External Quality Control

What Is External Quality Assessment (EQA)?

External Quality Assessment (EQA) is a quality assurance activity that helps evaluate a laboratory’s results through an independent programme. Participating laboratories receive control samples whose contents are unknown to the participants. The laboratory analyses these samples using the same procedures as routine patient samples; the results are evaluated by the programme provider and compared with appropriate laboratory peer groups. In international standards, this practice is also referred to as proficiency testing or interlaboratory comparison. 

Why Is EQA Important?

EQA results help laboratories externally assess their analytical performance for specific tests and identify and investigate potential deviations. The assessment takes into account the method, instrument and peer group used. EQA is an important part of quality assurance activities; however, it does not, on its own, guarantee the accuracy of every patient result and does not replace daily quality control. 

A laboratory quality system also covers processes such as correct sample collection and transport, pre-analytical checks, daily internal quality control, monitoring of instruments and methods, and evaluation and reporting of results. ISO 15189 defines requirements for the quality and competence of medical laboratories. 

EQA at Wellcare Laboratories

At Wellcare Laboratories, the performance of test groups included in the programme is monitored through Bio-Rad EQAS external quality assessment programmes. Bio-Rad EQAS offers international programmes that evaluate laboratory results in the context of methods and peer groups. Programme reports support the monitoring of performance for the relevant tests and the planning of improvement activities when necessary. 

Automation systems and a laboratory information management system are used in analytical processes where appropriate for the tests concerned. Automation does not replace all stages of quality management, from sample reception to reporting. Results are evaluated in accordance with the procedural and quality requirements of the relevant test.