Training activity information
Details
Interpret performance for EQA/interlaboratory comparisons for a range of assays involved in assessing potential immunodeficiency or immune response to pathogens, problem solve where required, including:
- Immune monitoring
- Interferon gamma release assays
- Specific proteins
- Assays not covered by EQA schemes
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Range of EQA schemes
- Process for investigation of results out of consensus or bias
- Interlaboratory comparisons on assays without EQA schemes
- Limitations of EQA schemes
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What is the purpose of EQA/interlaboratory comparison schemes? How is performance in EQA typically assessed and reported? What steps are involved in investigating and resolving unsatisfactory EQA performance? What considerations are specific to interpreting EQA data for the listed assay types, including those not covered by formal schemes?
- What challenges might you face in interpreting EQA data or identifying the root cause of poor performance, and how will you address them?
- How will you prepare for this activity? Will you review EQA guidance, past EQA reports, and discuss the interpretation of EQA data with senior colleagues? How will you approach problem-solving when EQA performance is unsatisfactory?
In action
- What can you observe about the laboratories’ performance for these analytes in this EQA/interlaboratory comparison?
- As you review the EQA data, what specific analytes are showing inadequate or declining performance compared to other laboratories or the target values?
- In the case of poor performance, are there any immediate steps that should be taken? What processes should you take to investigate and potentially resolve any identified problems as you are analysing the data?
On action
- Summarise the performance of your laboratory in the EQA/interlaboratory comparisons for the chosen assays. Were there any areas of good performance or areas where results differed from the consensus?
- What did you learn about the importance of EQA/interlaboratory comparisons in maintaining laboratory quality and identifying potential issues? How did this activity enhance your understanding of the performance characteristics of the assays involved? What did you learn about the potential sources of variability between laboratories? How does the interpretation of EQA data and subsequent problem-solving contribute to quality assurance in the diagnostic process?
- How will you apply your understanding of EQA to future participation in schemes? What steps will you take to ensure continued good performance and to investigate any future discrepancies?
Beyond action
- Have you participated in interpreting EQA data for other assays since this DTA?
- How did your initial experience shape your approach to evaluating laboratory performance?
- How has this DTA enhanced your understanding of quality assurance principles?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with quality and accreditation standards, assess the performance of laboratory tests or procedures and take corrective action where required. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Evaluate methods of external quality assurance for assays investigating immunodeficiency. |