Ontario laboratorians urged to participate in
November Webinars to explain surveillance of
participation and performance in external proficiency testing/external quality assessment (PT/EQA) programs

Accredited laboratories are now required to participate in PT or EQA for all tests included within accreditation. This is outlined in requirement VII.9.1 – The laboratory shall participate in interlaboratory comparisons such as those organized by external quality assessment schemes for all tests included within accreditation. When a formal interlaboratory program is not available or feasible, see VII.10. 

What To Look For (WTLF) – Is the laboratory enrolled in a proficiency-testing program or an external quality assessment scheme for each test included in their scope of accreditation? If in Ontario, if a test is not offered under the EQA program of QMP–LS, is the laboratory enrolled in another program? Has the facility evaluated the feasibility and demonstrated that the alternative is satisfactory? In November, QMP–LS will hold three Webinars to introduce a Web-based data-entry system through which laboratories will report their participation and performance in other PT/EQA programs, for their menu of licensed tests. An invitation was sent to all QView™ account holders late October for registration in one of three Webinars to be held on November 13, 18 and 25. When registering, please make an effort to minimize the use of multiple telephone lines. Questions? Please contact Carol Turner at 416-323-9540 ext. 255 or e-mail turner@qmpls.org.