Microbiology
Specimens
2 lyophilised mixtures of microbes. The samples intended for susceptibility testing may include both international quality control strains and susceptible or resistant clinical strains
Examinations
Culture, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Also suitable for laboratories performing preliminary screening
Important Notes
Pathology
Specimens
Virtual images of Papanicolaou stained slides of non-gynaecological cytosentrifuge (CCF) or smear preparations or May-Grünwald-Giemsa stained smears or imprint preparations. Images of at least 5 cases from representative loci. Brief case histories and instructions are provided.
Examinations
Observations and diagnoses.
Important Notes
Virtual microscopy program does not work with Internet Explorer.
Microbiology
Specimens
3 simulated samples, 1 mL
Examinations
Norovirus nucleic acid detection, genogroups GI and GII
Important Notes
Microbiology
Specimens
2 methanol fixed or Giemsa stained smears. Brief case histories also given
Examinations
Screening and identification of malaria plasmodia and other blood parasites
Important Notes
Microbiology
Specimens
2 methanol fixed or May-Grünwald-Giemsa stained smears. Brief case histories are also given
Examinations
Screening and identification of malaria plasmodia and other blood parasites
Important Notes
Microbiology
Specimens
3 stool samples in formalin. Brief case histories also given
Examinations
Screening and identification of intestinal parasites (ova and parasites)
Important Notes
Microbiology
Specimens
Virtual whole slide images of stool samples in formalin prepared by using a scanner microscope. Brief case histories also given
Examinations
Screening and identification of intestinal parasites (ova and parasites)
Important Notes
Clinical Chemistry
Specimens
2 lyophilised human serum samples, 3 mL.
Examinations
PTH, intact.
Important Notes
Microbiology
Specimens
3 plasma or serum samples, 0.4 mL.
Examinations
Parvovirus IgG, IgM, IgG avidity and post-analytical clinical interpretation
Important Notes
Immunology
Specimens
2 plasma or serum samples samples, 0.5 mL
Examinations
Phospholipid antibodies, Cardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgM), beta-2-glycoprotein antibodies (IgG and IgM)
Important Notes
Quantitative results are also processed.
Others
Specimens
2 liquid samples.
Examinations
100 - 1000 µL of the liquid samples shall be weighed by the participant, the result is reported in mg with a precision of two decimal places.
Important Notes
Up to 5 single-channel pipettes can be controlled. A calibrated laboratory scale with 0.01 mg resolution is required. This EQA scheme does not replace standardised pipette calibration, it does not fulfill the accreditation requirements for pipette calibration.
Pathology
Specimens
3-5 cases with preanalytical and process error(s).
Examinations
Participants are asked to find preanalytical or laboratory process error(s) in the cases.
Important Notes
The scheme is intended for all laboratory staff of pathology laboratories. Scheme is carried out online.