U.K. NEQAS for
Molecular Genetics of Thrombophilia On line result entry: Click here to enter your survey results or access reports INTRODUCTION By providing external quality assessment for tests detecting Molecular Genetics defects of Thrombophilia, as a part of the overall quality assurance, the programme aims to promote high standards of performance and practice, achieved with the UK NEQAS primary aim of education, by provision of independent, objective and impartial information. (There is a separate programme for Haemophilia Genetics) WHO CAN TAKE PART? The programme is open to all potential participants, whether government supported, private or commercial concerns, and is run on a not for profit basis, under the auspices of the UK National External Quality Assessment Service, and professional bodies The participant registered should be the centre responsible for performing the tests. Data from participants will be treated with strict confidentiality. HOW DOES IT WORK? Participating centres will be sent three surveys per year; each survey includes three whole blood samples for FV Leiden screening, and P20210A mutation screening. Samples are obtained from donors who have previously been screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and for antibodies to hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (anti-HIV-1+2). Participants are requested to provide method details, together with a diagnosis for each of the samples. A closing date for return of results will be given, normally six weeks after the date of survey distribution. Individual reports based on the analysis of returned results will be sent to participants as soon as possible after the survey closing date. PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS Approval has been granted by the National Quality Assurance Advisory Panel for Haematology for the application of performance criteria. One occurrence of incorrect diagnosis within a survey is considered ‘unsatisfactory’ and the Head of Laboratory will receive a letter offering assistance from the Scheme Director. In addition to individual reports sent to each participant following the survey analysis, an overall report on the operation of the programme will be distributed. |
