1 EQA Scheme Organization

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program2 EQA Options national proficiency testing scheme network of laboratories – interlaboratory comparisons/rechecking +/- on-site evaluations

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program3 Prior Participation (and Success!) in a PT scheme need to subscribe to a foreign scheme  monitor its own quality  imperative and obligatory  a question of confidence

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program4 Involve the Authorities guarantees durability tied to the institution’s mandate means of communication liaise with operating licensing / certification / accreditation / national regulations funding (EQA activities create savings, funding them is worth it)

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program5 Start Simply Proficiency Testing  slides, stained or unstained Gram staining acid-fast bacilli staining parasites  identification of bacterial strains enteric microorganisms (E. coli, Salmonella) Rechecking  slides (AFB, Gram, CSF, others)  bacterial strains if materials and technical capability is present  strain collection

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program6 Start Small small number of laboratories pilot region verify transportation options 4-5 laboratories for a test (outside of the program) first study with basic materials (slides) max. 15 laboratories for the first year max. 3 items per parcel (minimum 2 per year)

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program7 Start with Non-Contaminating Materials in the beginning, avoid:  “dangerous” pathogens  contaminated sera follow national transportation laws

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program8 Physical needs personal desk small laboratory communication tools

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program9 Communication participating laboratories authorities scientific societies professional associations any other with interest in EQA “EQA”

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program10 Communication interests of the program aims and objectives confidentiality rules acknowledgments contacts timetables

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program11 Monitoring results commentaries, feedback reports “reference” role of the EQA provider comments and recommendations from participating laboratories best ways of solving problems best ways of recommending certain techniques Perfect is not too much!

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program12 be already controlled by a international EQA organizer involve the authorities start simply start small start with non-contaminating materials start with a test start with a good communication strategy pay careful attention to comments Starting an EQA Program at country level Summary

Module 10 - Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program13 Questions? Comments? OrganizationPersonnel Equipment Purchasing & Inventory Process Control Information Management Documents & Records Occurrence Management Assessment Process Improvement Customer Service Facilities & Safety