External Quality Assurance (EQA)

Ensuring good patient care, efficient use of resources and customer confidence

 

The haematology and biochemistry samples used are supplied by a company dedicated to providing External Quality Assurance material and have been analysed through many different analysers in order to establish the values of the analytes. The statistical analysis of the returned results are analysed against this data as well as against results generated from our accredited analysers in the laboratory in order to give you a clear understanding of how your point of care analyser is performing. Results that fall outside the designated ranges are followed up by our dedicated team of Technical Support Consultants.

 

The production of accurate and precise laboratory results is fundamental to ensuring good patient care, efficient use of resource and client confidence. EQA schemes are designed to achieve these goals and have been available in human medicine and for external laboratories for many years. The RCVS Practice Standard Scheme has been developed by the Practice Standards Group which included representatives from the major British Veterinary Associations and the guidelines were updated and approved by the RCVS Council on 5 November 2009. The Core Standards of the scheme are relevant to all veterinary practices, and state:

 

7.5 There must be suitable arrangements for quality control (QC) and assurance of automated practice laboratory tests (BP)

In addition to internal QC procedures, quality assurance by reference of internal samples to external laboratories or internal analysis of external samples must be routinely undertaken and results documented.

The inspector will expect to see results of the external quality assurance. The frequency of external quality assurance testing should be related to the number of tests undertaken. It is expected that this will be at least quarterly.

 

To extend the benefits of EQA to the practice veterinary laboratory, IDEXX are pleased to offer its veterinary EQA scheme to IDEXX Point-of-Care users*. The scheme is now entering its thirteenth year, and you are invited to participate in the 2012 scheme – unfortunately there are limited places, and we anticipate a rapid uptake, so please book as early as possible in order to assure your place on the scheme.

As an EQA member you will be sent test biochemistry and haematology samples to analyse in your practice. By returning your results to IDEXX Wetherby, a statistical evaluation will be performed and your results compared to those of other participating practices. Any analytical and interpretative issues will be identified and resolved on an individual basis. EQA membership ensures accurate results and the maximum diagnostic potential from your Point-of-Care equipment.

 

To register, simply complete and submit the IDEXX EQA Application Form.

 

The IDEXX EQA scheme provides:

  • Bi-monthly serum samples for GHP testing and electrolytes on Catalyst and VetTest analysers
  • Bi-monthly whole blood samples for haematological assessment on ProCyte and LaserCyte analysers**
  • Simple concise instructions
  • Confidential analysis of your results
  • Statistical evaluation of results & comparison with other users
  • Report returned within 2 weeks of assessment showing result quality, highlighting areas for attention
  • Prompt resolution of technical or training issues and access to our dedicated Point-of-Care Technical Support Consultants
  • IDEXX accreditation & certificate of participation

     

    EQA Scheme Schedule 2012
     Return Dates
    Haematology and/or Biochemistry 27th February 30th April 25th June
      28th August 29th October 31st December

     

    Price
    Full SchemeHaematologyBiochemistry
     £319 + VAT £180 + VAT £180+ VAT
    *Discounts available for IDEXX Reference Laboratories and Point-of-Care users, subject to total spending.

     

    EQA Terms and Conditions

    IDEXX External Quality Assurance (EQA), and all materials associated with this will remain the sole property of IDEXX Laboratories Limited.

    Payment of EQA annual subscription must be made within 28 days of receipt of invoice.

    A charge of £50 will be payable should you cancel your application after receiving the initial material.