EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT


Once the objectives, standards and criteria have been clearly defined, based on best practices, regulatory requirements, and


organisational goals, we select a group of large and small, local and overseas laboratories to ensure that the EQA allows as many laboratories as possible to take part.


Assessment tools to gather comprehensive and accurate data are designed including questionnaires, checklists, and performance metrics.


Assessors are trained on how to use the assessment tools and conduct the evaluations. Data is collected from the participants that may involve site visits, interviews, and


reviewing documentation. The results are analysed to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement and statistical methods and benchmarking compare


results against standards and criteria.


An overview – how an EQA is implemented.


allows organisations to compare their performance against best practices, recommended guidelines and associated standards, and quantifiable EQA will enhance the reputation and credibility of a laboratory.


Balancing innovation, technology and practicality Determining the need is just the first part of the process; the practicalities of developing and implementing the programme also have to be addressed. Once the potential for a new EQA has been identified, the information gathered is sifted, analysed and discussed at length to weigh the benefits against both the initial and future suitability and running costs. As a not-for-profit, financial considerations are not high on our list; however, the benefits of the programme still have to be qualified and quantified. We work with advisory boards, the expert advisors and the people on the ground in the laboratory. Their input is key as all the experts in the world may think a new EQA programme is great but unless it’s practical, can be implemented, and serves the appropriate value, it may never be fit for purpose. This is why we analyse elements such as the number of laboratories that the EQA will support, the availability of technology to run the required tests in a wide number of laboratories, and whether there is a tangible way to assess the results. In some cases, an EQA may be provided jointly by two UK NEQAS centres and/or other EQA providers to ensure a diagnostic pathway is supported by the highest quality EQA. We design our EQA to be accessible to as many laboratories as possible, no matter their size, location or commercial basis; so we review elements such as the technology needed, and the frequency of testing and the number of samples required. It may be difficult


to source samples for rare disorders, although where appropriate UK NEQAS is supported by laboratories and patient groups providing samples directly for EQA purposes. We are also aware that EQA samples are a small but important aspect of the workload of a laboratory, so the samples/cases are designed to fit into the standard workflows and routine working practices of all other samples received. Technology is another consideration.


As we are proudly independent, we do not favour a particular methodology, preferring to be as inclusive and non- directional as possible. Where possible, we work to support the laboratory with increasing skill levels through education and training, ensuring that their results are as reliable and consistent as possible. We have shared our commitment to education extensively in previous articles


and are always happy to expand on this further as it is at the very heart of UK NEQAS.


In Cellular Pathology EQA we are not able to be prescriptive about how a laboratory processes a sample to get the correct diagnostic result, as the processes and procedures vary in laboratories all around the world. There is little standardisation as many commercial companies supply equipment, consumables and reagents to be able to reach the same gold standard result. However, we can share information about what constitutes that gold standard both for laboratories and individuals, what they should be aiming for – and how they achieve that correct result whatever equipment, consumables or reagents they utilise. Neither are EQA schemes directive.


Our role is to feedback results in a concise


A detailed report of the


findings, including recommendations for improvement is shared with all


relevant personnel. Any recommended improvements are implemented.


As the EQA is rolled out, ongoing


support and guidance is provided to ensure sustained quality


enhancements.


UK NEQAS’s new Digital Pathology EQA is essential to ensure that the digital representation of the physical slide is the same as the image of the physical slide viewed through a microscope.


WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM DECEMBER 2024 15


AdobeTsock / arcyto


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52