W list some MCQ questions With answers: The term 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.

Several EQA methods or processes are commonly used. These include:

$1.$ Proficiency testing$$external provider sends unknown samples for testing

to a set of laboratories, and the results of all laboratories are analyzed,

compared and reported to the laboratories.

$2.$ Rechecking or retesting$$slides that have been read are rechecked by

a reference laboratory; samples that have been analyzed are retested,

allowing for interlaboratory comparison.

$3.$ On$-$site evaluation$$usually done when it is difficult to conduct traditional

proficiency testing or to use the rechecking$/$retesting method.

Another method of interlaboratory comparison is the exchange of samples

among a set of laboratories, usually reserved for specialized tests for which

no proficiency testing is available. This method is used by very specialized or

sophisticated laboratories and therefore will not be further discussed in this

chapter.