The term external quality assessment (EQA) is used to describe a method that allows for comparison of a laboratory’s testing to a source outside the laboratory.
This comparison can be made to the performance of a peer group of laboratories or to the performance of a reference laboratory.
The term EQA is sometimes used interchangeably with proficiency testing; however, EQA can also be carried out using other processes.
EQA is here defined as a system for objectively checking the laboratory’s performance using an external agency or facility.
Technical Standards and Specifications (TSS) Number of pages