The external quality assessment scheme: Five years experience as a participating laboratory

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Quality Management Systems

Background:

• External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS) are crucial for blood banking quality assurance.
• EQAS participation benefits patient care, safety, and laboratory practices.
• The study utilized EQAS data from 2003-2007, following WHO guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the blood bank's performance in the EQAS program over five years.
• To identify specific areas of testing that require improvement.
• To enhance the overall quality and safety of transfusion services.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of EQAS test results for ABO grouping, D typing, antibody screening, antibody identification, and transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI) testing.
• Documentation and review of discordant results.
• Evaluation of testing procedures and reagent sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Discordant results were noted in antibody identification, weak D testing, anti-HIV1/2, and HBsAg testing.
• Failure to detect 'anti-Mia' antibody was linked to an inadequate cell panel.
• Missed HBsAg detection was attributed to low titer and ELISA kit sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Identified discrepancies led to significant improvements in transfusion services.
• EQAS participation enhances performance evaluation, patient care, and laboratory quality.
• Strong recommendation for all laboratories to engage in EQAS for continuous improvement.