[Interlaboratory comparisons-a central means of external quality assurance]

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Medical Diagnostics
• Quality Assurance

Background:

• Accurate performance of immunohistochemical and molecular examinations is vital for patient therapy.
• Increasing numbers of biomarkers and their detection in patient tissue directly influence therapeutic decisions.
• External quality assurance (EQA) is increasingly valuable in pathology due to its impact on patient treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of precise biomarker examination in patient therapy.
• To emphasize the value of external quality assurance (EQA) in pathology.
• To outline the key components that determine the quality of EQA in pathology.

Main Methods:

• Review of current practices in immunohistochemical and molecular examinations.
• Discussion of the role of external quality assurance (EQA) in pathology.
• Analysis of different EQA formats, including proficiency testing.

Main Results:

• Pathology directly influences patient therapy through biomarker analysis.
• Regular participation in EQA is a standard requirement for pathology institutes.
• EQA quality is dependent on scientific concept, material selection, evaluation, and result communication.

Conclusions:

• Precise diagnostic and predictive marker evaluation in pathology is essential for effective patient therapy.
• External quality assurance (EQA) is a critical component for maintaining high standards in pathology.
• Adherence to EQA standards ensures the reliability of diagnostic and predictive marker assessments, ultimately benefiting patient care.