External quality control programs

1983 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 441-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul L. Canner ◽  
William F. Krol ◽  
Sandra A. Forman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
External Quality Control ◽  
External Quality ◽  
Control Programs

An Italian program of external quality control for quantitative assays based on real-time PCR with Taq-Man™ probes

2005 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Casini Raggi ◽  
Paolo Verderio ◽  
Mario Pazzagli ◽  
Ettore Marubini ◽  
Lisa Simi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Nucleic Acids ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Reference Curve ◽  
External Quality Control ◽  
External Quality ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Molecular Tests

AbstractQuantitative real-time PCR techniques are increasingly being used for the measurement of nucleic acids in research applications as well as in the clinical laboratory. It is therefore important that external quality control programs (EQA) are implemented for the evaluation of the analytical aspects common to molecular tests based on quantitative PCR. The aim of this study was the development of an Italian program of external quality control for quantitative assays based on real-time PCR with Taq-Man™ probes to compare the analytical performance of 42 laboratories. Participants were provided with a set of reagents (cDNA for reference curve preparation, primers-probe mix and three unknown samples) and requested to perform a conventional assay using the master mix employed in their laboratories. The quantitative results in unknown samples were analyzed. The results of our study showed clear heterogeneity in performance. Two of the 42 laboratories provided results indicating contamination during the experiment, whereas six did not provide values for at least one of the six standard points. Only 12 laboratories gave results that were both precise and accurate for all the samples tested. Regarding imprecision, 17 laboratories appeared to deviate in at least one result, whereas inaccuracy showed an inverse dose-dependent trend. Finally, 12 laboratories were not able to measure the sample with the lowest concentration. Ten of these laboratories were equipped with the same instruments. The results of this first round of analytical EQA of real-time PCR-based methods seem to indicate high variability among laboratories carrying out the same experimental protocol. These findings could have implications for any assay based on this type of technique. This survey demonstrates the importance of experimental EQAs of methodological proficiency testing. Our approach has proved useful for comparing the analytical aspects shared by all diagnostic laboratories applying quantitative assays for the measurement of nucleic acids based on the use of Taq-Man™ probes and real-time platforms.

Assessment of laboratory errors and best laboratory practices

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (07) ◽  
pp. 4704
Author(s):  
Syed Riaz Mehdi* ◽  
Sharique Ahmad ◽  
Noorin Zaidi
Keyword(s):  
External Quality Control ◽  
External Quality ◽  
Iso 15189 ◽  
Laboratory Errors ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Medical Laboratories ◽  
Laboratory Error ◽  
Active Communication ◽  
Total Testing Process ◽  
Five Phases

Laboratory error is defined by ISO 22367 as “Failure of planned actions to be completed as intended or use a wrong plan to achieve an aim”. Lundeberg in 1981 outlined the concept of Total Testing Process (TTP) and Plebani elaborated it further and classified the whole testing process into five phases of Pre-Pre Analytic, Pre Analytic, Analytic, Post Analytic and Post - Post Analytic. The errors have to be identified and resolved in each phase of the process. The medical laboratories have to run Internal and External Quality Control programs and abide by the guidelines of ISO 15189 in order to be accredited by bodies like JCI, CAP or NABL. Active communication and regular interaction between the clinicians and the laboratory is recommended during Pre Analytic and Post Analytic phases of TTP in order to achieve the target of Best Laboratory Practices. 

scholarly journals The Schemes of External Quality Control in Laboratory Medicine in the Balkans

2007 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-247
Author(s):  
Petros Karkalousos
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
External Quality Control ◽  
External Quality ◽  
The Balkans ◽  
Control Schemes ◽  
Balkan Countries ◽  
Balkan Region

The Schemes of External Quality Control in Laboratory Medicine in the Balkans There are many differences between the national External Quality Control Schemes all around Europe, but the most important ones are certainly those between the countries of the Balkan region. These differences are due to these countries' different political and financial development, as well as to their tradition and the development of clinical chemistry science in each one. Therefore, there are Balkan countries with very developed EQAS and others where there is no such a scheme. Undoubtedly, the scientific community in these countries wants to develop EQAS despite of the financial and other difficulties.

scholarly journals Necessity of External Quality Control for anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM antibodies

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo De Paschale ◽  
Luisa Belvisi ◽  
Debora Cagnin ◽  
Teresa Cerulli ◽  
Maria Teresa Manco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
External Quality Control ◽  
External Quality ◽  
Igm Antibodies

scholarly journals External Quality Assessment in the Evaluation of Laboratory Performance of Faecal Culture

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 117863611769125
Author(s):  
Salla J Kiiskinen ◽  
Tarja Ojanen ◽  
Yvonne Björkman ◽  
Harri Laitinen ◽  
Anja Siitonen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
External Quality Assessment ◽  
False Negative ◽  
The Other ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
External Quality Control ◽  
External Quality ◽  
Faecal Culture

In Finland, all laboratories carrying out diagnostics of infectious diseases in humans are approved by the Regional State Administrative Agencies and are obligated to participate in External Quality Assurance rounds. Performance in these rounds is thought to reflect the quality of laboratory work. In the 6-year study period, 17 Finnish laboratories received 48 simulated faecal specimens for the culturing of diarrhoeal pathogens, yielding altogether 586 faecal culture External Quality Control specimens and 581 reports. The results were correct in 92% of all reports and in 67% of all specimens. False-negative Salmonella results were given for 2 of the 18 specimens, one with biochemically atypical Salmonella strain and the other with a low count of Salmonella cells. False-negative Shigella report was given for 6 of the 7 specimens in some participating laboratory. Detection of all common faecal pathogens is especially relevant to patient safety, public health, and epidemiological surveillance.

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