[Standardization in laboratory hematology by participating in external quality assurance programs]

Prior research has shown that external quality assurance (EQA) programs are essential for maintaining consistency in laboratory testing. However, the specific impact of long-term participation in international EQA schemes on national laboratory standards remains unclear. It was already known that EQA programs help laboratories identify and correct errors. That uncertainty drove this investigation into how sustained participation in international EQA schemes influences domestic laboratory performance. No prior work had resolved how national programs can benefit from international collaboration. This gap motivated an analysis of a Croatian laboratory's experience with EQA. The Croatian program began in 1986, but its evolution over time has not been widely documented. This paper's contribution lies in tracing the development of a national program through international collaboration.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of external quality assurance programs in standardizing laboratory hematology across institutions. The specific problem addressed is how a single laboratory's participation in international EQA can inform broader national efforts. The motivation stems from the need to assess the effectiveness of long-term collaboration with international schemes. The Croatian Department of Clinical Chemistry has participated in the WHO's IEQAS-H since 1985. This paper seeks to document how such participation contributes to national quality assurance. The study focuses on the Department's engagement with both international and national EQA programs. The goal is to highlight the benefits of international collaboration in improving domestic laboratory practices. The Department's experience is used to demonstrate how EQA programs can evolve over time. The findings may suggest that sustained participation leads to better standardization.

The study used a descriptive approach to analyze the Department's participation in EQA programs. Data were collected from the Department's records of participation since 1985. The focus was on the WHO's IEQAS-H and the Croatian national program. The Department's performance was assessed through certificates and reports. The study also examined the growth of the national program, which now includes 186 laboratories. The Croatian program is conducted three times annually under the Committee for EQA Schemes. The Department's involvement in the European Committee for EQA in Laboratory Medicine (EQALM) was also reviewed. The analysis traced how participation in international schemes influenced national practices.

The Department received a certificate of participation in the WHO's IEQAS-H in 1987 due to strong performance. The Croatian national program has expanded significantly, reaching 186 laboratories by the study period. The national program is conducted three times per year, ensuring regular quality checks. The Department's participation in international EQA schemes has continued since 1985. The collaboration with the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemists supported national standardization. The Department's involvement in the EQALM project further reinforced its commitment to quality assurance. The study found that sustained participation in international schemes correlates with improved domestic practices. These results suggest that international collaboration can enhance national laboratory standards.

The authors state that participation in external quality assurance programs is a key factor in maintaining laboratory hematology standards. They propose that international collaboration can significantly influence national quality assurance efforts. The Department's experience suggests that long-term involvement in EQA schemes leads to better performance. The Croatian national program's growth is attributed to the Department's early participation in international schemes. The authors suggest that such programs help laboratories identify and correct errors. The study highlights the importance of continuous quality assessment in hematology. The findings may suggest that international EQA programs serve as a model for national programs. The authors conclude that sustained participation in EQA is essential for standardization.