Frequently Asked Questions
What is EQA?
A: EQA is External Quality Assessment (EQA), an objective comparison of a laboratory’s testing procedures against other laboratories by an independent party. The goal is to ensure consistency and standardised results. EQA assesses quality, it does not assure it.
Who are UK NEQAS?
A: UK NEQAS is a network of EQA centres, offering more than 400 EQA programmes, and overseen by the UK NEQAS educational charity. All UK NEQAS centres are accredited to ISO17043.
Can you tell me more about the role of UK NEQAS?
A: The primary role of UK NEQAS is educational. We are committed to supporting a culture of continuous quality improvement across all centres through sharing best practice and the common sources of errors. In addition, we support the development of clinically relevant laboratory guidelines and other educational resources.
Is UK NEQAS part of the NHS?
A: UK NEQAS centres are hosted within the NHS, academic organisations or other not-for-profit private organisations. All our centres are independent and impartial. Our independence is assured through a Board of Trustees, governance mechanisms, codes of practice and independent advice from our steering committees of medical and scientific experts.
Do you work internationally?
A: Diseases don’t recognise borders so yes, we do! Our international client base ensures that we can improve quality in the face of globally prevalent diseases and respond promptly to combat future pandemics. We are also able to support clinicians in the field of rare diseases and cross-border clinical trials. Exceptional EQA is good for everyone. Patients deserve the same high-quality diagnostic testing whether they are in Glasgow or in Penzance (or Afghanistan, or Brazil, or China…).
What value does UK NEQAS deliver?
A: As a provider of optimum EQA services for more than 55 years, UK NEQAS has an unparalleled, multidisciplinary range of services, and because we truly understand the clinical relevance of EQA and how it supports diagnostic testing, we deliver the actual support you need - regular quality assessments that challenge at critical decision-making performance limits, as well as unrivalled opportunities for collaboration and value added actions including sharing best practice. And if you need it, our experts are at the end of the phone, ready and willing to support you. Working with us means you benefit from our unique approach and expertise, knowing that you are being compared to the best by the best.
Why is UK NEQAS known as a world leader in diagnostic medicine?
A: We have been providing optimum EQA services since 1969 and really understand its clinical relevance and benefit to patients. We operate over 175 countries worldwide and offer more than 400 accredited EQA programmes. UK NEQAS team members are respected and credible experts in their fields, meaning they deliver the optimum, most relevant EQA to our service users.
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