The largest international EQA scheme in the world

RIQAS is the biggest international EQA scheme in the world, used by more than 16,000 laboratories in 86 countries worldwide.  This large number of participants makes RIQAS the best quality EQA scheme in the world and ensures an extensive database of results for many analytical methods directly increasing statistical validity as a result. 

External Quality Assessment (EQA) is an essential aspect of any laboratory operation providing labs with a means of assessing their analytical performance compared to other laboratories utilising the same methods and instruments. The main functions include:

• Maintaining and improving analytical quality
• Improving inter-laboratory agreement thus raising standards
• Detecting equipment failures, identifying reagent problems, reviewing staff training
• Initiating and evaluating corrective actions
• Comparing different analytical methods

Features and Benefits

• Human samples free from interfering preservatives therefore mirroring the performance of patient samples
• Extensive list of parameters covering the clinically relevant concentration ranges.
• Flexibility – reduced analyte options available for selected programmes making RIQAS suitable for use in laboratories of all sizes and budgets
• Rapid turn around of reports (24-48 hours)
• User friendly reports providing statistical breakdown of results by method and instrument, Levy Jennings charts to identify trends etc, target scoring charts grade performance in a moving window for the last 20 samples.
• Multi instrument reports and inter-laboratory reports available
• RIQAS systems and procedures are recognised and accredited to a number of internationally recognised standards including ISO 13485:2003, UKAS, ILAC-G13:2007,  NQAAP and JWG QA.

RIQAS results can be submitted using one of the following methods:

• RIQAS E-transfer Software - enables fast data transfer at no extra cost allowing participants to view and store reports electronically. RIQAS E-transfer reduces the turnaround time for receiving reports from 5 days (paper reporting) to 3 days. RIQAS E-transfer is available in a number of languages.
• RIQASNet – RIQASNet is an internet based data entry system allowing participants to return results and view reports online.  Participants can submit current, corrected, late and future results, directly into the RIQAS database eliminating the need to fax or email EQA results.   Reports are then emailed directly to participants in pdf format when available. Current and previous reports are also available to download directly from the internet.