New Set of External Quality Assessment Programs Launched

A set of eight new RIQAS external quality assessment (EQA; also referred to as proficiency testing (PT)) programs have been launched to provide clinical laboratories with the ability to review calibration issues and systematic errors and to monitor accuracy and bias. They also enable laboratories to assess analytical performance in comparison with other laboratories that employ the same instrument or methods. 

Developed by Randox Quality Control of Randox (Crumlin, United Kingdom), the eight new RIQAS (Randox International Quality Assessment Scheme) EQA programs are: CSF, Sweat Testing, Immunosuppressants, Trace Elements in Serum, Trace Elements in Urine, Trace Elements in Blood, Anti-TSH Receptor, and Cyfra 21-1. Cycles are scheduled to begin in March 2016.

The programs are available in liquid and lyophilized formats, covering the full clinical decision range, reassuring clinicians and patients that the laboratory is releasing accurate, reliable results. Monthly reporting supports rapid identification of errors and implementation of necessary corrective actions, thereby saving on expenses, resources, and valuable time by eliminating the need for patient sample retests. Randox QC’s rapid report turnaround will ensure that results are received within 24–72 hours. If required, corrective actions can then be implemented before the next cycle, providing more peace of mind.

RIQAS is the largest international EQA scheme, used by more than 32,000 laboratory participants in 123 countries. Such a large set of international peer groups provides increased confidence of the statistical validity of the extensive database of instrument and method results. 

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