Module 13 External Quality Assessment (EQA).ppt

2005 Module 13: External Quality Assessment (EQA) 2005 Module 13: External Quality Assessment (EQA) Module 13: External Quality Assessment (EQA) On-site Evaluation and Re-Testing The Quality System Learning Objectives At the end of this module, you will be able to: Assess operations at test site to determine if quality requirements are met Take corrective actions following External Quality Assessment (EQA) Keep appropriate records related to EQA Avoid common problems associated with EQA specimen management Content Overview What is EQA and why is it important? EQA Responsibilities EQA Methods Proficiency Testing On-Site Evaluation Re-testing How to implement EQA External Quality Assessment (EQA):Definition Objective assessment of a test site’s operations and performance by an external agency or personnel Why EQA? Allows comparison of performance and results among different test sites Provides early warning for systematic problems associated with kits or operations Provides objective evidence of testing quality Indicates areas that need improvement Identifies training needs EQA: Conducted at All Levels of Testing Management Responsibilities: Overview Determines policies for EQA (WHO, WHAT, WHEN, HOW) Assigns responsibility Establishes and maintains a system for assessment visits Schedules visits Conducts evaluations Receives EQA results and supports corrective action measures Monitors and maintains records Investigates deficiencies Manages corrective action efforts Communicates outcomes Testing Personnel’s Responsibilities: Overview Participate in the EQA program Take corrective actions Maintain EQA records Communicate outcomes to supervisors EQA Methods What is Proficiency Testing? Panels of specimens are sent to multiple test sites by reference laboratory Test sites perform tests and report results Results indicate quality of personnel performance and test site operations Results are often compared across several testing sites What is On-site Evaluation? P