Background: The attainment of quality services in a laboratory requires a comprehensive Quality Assurance Programme which includes both Internal and External quality control material. External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) programmes are accepted around the world as invaluable tools by laboratories to assess the performance of their testing systems. Results are objectively compared to other laboratories, using the same methodologies for every parameter.
Aim: The goal of this study was to review EQAS results from time to time in an effort to improve the performance of the laboratory.
Settings and Design: Observational study done at Pramukhswami Medical College, Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad from January 2003 to December 2013.
Material and Methods: In the current study we have evaluated our EQAS test result of the past ten years, from 2003 to 2013. We receive one EDTA whole blood sample for blood cell counts and 2 slides for peripheral smear examination and reticulocyte count respectively. It is received quaterly in a year. The test results of all blood samples and peripheral smears for cell morphology and reticulocyte count were analyzed and documented.
Results: Satisfactory results were obtained in all the cycles except two times. Discrepancy was observed in white blood cell (WBC) counts. Root cause analysis was performed and necessary action taken.
Conclusions: This participation in EQAS over the last ten years has helped us significantly to improve our laboratory services in terms of performance evaluation, patient care and overall quality of laboratory practices.
Key words: External Quality Assessment Scheme; Quality Control; Quality Assurance; Laboratory
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