The role of intercellular quality evaluation

The role of inter-laboratory quality assessment: Inter-laboratory quality assessment or inter-laboratory quality assessment for short (EQA) is an activity that uses comparison between laboratories to determine laboratory capacity. In fact, it refers to a kind of verification activity that evaluates, supervises and confirms laboratory capacity in order to ensure that laboratory maintains a high testing level. Participation in the EQA program can provide objective evidence for evaluating whether the data issued by the laboratory is reliable and effective. Its main functions can be summarized into the following four aspects: a. Evaluate whether the laboratory is competent for the testing work it undertakes. By the authority that organizes the EQA, etc.; b. Complement the laboratory's internal quality control procedures as an external measure of the laboratory; c. Complement laboratory field inspections carried out by authoritative bodies; d. Increase patients' and clinicians' trust in the laboratory's ability, which is very important for the survival and development of the laboratory.

Purpose of inter-laboratory Quality Assessment (EQA) : An EQA is an activity undertaken to determine laboratory competence. Refers to the organization, implementation and evaluation of the same or similar items under test by two or more laboratories in accordance with pre-specified conditions.

The purpose of EQA can be summarized into the following six points

(1) Determine the ability of the laboratory to carry out measurements and the ability to continuously monitor the quality of the laboratory;

② Identify the problems existing in the laboratory, and formulate corresponding remedial measures. Such measures may concern, for example, the conduct of individual personnel or the calibration of instruments;

(3) Determine the effectiveness and comparability of the new measurement methods and monitor them accordingly;

(4) Increase the confidence of laboratory users;

(5) Identify the differences between laboratories;

⑥ Determine the performance characteristics of a certain detection method.