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Why Doctors Data
Quality Assurance:
Assuring the quality of results for practitioners is a top priority at Doctor's Data, Inc.(DDI). Consistent quality is attained through the ongoing efforts of highly trained personnel, the use of the latest in instrumentation and methodologies, continuing education for clients, a new powerful data management system, and extensive quality control. Analysis of quality control samples and participation in proficiency testing programs allow DDI to assure that the precision and accuracy of it's results meet the clinical needs of today 's health practitioners.
Detection Limits & Reviews
DDI uses instrumentation that provides the most sensitive analysis, including state-of-the- art sample preparation and introduction systems. Detection limits are routinely assessed to reflect the level at which they have 99% confidence in detecting the analyte. Data review is performed on every QC sample and every patient result, to assure that all QC criteria are met and that critical values are checked. Samples are also sent to other laboratories to compare results. Finally, DDI conducts periodic management reviews of all procedures that affect quality.
Proficiency Testing
DDI successfully participates in numerous proficiency testing programs. These include testing performed by:
- College of American Pathology (CAP)
- New York State Department of Health
- Le Centre de Toxicologie du Quebec
- Wisconsin CDC (formerly CDC)
Perhaps the most compelling test of quality performed at DDI is the double-blind performance test. This involves submitting a specimen of known quantity to it's own laboratory. The laboratory does not know that the sample is a performance test, which assures it is treated as a regular sample. Results are evaluated for accuracy, reproducibility, and the speed in which the results were returned.
In addition, several times a year, DDI is audited by CLIA, CAP, and the New York State Department of Health. Some of these are voluntary and others are part of licensing or certification. DDI is a licensed CLIA laboratory and has appropriate state certifications.
Committed to Research
- Analyses of special samples
- Diverse range of species studied
- Study of mercury detoxification
- Collaborative research
Doctor's Data, Inc. has a long history of participation in cutting edge research with prominent research institutions. They make a significant financial commitment to research. In fact, greater than five percent of all tests performed at DDI are for the purpose of basic research.
DDI has had a strong presence in research focused on intellectual and neurological development and behavior in children. Significant advances have been made in these areas as a result of tests that they have provided for the Carl Pfeiffer Treatment Center, Tennessee Tech, and the Universities of California, Georgia, Massachusetts and Wyoming.
To help unravel the biochemical connection between aberrant behavior and violence in juveniles and adults, they have analyzed numerous samples for Argonne National Labs, The Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services, The California Criminal Justice System, and the Universities of California, Florida, and Texas.
To advance biochemical knowledge pertaining to the adverse effects of toxic waste and heavy industrialization, they have performed tests for the United States Navy, Division of Nuclear Submarines, the Toxic Waste and Automobile Industries, Brookhaven National Labs, and the University of Illinois. These studies addressed toxic exposure and detoxification, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, lead exposure and nutrition programs to minimize lead absorption, and alcoholism and stress in industry.
Leaders in Analytical Development
- Doctor's Data uses state-of-the-art instrumentation and "best available" techniques
- Dynamic Reaction Cell Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometry (DRC-ICP-MS)
- Increased accuracy, sensitivity
- Part per trillion detection limits
- Doctor 's Data, Inc., has consistently used state-of-the-art instrumentation for providing analytical testing and we upgrade our instruments as technology improves. This now includes a specialized type of ICP-MS; Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC)-ICP-MS which is more accurate and sensitive (lower detection limits) than previous instruments.
The Latest at DDI
The most recent technological advancement at DDI is the use of Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC)-ICP-MS. This advanced technique creates a reaction zone for samples prior to introduction to the mass spectrometer that reduces interferences on historically difficult to measure analytes, allowing DDI to further expand its offering of elements and improve accuracy and sensitivity. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now uses DRC-ICP-MS in their biomonitoring programs.
How much is a part per trillion?
The DRC-ICP-MS is capable of measuring some elements at part per trillion (ppt) levels. This requires state-of-the-art clean laboratory facilities and processes to reduce contamination. So how much is a part per trillion? We've all heard the expression "looking for a needle in a haystack ". A typical needle in a 6 ft. high by 6 ft. wide haystack, is equivalent to about 3 parts per billion (V/V). To get 1 part per trillion our needle would have to be in a haystack that was stacked on top of each other or 3.4 miles high.
Doctors Data Pioneering Technologies
| Time frame | DDI Pioneering Technology |
| 1972 - 1998 | AA,CVAA, ICP-OES |
| 1993 - present | ICP-MS, Flow Injection Analysis, Ultrasonic Nebulisation, Microwave Digestion |
| 2002 - 2006 | High Resolution ICP-MS |
| 2005 - present | DRC-ICP-MS, New Flow injection techniques and nebulisers |