The Biosystems BA200 and BA400 chemistry analyzers export results in ASTM over TCP. QC is uploaded only when Upload QC Results is enabled in the LIS settings; patient results upload regardless.
Map control levels by lot number, not by name
In one message the BA200 can label two different control specimens with the same name (for example both as "NEW CON 1") while the lot numbers differ. Map Level 1 and Level 2 to the lot numbers printed on the vials; QC software that matches on the name will post both levels into one.
Each O/R group is its own sample
An upload of a QC run contains several O (order) records, each followed by its R (result) records. Each O record carries its own sample identifier; middleware must not apply the first identifier to the whole message.
Units: mg/dL that are really g/dL
Albumin and Total Protein can be configured with a unit label of mg/dL while the numeric values are in g/dL (3.9, 7.2). Check the unit in the analyzer's test configuration; until it is corrected, the values must be posted with the unit that matches the number, not the label.
Clock
Results are posted under the observation time sent by the analyzer. If the BA200's clock is wrong, QC lands on the wrong day and the QC-due check fires. Set the clock in the analyzer software and check it monthly.