Leukaemia Diagnostic Interpretation (Part 2) (Accredited)

Programme objective: The purpose of the programme is to assess the laboratory or individual’s ability to diagnose leukaemia using a full spectrum of laboratory results and case information. This programme is designed to provide for a more realistic sample immunophenotyping process.

This part of the programme issues and examines a wide variety of cases. Each trial will consist of:

A full consensus phenotype
A detailed case history
Digital blood/marrow smears for morphological analysis using, where possible, a variety of stains
Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics data

Participants are expected to use this information, and, in the diagnosis, section provide a suitable diagnosis based on the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Myeloid and Histiocytic/Dendritic Neoplasm and the International Consensus Classification of Myeloid Neoplasms and Acute Leukaemia.

Clinical/scientific background: A diagnosis of leukaemia involves a combination of laboratory results and clinical information. It is important that laboratories can accurately interpret and diagnose the specific type and subtype of Leukaemia to guide treatment options, assess the prognosis and monitor a patient’s response to treatment.

Suitability: Participation in this External Quality Assessment (EQA) programme is open to laboratories or individuals with the ability to diagnose leukaemia using a full spectrum of laboratory results and case information.

Please note that a laboratory who registers for Part One is automatically registered for Part Two and is required to complete both parts. However, Part Two only registration is allowed for laboratories that do not routinely undertake immunophenotyping. Individual registration for Part Two is also encouraged for continued professional development.

All EQA programme communications, data entry, and reports will be conducted exclusively in the English language. Participants must ensure proficiency in English to fully engage in the programme.

The programme welcomes participation from diverse sectors including:

Clinical Healthcare Laboratories
Academic and Research Institutions
In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Manufacturers
Pharmaceutical companies

Minimum participation level 30, maximum participation level- no limit.

Sample type/distribution: No samples are issued for this programme; it is totally web-based. Each trial will consist of: A full consensus phenotype (derived from the corresponding Leukaemia Immunophenotyping exercise), a detailed case history, digitally scanned blood film for morphological analysis, cytogenetics and molecular genetics data.

The programme is issued a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 times a year

Trial duration: Trials for this programme are live/open for a minimum of three weeks. Please note trials issued/closing in August or December are extended by one week. An automated email is sent two days prior to the trial closing, to any participant that has not returned results, warning them of the trial closure date.

Subcontracted areas: No activities in relation to this EQA programme are subcontracted.

Updates to the programme for current or upcoming year: Following a reduction in the trial schedule in 2025-2026 we will be returning to the full trial schedule in 2026-2027. We apologise for any inconvienience caused.

Historically, the consensus results from Leukaemia Immunophenotyping (LI) programme were taken through to the Leukaemia Diagnostic Interpretation (LDI) programme, where they were combined with a case history, morphological information and genetics data, and participants were asked to make a diagnosis based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system. This approach limits the type and variety of cases we are able to issue within the programme to the common, high cell count leukaemia and lymphoma cases suitable for use in the LI programme. In 2026-2027, it will no longer be a requirement, that a patient whose sample was used in the LI programme, will be used in the LDI programme. This change will allow us to send out a broader variety of cases of greater educational value to participants. Where there is educational value we may still use a case used in the LI programme.

Participants will be able to register as an 'Individual' or an 'Institute' for this programme.

Institute – A laboratory or multidisciplinary team that diagnoses and classifies haemato-oncological disorders in clinical practice. Institutional participation enables formal external quality assessment of diagnostic performance.

Individual – A healthcare professional involved in the diagnosis of haemato-oncological disorders (e.g. haematologist, biomedical scientist, histopathologist) who has registered for educational and continuing professional development purposes. Individual participation does not constitute formal external quality assessment.

Whereas, historically 'Individuals' have been able to register free of charge for the LDI programme, due to concerns from the UK NEQAS LI steering commitee around low return rates, there will now be a nominal charge for participation. There are significant administrative costs to participation, even if participants do not return results.

To register for this programme, please click here.

Please note, non participation across two or more rounds will lead to withdrawal from the programme.