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 (derived from the corresponding Part One exercise)
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 World Health Organization (WHO) classification system

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:

Move to WHO5 in Leukaemia Diagnostic Interpretation Programme

UK NEQAS LI will be updating the available diagnoses in the Leukaemia Diagnostic Interpretation (LDI) Part 2 Programme, in line with the publication of the 5^th 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.

Starting with the first exercise in the 2025/2026 financial year, the reports will be based on the 5th Edition of the WHO guidelines. Diagnosis selection and the exercise report will be updated to reflect the changes in the 5th Edition.

Each year we quote a minimum and a max imum number of possible trial distributions that will be issued on our website, subject to sample availability. Historically, we have consistently achieved the maximum number of distributions. In 2025-2026 due to staffing shortage, we are unlikely to hit the maximum number of distributions, as we have in previous years and trials may not be equally distributed throughout the year i.e; bimonthly. We will return to the full trial distribution schedule in 2026-2027. Please accept our apologies for this short-term decrease in our services.

To register for this programme, please click here.