Participating IEQAS laboratories assess their quality assurance systems and the reliability of their test results by submitting them three times a year to the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Scheme (UK NEQAS) for analysis and feedback. The UK NEQAS has been a WFH partner since the inception of the scheme.
Accurate diagnosis is absolutely key to appropriate use of precious health resources. Spending time and budget on delivering good quality laboratory results is always good for patients. For those of us working in the IEQAS program, it has been rewarding to see the improvements made by hardworking centres who have had issues with their laboratory testing in the past.
—Steve Kitchen, UK NEQAS Director
The scheme involves the distribution of lyophilized plasma to participating centres three times a year. Next, the used plasma is statistically analysed by UK NEQAS, making it possible to assess individual laboratory performance in hemostasis screening tests and factor assays. Educational and advisory support is also offered to laboratories participating in the scheme.
This is an excellent endeavour to monitor and corroborate the proper functioning of the laboratories that carry out coagulation studies and tests, which [then facilitates] better care for people with inherited bleeding disorders.
—Apsara Boadas, MD, Caracas Municipal Blood Bank (Venezuela)
In 2023,145 laboratories worldwide participated in the scheme. Several of these laboratories were identified as needing guidance, so members of the WFH IEQAS Committee offered them troubleshooting and tailored support.
An external quality assessment program is the only instrument capable of assessing whether or not a laboratory is being assertive in diagnosing a pathology. The value of IEQAS for a participating laboratory can be seen in its ability to demonstrate points of improvement in a process, such as the need to modify methodologies and reagents. In addition, IEQAS reports create educational opportunities from a technical and scientific point of view.
—Silmara Montalvão, IEQAS Committee Chair
The WFH encourages laboratories in hemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) around the world to join IEQAS. Centre participation enrollment is done on a yearly basis. If your laboratory is interested in joining the scheme, please contact us at [email protected].
To find out more about the WFH IEQAS, please click here.
The WFH thanks the Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation for its continued support of the WFH International External Quality Assessment Scheme (IEQAS).