A subregional national external quality assurance system (EQAS) training course was held from 22 December 2013 to 2 January 2014 in Oman. The training objectives were to implement EQAS in health laboratories. EQAS is a systematic assessment using an administrative survey in the participating laboratories and evaluating their responses to the surveys.
Each survey consists of specimens and a questionnaire focusing on clinical syndromes or diseases (e.g. meningitis, diarrhoea).
The participating laboratories analyse the specimens using recommended methods, complete the questionnaire, and report back to the organizer. The organizer evaluates the results, assigns a score and reports to each participating laboratory.
Related links
Laboratory quality management system: handbook
Laboratory quality management system training toolkit
WHO External quality assessment (EQA) scheme for transfusion laboratory practice
Regional status report on blood safety and availability, 2016
Strategic framework for strengthening health laboratory services 2016–2020 
Strategic framework for blood safety and availability 2016–2025