EQA for COVID-19 Testing

• EQA allows the comparison of a laboratory’s testing performance to reference laboratory at EPHI
• There are three different methods for EQA programs:
• Proficiency Testing (PT):  External provider, usually quarterly
• Rechecking or retesting: samples tested by one laboratory are retested by another laboratory (inter-laboratory comparison).
• WHO recommends that the specimens of the 1st 5 positive cases and the 1st 10 negative cases that meet the COVID19 case definition for testing should be shipped for confirmation to reference laboratory (EPHI)
• On-site evaluation:  usually done in addition to PT or re-checking, and particularly when it is difficult to conduct traditional PT or to use the rechecking method.
• An evaluator (from EPHI) will visit the laboratory to check if the laboratory is meeting quality requirements, retest and verify few test results and provide advice to correct any faulty procedures