Abstract

Background: The complete blood count is one of the most frequently requested tests in laboratory medicine. External quality assessment programs are intended to allow medical laboratories to compare the closeness of their output (test results) to their peers through statistical evaluation against a target value. External quality assessment schemes (EQAS) are accepted around the world as an invaluable tool by laboratories to assess the performance of their testing systems. Results are objectively compared to other laboratories, using the same methodologies for every parameter.

Aims and Objectives: To review EQAS results from time to time in an effort to improve the performance of the laboratory.

Materials and Methods: An observational study is done for hematology EQAS test results at the hematology laboratory, Shantabaa Medical College and General Hospital, Amreli, from June 2017 to August 2021 (5 years). One ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid whole blood sample for blood cell counts and two slides for peripheral smear examination and reticulocyte count are received quarterly in a year from all India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi. The test results of all Indices of 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 once. The discrepancy was observed in RBC, MCH, and reticulocyte count. Root cause analysis was performed and necessary action was taken.

Conclusion: This participation in EQAS over the past 5 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 Assurance; Hematology