Supriya Gulajkar , Rajni Shivkar , Sanjyoti Panchbudhe , Charushila Kadam,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background: Quality control (QC) is a crucial tool in the clinical laboratory for error identification and correction. While the Internal Quality Control (IQC) ensures daily precision and accuracy, the External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) ensures long-term accuracy by providing external verification. The objective of this study was to evaluate our laboratory’s performance in the EQAS program services and assess the impact of corrective actions implemented, where necessary, to enhance EQAS performance.
Methods: This retrospective observational study was undertaken in a tertiary care hospital. The biochemistry department of the laboratory participated in the monthly clinical chemistry EQA program administered by CMC Vellore EQAS. Nineteen parameters were assessed using a structured approach to analyze deviating EQAS results. Monthly performance was analyzed in terms of the Standard Deviation Index (SDI) and variance index score (VIS) from October 2019 to September 2021.
Results: Among the nineteen parameters assessed in the EQAS program, most showed ‘excellent’ performance between October 2019 and September 2021 based on mean SDI. Some improvement was observed in the SDI values between the two cycles after implementing a structured approach to root cause analysis, indicating an enhanced level of performance in the EQAS program. The VIS analysis revealed that 89.47% of parameters in the October 2019 to September 2020 period and 94.73% in the October 2020 to September 2021 period achieved scores classified as ‘very good’ performance.
Conclusion: Adopting a structured approach to analyze deviating EQAS results enables the evaluation of laboratory performance and offers opportunities for improvement. Consequently, EQAS plays a significant role as a cornerstone in the accreditation process.
