What have we learned from coagulation laboratory participation in external quality programs?

Area of Science:

• Clinical diagnostics
• Laboratory medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• External quality assurance (EQA) programs are crucial for regulatory compliance and enhancing laboratory quality, patient care, and safety.
• EQA data provides a comprehensive overview of laboratory practices and method performance.
• It highlights the impact of therapies and interfering substances on diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and exemplify key findings derived from coagulation laboratory EQA data.
• To address critical issues identified through EQA, including non-standardization, imprecision, and the influence of interfering substances.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing data and findings from coagulation EQA programs.
• The review focuses on analyzing trends and common challenges reported in EQA datasets.

Main Results:

• EQA data reveals significant challenges in standardization across different coagulation testing methods.
• Imprecision in laboratory results is a recurring issue highlighted by EQA monitoring.
• The effects of various interfering substances on coagulation test results are frequently observed and reported.

Conclusions:

• Coagulation EQA programs are indispensable for maintaining high standards in laboratory testing.
• Addressing non-standardization and imprecision is essential for improving diagnostic reliability.
• Understanding the impact of interfering substances is critical for accurate patient diagnosis and management.