EQA rounds as beacons of individual performance
External quality assessment (EQA) is a way to objectively assess the quality of testing by a laboratory through an EQA provider. Based on the results the provider will leave feedback on the outcome, especially if improvments are needed for the performance. EQA rounds serve also as platform to identify lacks and needs, which can then be targeted e.g. in trainings to be provided.
What will be provided during the project?
Ten EQA rounds have been carefully planned for this project. Topics are based on what we have learned from the previous ECDC funded pertussis networks.
Seven EQA rounds are targeted for pertussis including following subjects:
- Antimicorobial susceptibility testing (AST)
- Molecular detection (Nucleic acid identification) of Bordetella spp.
- Serological diagnosis
- Vaccine antigen deficient B. pertussis isolates
Three EQA rounds are targeted for diphtheria including following subjects:
- Characterisation of toxin producing C. diphtheriae
- Molecular identification of Corynebacterium species