Integrated EQA Service

What is Integrated EQA?

Integrated EQA is a new service for laboratories and point-of-care sites. Integrated EQA combines the evaluation of analytical and extra-analytical phases of the laboratory investigation process.

An integrated EQA scheme may include:

• Pre-analytical cases (written cases, images, videos) related to the scope of the scheme to be evaluated
• Specimens, including disturbing agents (haemolysis, lipemia, drugs), to be analysed
• Traditional specimens to be analysed
• Post-analytical cases related to the scope of the scheme to be evaluated

The selection of cases and samples varies from round to round. Some rounds may include only samples to be analysed, and some rounds pre- and/or post-analytical cases to be evaluated as well.

How does it work?

Integrated EQA schemes have been developed from our well-known traditional EQA schemes. We recommend participants register for the annual program (all rounds) to cover all pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical cases. Case selection in EQA rounds is not announced beforehand.

In an EQA round of an Integrated EQA scheme, a participant gets specimens and instructions as usual. An instruction letter guides participants to evaluate possible pre-analytical cases, analyse specimens and evaluate possible post-analytical cases. Participants are guided to report the pre-analytical findings, analysed results and post-analytical findings to the internet result form (LabScala).

In the EQA evaluation report, participants get statistics of all cases and analysed samples. Pre- and post-analytical findings are listed, but not scored and analysed results from specimens are compared to target values as usual. An integrated EQA scheme always includes expert comments to provide additional information for the participants.

Our EQA Program already has 40 Integrated EQA schemes that include pre- and/or post-analytical cases. All integrated EQA schemes are marked with the EQA³ label.