- Other (RIN, RQI, or SDV)
Review the RNA Test Item Information Sheet
Cell Viability
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Tissue Histology
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If you register for multiple methods, you will only be able to submit one result per method listed (including Other). Please contact the ISBER office (PTisber@asip.org) if you would like to have additional methods included in future rounds.
How and when do I submit my results?
Results of your proficiency testing must be submitted online to the PT website www.kpmd.co.uk/isber/ . Your login information (Participant Code, Login ID and password) will be sent to you at the end of the registration period. Failure to submit your results by the deadline will result in the inability of ISBER to provide you with your PT Report and evaluation of performance.
How and when will I receive my Proficiency Test Report?
Your PT Report will be available for download from your password-protected account on the PT website by the end of February 2013, at the latest. You will receive electronic notification when your PT Report is available.
What do I do if I misplace my Login ID and/or password details.
Please contact ISBER via e-mail (PTisber@asip.org) to request that your login details be resent.
What is the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER)?
ISBER is a Division of the American Society for Investigative Pathology, a nonprofit educational organization. ISBER is the only international forum that addresses the technical, legal, ethical, and managerial issues relevant to repositories of biological and environmental specimens. More information about ISBER is available at www.isber.org or please contact ISBER by email at isber@asip.org or by phone at (+1) 301-634-7949.
What is the American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP)?
ASIP is a nonprofit educational society, comprised of biomedical scientists who investigate mechanisms of disease. ASIP advocates for the practice of investigative pathology and fosters the professional career development and education of its members. More information about ASIP is available at www.asip.org or please contact ASIP by email at asip@asip.org or by phone at (+1) 301-634-7130.